Faculty of Science, Mahidol University's Awards

Professor Dr. Prasert Sobhon
TRF Senior Research Scholar Year 2004

Biography and Research Summary

Professor Dr. Prasert Sobhon was born on December 8, 1943 in Sakolnakorn Province, Thailand. Following primary and secondary education in Thailand, he went to study abroad and received B.Sc. in Human Biology from the University of Western Australia under the Colombo Plan Scholarship, and Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Anatomy from the University of Wisconsin, U.S.A., under the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship. He did his postdoctoral study at the University of California at Los Angeles, and later became a WHO visiting research scientist at National Institute of Medical Research, Mill Hill, London. He has been an academic staff of Faculty of Science, Mahidol University since 1970, and was appointed Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy in 1991. In addition to academic work, during his career he has held many important administrative positions, including Chairman of Anatomy Department, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Academic Affairs, President of Mahidol University Academic Senate, and most recently Dean, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. From his research Contributions he was conferred the Mahidol University Award for Outstanding Research (1982), Oustanding Scientist Award (1995) from Thailand Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, and Senior Research Scholar Fellowship from the Thailand Research Fund (1997-present).

His research work and interests are in three areas of biomedical and bioagricultural disciplines. First are the characterizations of antigens and encoding genes of human blood flukes (S.japonicum, S. mekongi) and human and animal liver flukes (Opisthorchis viverrini and Fasciola gigantica), their syntheses and expressions at the cellular level, and their immunodiagnostic and vaccine potentials. Second are the studies on spermatogenic process, basic nuclear proteins and chromatin organization in male germ cells of vertebrates, including mammals and amphibians, and invertebrates especially mollusks (snails and abalone) and crustaceans (shrimp and prawn). Third are the studies on neurobiology and reproductive biology of economic mollusks and crustaceans (especially abalone and prawns) particularly with respect to the identification of neuro-secretory cells that are involved in the production of growth and gonadotrophic factors which can stimulate the growth and gametogenic processes in these animals. His research work has been supported continuously by national funding agencies, including the National Research Council of Thailand, National Science and Technology Development Agency, The Thailand Research fund, and international organizations including Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation. USAID, and UNDP / World Bank / WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases.