Dr. Nitipol Srimongkolpithak, a researcher from the Frontier Biodesign and Biomolecular Engineering Research Team at BIOTEC-NSTDA, was named the recipient to the 2023 Young Technologist Award at the Outstanding Technologist Awards and TechInno Forum 2023 on 14 November 2023. He was recognized for his achievement in establishing a technology platform for drug synthesis.

Drug synthesis is a prolonged and complex process in drug research and development. Over 90% of drugs available in the market are small molecules developed through the combination of organic chemistry and pharmaceutical science. Dr. Nittapol’s work focuses on the development of lab-scale synthesis and progressing to large-scale production ready for industrial manufacturing. In addition, the developed process ensures a high-quality API and eco friendliness at a reasonable cost.  This approach aligns with the Thai government’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recognition was also extended to Dr. Weerapong Woraprayote, a researcher from the Food Biotechnology Research Team at BIOTEC, who was a finalist for the 2023 Young Technologist Award.

The Outstanding Technologist and Young Technologist Awards are annually bestowed to individuals or groups whose research and technology have made significant contributions to the country’s industrial development. The awards are presented by the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King and Thailand Management Association (TMA). The 2023 award ceremony, to be presided over by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is scheduled to take place during the 49^th International Congress on Science, Technology, and Technology-Based Innovation (STT49) on 23 January 2027 at Prince of Songkla University.