Chiang Mai University Research Collaborative

The University of Minnesota has held a longstanding partnership with Chiang Mai University (CMU), placing a high priority on mutual benefit and exchange. This research collaborative builds on joint education initiatives and collaborative research studies that have been ongoing for the last 25 years.

In 2023, a new research collaborative was launched, led by CGHSR and CMU’s Research Institute of Health Sciences (RIHES). The collaborative aims to leverage infrastructure, increase collaboration among faculty and ease the administrative lift of operationalizing global health research while also creating an environment that fosters partnership and opportunities to engage students.

 

 

 

Creating Long-term Partnerships 

The CMU-UMN Research Collaborative aims to remedy the siloed nature of international work, creating more meaningful opportunities for collective scholarship. 

In 2023, the collaborative funded three research projects led by principal investigators from both UMN and CMU.

Initial areas of research include: 

  • Environmental health 
  • Air pollutants
  • PM 2.5
  • Genetic variants associated with liver cancer in Thailand

“The objectives of developing research that can enhance health outcomes and address important social challenges on a global scale are perfectly aligned with the University of Minnesota’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, global health and social responsibility. UMN is the right partner for this research.” 

— Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai MD, MPH, RIHES Deputy Director

 

Providing Opportunities for Streamlined Processes and Student Engagement 

CGHSR can consult on the following items related to the Thailand partnership:

  • Research implementation
  • Connecting UMN faculty and students with multidisciplinary academic partners, NGOs and IGOs
  • Training opportunities for students

 

Working Together to Advance Meaningful Research 

While there is a longstanding history of collaboration between the UMN and CMU, partnered research stalled after the COVID-19 pandemic. The CMU-RIHES team first visited Minnesota in late 2022, and the CGHSR team worked with them throughout 2023 to determine CMU research interests and priorities, and pair them with UMN experts in each field.

Faculty from CMU and UMN who saw opportunities for research collaborations were encouraged to apply for CGHSR seed grants, which receive external reviews. The three funded projects, all of which scored well, were selected for a new research initiative that would start in 2023, with expanded and joint funding provided by both CMU and UMN-CGHSR. 

 

 

2024 CMU Collaborative Projects

Expand all

Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Pesticides and Respiratory Health Among Male Farmers Living in Agricultural Areas, Northern Thailand

Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Pesticides and Respiratory Health Among Male Farmers Living in Agricultural Areas, Northern Thailand

  • Bruce Alexander, PhD, Professor and Division Head of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health (PI, University of Minnesota) 
  • Surat Hongsibsong, PhD, Assistant Professor, Head of Environment and Health Research, RIHES (PI, Chiang Mai University)
  • Jesse Berman, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health (Co-PI, University of Minnesota)
  • Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai MD, MPH, Associate Professor and Deputy Director of RIHES (Co-I, Chiang Mai University) 
  • Chris Wendt, M.D., Chair for Research for the Department of Medicine (Co-I, University of Minnesota) 
  • Tippawan Prapamontol, PhD, Senior Researcher, RIHES (Co-I, Chiang Mai University)
  • Anurak Wongta, PhD, Assistant Professor, RIHES (Co-I, Chiang Mai University)

Effects of Watercress Consumption on Detoxification of Air Pollutants in Thai Adults, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Effects of Watercress Consumption on Detoxification of Air Pollutants in Thai Adults, Chiang Mai, Thailand

  • Irina Stepanov, PhD, Professor, School of Public Health, Masonic Cancer Center member, and director of the Institute for Global Cancer Prevention Research (PI, University of Minnesota)
  • Kanokwan Kulprachakarn, PhD, Assistant Professor, RIHES (PI, Chiang Mai University)
  • Samantha Case, PhD, Researcher, Masonic Cancer Center (Co-I, University of Minnesota) 
  • Wason Parklak, PhD, Researcher, RIHES (Co-I, Chiang Mai University)
  • Kittipan Rerkasem, MD, MBA, PhD, Professor and deputy director of RIHES (Co-I, Chiang Mai University)

Genetic Variants Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Thailand

Genetic Variants Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Thailand

  • Jose Debes, MD, PhD, MS, Associate Professor, Medical School (PI, University of Minnesota) 
  • Sayamon Hongjaisee, PhD, Assistant Professor, RIHES (PI, Chiang Mai University)
  • Ketpueak Thanika, MD, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine (Co-I, Chiang Mai University)
  • Kirk Wangensteen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic (Co-I)