General
VISTEC Researcher Honored as Thailand's 2026 Outstanding Scientist
Dr. Chayasith Uttamapinant from VISTEC has been named Thailand's Outstanding Scientist of 2026 for his pioneering work in synthetic biology and plastic-degrading enzymes.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, Dr. Chayasith Uttamapinant, a biochemical and synthetic biology researcher at the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), has been awarded the 2026 Outstanding Scientist Award. The recognition highlights his development of genetic code expansion technology used to detect proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, his team was the first globally to identify a human saliva-derived microbial enzyme capable of breaking down PET plastic into high-value chemicals.
The award ceremony, held at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat. During the event, which marked the 45th anniversary of the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King, researchers from the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (Thammasat University) and Silpakorn University were also recognized as Outstanding Young Scientists. The awards were presented under the royal grace of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
For residents and visitors, this news underscores Thailand's growing role in global biotechnology and sustainable waste management research. While the scientific achievements are confirmed, further details regarding the commercial scalability of the plastic-degrading enzyme technology remain to be seen as the research progresses.