How to do useful research in PSU, Pattani Campus? Prof. Jens Chr. Tjell Technical University of Denmark Environment & Resources DTU. pt. Visiting professor at PSU, Pattani Campus (1/6-15/7 2547)

The Technical University of Denmark Founded in 1829 by the Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted The largest technical university in Northern Europe 6000 students 600 Ph.D. students 400 Faculty 1250 researchers 15 departments

Jens Chr. Tjell: Analytical chemist, environmental science Worked for the UN for 6 years on use of isotopes in agricultural science in developing countries Engaged in the four country programme on Linked University Consortia for Environment and Development (Denmark, Thailand, Malaysia, Southern Africa) Here at Pattani Campus to help in establishing a Masters programme in “Applied Chemistry”

The ambitious title: How to do useful research in PSU, Pattani Campus?* Leads to at least five questions: Q: Which features characterises the Pattani Campus? Q: What is useful research? Q: Which are the research expectations to PSU? Q: Which changes are possible? Q: Are changes needed at PSU, Pattani? * These questions apply to Faculty of Science and Technology

PSU, Pattani Campus The physical conditions Relatively recently established (2510), Faculty of Science and Technology established 2525, (22 years old) F.S.T. Around 1100 students, predominantly B.Sc. students (95 %), and a few M.Sc. Students (5 %) A student to teacher ratio of approx. 14 (10 if all teachers were back at PSU) Good buildings with adequate space Generally modern equipment of good quality A tight budget on running costs for equipment and laboratories

PSU, Pattani Campus Staff work conditions A high proportion of staff time spent on teaching, individually % Above normal time spent on administrative tasks, meetings, domestic travels etc. Few hours left for research

Comparison PSU-Pattani and DTU PATTANIDTU Students (Science/Technology) % B.Sc % B.Sc. Student/Teacher ratio14 (10)15 Subjects/Semester Staff teaching time load %25-35 % Intl. Publication rate Approx /y Approx. 1/y

PSU, Pattani Campus Can staff time be better used? Suggestions on staff work conditions Teaching: Teaching in larger and more comprehensive subjects, e.g. 2-3 subjects pr. semester? –Better cross-disciplinary insight for the students –Less examination strains on students and teachers 2-3 teachers engaged in each subject? –Better planning of teaching time, less down-time Less lecturing, focusing on basic principles, and more self-studies in student groups? –Better understanding, and more self reliance, for the students –Probably requires textbooks (Thai or English?), or copies

PSU, Pattani Campus Can staff time be better used? Suggestions on staff work conditions Administration: Employ a departmental administrator? –The tedious jobs are taken off the department staff –The quality of administration is better –The individual teachers do not need to know everything May have been implemented?

What is useful research? A few suggestions: Of interest to Thailand, also of regional interest Likely to be used or utilised Citations by other researchers Easiest to obtain funds for Likely to succeed with the given conditions on manpower, funds and equipment

Useful research? Examples Conservation of resources: Reutilisation of nutrients in animal manure and towns waste How to reduce over-fishing Reducing the flow of matter from land to water Pollution studies to assess risks to humans and the environment: Arsenic in the environment Production related questions: Rubber and palm oil technology Rubber and palm oil waste utilisation And many other projects!!! These are only examples

PSU, Pattani Campus Expectations on research performance Formal: Publication rate high Informal: Research topics to support Thailand Informal: Internationalisation

PSU, Pattani Campus Present research characteristics Relatively few international research publications (ISI recognised) pr faculty staff. Large publication differences between individual staff* Large differences in output between divisions* Research topics chosen are often continuation from the study time abroad Researchers relatively independent, not often engaged in group conducted research, internally, nationally, or internationally * National publications in Thai not considered here

PSU, Pattani Campus Present research characteristics The majority of Ph.D. students (junior staff) are sent for studies abroad for 3-4 years, depriving the Pattani Campus of a major research capacity. Relevance of research topic for the Ph.D. study crucial for the future career

How to Get Research Funding in Thailand Dr. Prasak Thavornyutikarn Chairman, Environmental Science Program Chiang Mai University Possibilities: The Thailand Research Fund (TRF), สกว. Royal Golden Jubilee Scholarship (RGJ) Postdoctoral Fellowship The National Research Council of Thailand (NRC) Big Projects with end users Plus several other International LUCED workshop, Surat Thani, July 2004

Research funding in Thailand Conclusion: Generally: Enough funds available. However, too few good project applications Wishes: Research relevant to Thailand Wishes: Join efforts for better results

Can research conditions be improved at Pattani Campus? Conclusion Physical features: mostly OK. Teaching load on staff can be reduced, thus more time for research Student projects: Integration of the students into the research topic. Especially relevant for studies of regional importance. Allowing Ph.D. students to study abroad for months only Joining into research groups, with prospects for better funding (funds seem available) Budget for running costs of laboratories and equipment is rather small. External funding may help.

Future research at PSU, Pattani Campus? Are changes needed? How to proceed? Your choice!!!