Royal duties

Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol had chosen to pursue her academic degrees in science and has been until now a science professor in various leading science universities and institutes in Thailand and overseas. This is largely due to her determination and dedication to assist in the development of science in Thailand, in order to utilize science and technology, by means of research, to enhance the quality of life of the Thai people. Her priority research activities are focused on the chemistry of Thai natural products and medicinal plants, environmental toxicology and environmental health problems, the utilization of natural resources, and the alleviation of common serious health problems in Thailand.

Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol is currently Head of the CRI Laboratory of Natural Products and Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis. Her special research interests are :

• Laboratory of Natural Products Bioactive natural products with promising pharmaceutical application for drug development, treatment of cancer and other diseases, as well as for further biomedical research.
  

• Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis Genomic and genetic alterations in selected types of cancer prevalent in South-east Asia (as it is believed that more than eighty percent of human cancers are initiated by chemicals and that environmental and lifestyle factors play an important role in carcinogenesis), and the study as well as evaluation of new cancer chemopreventive agents from Thai medicinal herbs and plants.
  

Current CRI research activities are conducted in 9 laboratories as individual research projects or are organized as a comprehensive program drawing on interrelated work in the Institute’s laboratories.

Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol initiated a program of international conferences to provide forums for exchanging the latest information and the most recent advances in research among the international science community, including the Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress. She presides over the opening ceremonies of these conferences and on several occasions delivers some special lectures or chairs in some sessions.

Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol has received international recognition for her scientific achievements. Very frequently she has been invited to join international conferences organized worldwide. She has received numerous honorary doctoral degrees from local institutes and from renowned universities all over the world, in addition to her appointments to various academic posts locally and in international organizations.

Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol initiated numerous special projects and programs of sustainable development with the objectives of safeguarding the environment, and most importantly providing means of livelihood or employment opportunities of the needy people in different parts of Thailand, and thus improving their quality of life. Occupational Projects – agriculture, livestock raising, arts and crafts, have been initiated. Some have already been completed , yet many are still operating including the following:

• Orchid and ornamental plants project
• Chulabhorn 36 marine park project
• Study and development of drip irrigation for agriculture project
• Irrigation Management Project
• Green Health (Role of Women in Using Technology for Health Care and sustainable Development Project)
• Study of Economic Shellfish Breeding in the Andaman Sea Project
• Utilization of Wood Waste and Agriculture Leftovers Project
• Training for Quality of Life Improvement Project
• Mutual Funds for Occupation Development Project
• Handcrafts Project
• Ceramics Project