National Awards

On November 27, 2024, Ms. Nattacha Kaewpannaray, a fourth-year student in the Food Science and Innovation program at the School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, won the Silver Prize in the Young Rising Stars of Science Award 2024 at the 50th International Congress on Science, Technology, and Technology-based Innovation (STT50). She conducted her research under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Worawan Panpipat and Professor Dr. Manat Chaijan. The event took place at the Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai.

Ms. Nattacha received the award by participating in an oral presentation of her research project in English. The competition featured 15 teams from 15 universities. Her presentation, titled “Extraction and identification of bioactive compounds from by-products of the cocoa processing industry as functional food ingredients,” focused on the nutritional value of cocoa pod husks, cocoa endocarps, and cocoa bean husks. These parts, traditionally used as fertilizers or animal feed, were studied to provide insights into their nutritional value as potential alternative ingredients for healthy food products in the future. The research found that these three by-products are suitable as alternative ingredients for consumers seeking low-sugar food. They possess antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit alpha-amylase enzyme, which is relevant to diabetes. The findings hold promise for developing healthier food products in the future.

STT50, held from November 25 to 27, 2024, was attended by more than 1,000 people from 20 countries worldwide. The event included academic presentations, featuring 200 oral presentations and 300 poster presentations, covering various fields such as physics, biological science, chemistry, mathematics, energy and environment, and food and agricultural science.


 

Photo Credit: School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, Walailak University
News by  Addeen Tulyapong, Division of Corporate Communication
Translated by Nattanan Rukdanklang, intern, Division of Corporate Communication 
Proofread and Edited for English: Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication