Behind every student’s success is the guidance of dedicated mentors. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pakorn Aiewsakun, a leader in disease control research, aims to foster future scientists at Mahidol University while advancing public health initiatives.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pakorn Aiewsakun, a DPhil graduate with postdoctoral training in virus evolution and classification from the University of Oxford, is a pioneering force in the fields of pathogen evolution, genomics and genomic epidemiology. He is currently a lecturer at the department of microbiology at the Faculty of Science at Mahidol University. As head of the Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics (CENMIG) at the university, he leads multiple initiatives that bridge cutting-edge science with public health and environmental impact.

Dedicated to scientific excellence, Dr. Pakorn continues to shape the future of disease control in Thailand. We delve into his groundbreaking work as well as his personal philosophy that balances research with a zest for life beyond the lab. 

Leading with Purpose, Teaching with Heart

“What motivates me most today is the thrill of uncovering new findings, along with the dedication and progress of my students and research team.”

At the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Pakorn plays a pivotal role in advancing both education and research in the fields of microbiology and immunology. He ensures the delivery of high-quality education to students at all levels. In addition to his teaching and administrative duties, he spearheads research for the university that contributes to improving public health and promoting environmental sustainability. 

He serves as the director of the Pornchai Matangkasombut Centre for Microbial Genomics (CENMIG), a specialised research centre focused on pathogen genomics. Under his leadership, CENMIG functions as a training and research hub, equipping scientists and students with the skills to interpret complex genomic data for more effective disease detection, control and treatment strategies. 

“I take pride in supporting and mentoring graduate students through their challenging academic journey, helping them complete their studies while building their self-confidence as competent scientists.”

On the research front, one of the main ongoing projects involves the use of next-generation sequencing technology and genomic epidemiology to trace tuberculosis outbreaks in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This project involves a close collaboration with the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, to establish the “Chiang Rai model” for enhanced tuberculosis contact tracing investigations. Dr. Pakorn hopes that this work will contribute to better disease prevention strategies and improve public health outcomes for the Thai population. 

Facing Challenges in Thai Academia

“One of the notable challenges I face in my career as a lecturer in a Thai university is managing multiple responsibilities all at once.”

In Thailand’s higher education landscape, academic staff frequently take on multiple roles – teaching, conducting research, securing funding through grant proposals and engaging in community outreach – all while navigating resource constraints and limited institutional support. Dr. Pakorn experiences these pressures firsthand as a lecturer and researcher. Balancing these roles can be demanding, especially when resources are stretched thin and administrative burdens are high. Through careful prioritisation and long-term planning, he strives to ensure that each aspect of his work contributes to student growth, scientific advancement and the broader academic mission.

“As a lecturer, my primary goal is to deliver top-tier science education and to foster the development of competent scientists to contribute to the betterment of Thailand.”

His Guiding Philosophy and Vision for Education and Community Impact

Dr. Pakorn shares one of his favourite films that continues to inspire his outlook and reinforce his vision. Forrest Gump (1994), follows a kind-hearted man with low intelligence who inadvertently influences major events in U.S. history. Through his resilience, loyalty and simple wisdom, he teaches the power of perseverance and fate.

For him, the film’s appeal is its philosophy, which mirrors his belief in resilience, openness to the unknown, and the importance of finding meaning in every step, no matter how unexpected the journey may be. He hopes to pass on this perspective to his students and colleagues, encouraging them to embrace challenges with optimism and to pursue their goals with purpose and perseverance.

“I hope to give back to my community by nurturing high-quality, well-rounded scientists who are technically skilled and socially responsible, committed to making a positive impact.”

Dr. Pakorn’s goals include strengthening the department’s educational programmes and enhancing its public visibility. He aims to expand outreach efforts and better communicate the department’s research and knowledge to a wider audience, contributing more to Thai society.