HAIreconnect  Scientific Bridges between Thailand and Heidelberg: Sukanya Dej-adisai visits with HAIreconnect

With the support of the HAIreconnect program, pharmacist Assoc. Prof. Sukanya Dej-adisai travelled from Thailand to the Neckar region for ten days in May 2025 to revive contacts and initiate joint research projects. The scientist from Thailand's Prince of Songkla University visited the Heidelberg Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), where she earned her doctorate from 2001 to 2006. For the Research Alumni Newsletter, she reports on her stay in Heidelberg. 

Why did you apply for HAIreconnect?  

I applied for the HAIreconnect program to return to my second home – to reconnect with friends and professors, to consult with my former doctoral supervisor Prof. Dr Michael Wink on research, and to explore opportunities for future collaboration, including student and staff exchanges between our universities. Prof. Wink had already recommended that I should apply for the program in 2015 when I expressed my desire to visit him, seek his advice on my research, and pursue further academic collaboration. 

What activities did you undertake during your stay in Heidelberg?  

In addition to Michael Wink, I reunited and stayed with my old friend from my doctoral studies, Astrid Backhaus, and her husband, Prof. Dr Jürgen Backhaus. I also met a colleague from my PhD studies, Dr Katja Sesterhenn, who is currently working at Merck Company in Darmstadt. And, of course, I visited the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) of Heidelberg University, where I did my PhD. Here, I had the chance to meet one of my former undergraduate students from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. At that time, I had sent students to Germany for internships, and this particular student is now pursuing a master’s degree in Germany. I also travelled to meet Prof. Dr Rolf Müller, Director of the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), in Saarbrücken. Apart from that, I took the time to stroll around the city of Heidelberg, reminiscing about my student days from twenty years ago.

To what extent did your scientific work benefit from your stay?

Due to the relatively short duration of the HAIreconnect program, most of the research activities primarily involved discussions of the results already obtained, as well as planning for future work to ensure continued collaboration going forward. I met scientists from various disciplines and institutions, which opened doors for interdisciplinary projects. For example, we discussed possible joint funding applications and exchange programs for students. At the same time, I was able to strengthen existing partnerships through personal conversations and look ahead to joint future activities. My research in the field of medicinal plants and drug discovery from natural products will benefit from this in particular. I hope to establish long-term collaborations with Heidelberg institutions and realize joint research projects and international publications. 

What was the greatest added value of your stay for you?

The most valuable outcome of my stay was the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with international researchers. This not only broadened my academic perspective but also deepened my understanding of research practices at the international level. Moreover, I was able to improve my communication skills and build an academic network—both of which are essential foundations for the long-term development of my research.

What challenges or difficulties did you face? 

The main challenge I encountered was the short duration of the project, which required the research activities to be concise and focused primarily on discussions. Additionally, limited funding combined with the high cost of living and accommodation in Heidelberg made it difficult to manage the budget effectively.  

How could the HAIreconnect program be further improved? 

The HAIreconnect program is a well-defined initiative that provides a valuable opportunity to re-establish academic collaborations within the Heidelberg network. However, I would like to propose considering an increase in the funding, particularly for travel expenses, as the current allocation is insufficient. This is especially true for alumni from low-income countries who may not be able to fully bear the costs themselves. This limitation could pose a significant barrier, preventing potential researchers from traveling to build networks or engage in academic collaborations. An improvement in this area would greatly enhance the program's accessibility and support researchers from a wider range of countries.

Note: HAIreconnect is a mobility grant, not a full scholarship.It is made possible through donations from the Alumni Network and follows the idea of “by HAI members, for HAI members.” Since the grant is not sufficient to fully cover the cost of a stay – especially from overseas – it can be combined with other sources of funding. Experience has shown that HAIreconnect is often the decisive contribution that enables a research stay on the Neckar. HAI would like to thank all donors who support the HAIreconnect program financially.