Thailand Programme celebrates 30 years

1 December 2009

The Trust’s Major Overseas Programme in Thailand is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month.

The Wellcome Trust-Mahidol University-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Programme opened in 1979 as a collaboration between scientists from the University of Oxford in the UK and Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. Today, it is recognised internationally for excellence in tropical disease research, having made numerous vital discoveries including the development of artemisinin combination therapy, now the frontline treatment for uncomplicated malaria.

Several celebratory activities are planned, including the opening of new laboratories - with a traditional Buddhist ceremony - at the Bangkok site, a cultural retreat to Khao Yai National Park and a book marking the anniversary.

We have provided £21.6 million of funding to the Thailand Programme since 2005. This core support, as well as support for the Major Overseas Programme in Vietnam, has just been renewed for the period 2010-15.

Image: A researcher at the Thailand Programme. Credit: Joss Dimock