WEEK #40, 5 - 11 October 2015
In this issue:
Announcements
AIT World-ranked in QS World Ranking by Subject 2015/ 16
As communicated before, being a predominantly Postgraduate and Non-comprehensive Institute, AIT does not meet the eligibility criteria to participate in the “ University Rankings ” under the 3 major World University Ranking Systems (ARWU, Times Higher Education Ranking and the QS World University Rankings). However, QS has included AIT in its QS World University Rankings by Subject and by Faculty since 2014-15.
In the latest QS Ranking, only 200 or 300 or 400 universities worldwide are shortlisted in the world rankings depending on the subject. Four groups of criteria are used in the ranking (1) Academic Reputation, (2) Employer Reputation, (3) Citations per Paper, and (4) H-Index Citations.
In this message, I write to inform you that AIT was world-ranked in four subjects by “ QS World-Rankings by Subject 2015 ” in the recent announcement on 15 September 2015.
Both “ Civil & Structural Engineering ” and “ Environmental Science ” subjects at AIT were ranked 151-200 in the world, while “ Electrical and Electronic ” subject was ranked 251-300 in the world, and “ Computer Science & Information System ” subject ranked 301-350 in the world.
In Thailand, only 2 universities were included in the list of World-Rankings in these 3 subjects: Civil & Structural Engineering, Environmental Science, and Computer Science & Information System. In “ Electrical and Electronic, ” 4 universities in Thailand are ranked.
In the QS special section on “ Top Civil Engineering Schools in 2015, ” AIT appeared in the list among the 200 World-Ranked Universities, side -by- side with its founding prototype Colorado State University.
In addition, the Faculty of Engineering & Technology of AIT was ranked 240th in the world in the list of QS World University Rankings by Faculty.
I will leave the judgment of the significance (or insignificance) of the rankings to each individual's opinion which should all be respected. At the end, I wish to emphasized that the data leading to these rankings were collected independently by QS. Our faculty colleagues in the four subjects should be commended for having achieved this status despite the unfavorable situation coming out from the worst crisis in the history of AIT.
With regards,
Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai
President
AIT Newsletter: October 2015
The October 2015 edition of the monthly AIT Newsletter has been released.
You can download the PDF, EPUB and MOBI versions from these links. To read on your mobiles/tablets (iOS, android), download the EPUB version and use a reader (iBooks or Google Play Books) to read them.
Download links:
PDF: http://goo.gl/IMITYb
EPUB: http://goo.gl/u9vdRe
MOBI: http://goo.gl/ZaW5WR
SERD welcomes Dr. Harminder Pal Singh (India) as a Visiting Faculty member
Dr. Harminder P. Singh joined the Natural Resource Management Field of Study, School of Environment, Resources and Development, as a Visiting Faculty on 30 September 2015. He has been seconded to AIT by the Government of India.
Dr. Singh is Assistant Professor and Chairperson, Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. He received his Ph.D. from Panjab University, India. His research interests include: Chemical Ecology; Plant Invasion Ecology; Plant Volatile Oils; Natural Herbicides; Metal toxicity; Phytoremediation.
Dr. Singh has published six books, and over 95 research papers in SCI refereed international journal that have been profusely cited (>2300 citations and an h-index=30). He was bestowed Young Scientist awards by Indian Science Congress Association, Punjab Academy of Sciences, and Junior Scientist by National Environment Science Academy, and EAES Research Excellence Award by Eurasian Academy of Environmental Sciences. Dr. Singh has also been awarded TWAS-UNESCO Associateship for advanced research training for the period 2009-2012 and 2014-2016. He has been honoured by Elsevier in recognition of the research paper ‘Eucalyptus essential oil as a natural pesticide’ that was amongst the Science Direct’s hottest and top-cited articles. Dr. Singh is Associate Editor of Frontiers in Environmental Science and has been associated with peer review of over 50 SCI journals published by Elsevier, Springer, Blackwell-Wiley, American Chemical Society, Taylor and Francis, etc.
At AIT, Dr. Singh will be responsible for teaching the course “Ecological Principles for Natural Resource Management” (ED 76.01) in the August 2015 semester.
Dr. Singh can be contacted at:
Room No. E113, Natural Resource Management
Tel. Ext. 6389
Email: hpsingh_01@yahoo.com
Grant opportunities from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is inviting applications that address specific challenges defined in the grant programs below. For details and application instructions, please visit the new Grand Challenges website. Please note that descriptions of the challenges are available on the website in Chinese, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
1) Grand Challenges Explorations is seeking innovative global health and development solutions and is now accepting proposals for its latest application round. Applicants can be at any experience level; in any discipline; and from any organization, including colleges and universities, government laboratories, research institutions, non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies. Initial grants will be US $100,000 each, and projects showing promise will have the opportunity to receive additional funding of up to US $1 million.
Proposals are being accepted online until November 11, 2015 for the following challenges:
•Novel Approaches to Characterizing and Tracking the Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance
•Explore New Solutions in Global Health Priority Areas
•Addressing Newborn and Infant Gut Health Through Bacteriophage-Mediated Microbiome Engineering
•Explore New Ways to Measure Delivery and Use of Digital Financial Services Data
2) New Interventions for Global Health: Vaccine Manufacturing. This challenge focuses on innovations in vaccine manufacturing platforms designed to lower production cost for vaccines that target diseases of great global burden and that are among the most costly to produce with current technologies.
Letters of Intent will be accepted until November 5, 2015.
3) The Global Innovation Fund is accepting application on a rolling basis. Please visit the website for more information http://globalinnovation.fund/apply-to-gif
4) An Interactive Biostatistics Course will be held from 16-20 November 2015 at the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for TB and HIV (K-RITH), based at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, South Africa. The primary goal of this course is to give participants an overview of the various biostatistical methods used in medical research so that they can both employ these techniques in their own research and better understand the results presented in medical literature. Lori Chibnik, PhD, MPH, a Biostatistician at Harvard University, will run an inspiring and hands-on training course on biostatistics where students will work with data from their own projects to understand basic statistical concepts and methods used in medical research. Travel Scholarships are available to allow trainees for across Africa to attend. For more information and to apply please visit www.k-rith.org. Deadline for applications: 1 October 2015.
5) In addition, the African Academy of Sciences and the New Partnership for African Development have launched Grand Challenges Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. This program joins others within the Grand Challenges family of grant programs supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and its partners. Grand Challenges Africa will build on the global success of Grand Challenges programs in India, Brazil, and South Africa, as well asthe strong base of Africa Grand Challenges grantees already funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada, and USAID. Please read our latest blogs including one from the Global Health President. For more information please visit AAS.
Furthermore, as a forum for sharing ideas, pursuing new opportunities and keeping abreast of new developments in the field of global health, The Gates Foundation together with Grand Challenges Canada has set-up a LinkedIn group. All you need to join is a free LinkedIn account - go to Global Health Innovations and click "Join"
We look forward to receiving innovative ideas from around the world and from all disciplines. If you have a great idea, please apply. If you know someone else who may have a great idea, please forward this message.
Thank you for your commitment to solving the world's greatest health and development challenges.
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.
Interested persons please visit: www.grandchallenges.org
Emerald Online Quiz 2015
Emerald has launched and online Quiz 2015 for all universities in Thailand who subscribe to Emerald.
To join activities please click to https://goo.gl/lWvr5i
The online quiz starts now and lasts until 31st October 2015.
1st place winner: iPad Mini 1 prize
2nd place winners: Emerald Backpack 2 prizes
3rd place winners: Emerald Power Bank 3 prizes
4th place winners: Emerald Sheep Bag 5 prizes
5th place winners: Emerald keychain 10 prizes
Emerald will announce all winners on Instragram @emeraldthailand on 5 November 2015.
Follow up call for Proposals due in Sept. and Oct.
Prof. Kanchana Kanchanasut, Vice President for Research, would like to remind the AIT Community regarding the following call for proposals due in October 2015:
- Regional Forum on Climate Change grant of 143 000 EUR for 3 projects (adaptation/mitigation/cross-cutting studies).Teams must involve at 3 research centers: 1 AIT, 1 French, 1 other Asian.
http://www.rfcc2015.ait.asia/Presentation/CallForTermsOfReferece (English)
Deadline: October 31
ABU Asia Pacific Robot Contest
Thailand will host ABU Asia Pacific Robot Contest next year under the theme "Clean Energy Recharging the World", organized by Thailand’s Channel 9 (MCOT)
The contest’s rules were announced on 23 August 2015 in Indonesia. The rules are specified by an academic committee chaired by Dr. Manukid Parnichkun of Mechatronics Program, School of Engineering and Technology.
Please see the contest introduction VDO from the following links:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/137036433
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-AhJHUBuNk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3Ma9yKFsjY
Further information is available at: www.aburobocon2016.com
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Campus Updates
AIT ID Card
For permanent employees and those on contracts of one or more years, a plastic AIT ID card can be sourced from the Human Resources Office.
If you still have not changed your laminated paper ID card, please visit the Human Resources Office to have your photo and electronic signature taken. The plastic AIT ID cards will be ready within three (3) working days.
Your plastic AIT ID cards can be used to borrow books from the AIT Library, as well as serve as a cash card in the AIT Cafeteria.
AIT Academic Calendar 2016
Kindly be informed that the printed copies of the AIT Academic Calendar 2016 are now available at the Student Office in the Administration Building. The AIT Community can now get your ordered copies during office hours.
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Events
Training Program on Design of Diversion Works
A training program on "Design of Diversion Works" for engineers and officials of the Afghanistan Ministry of Energy and Power will be organized from 2-15 October 2015 in Room B225, AIT Conference Center.
See more details: http://www.ait.ac.th/news-and-events/2015/events/training-program-on-design-of-diversion-works-1/#.VhHxH8v-IdU
Workshop for ScienceDirect and Scopus on 7 October 2015
Elsevier is going to organize a workshop for ScienceDirect and Scopus on 7 October 2015 from 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. at the AIT Conference Center, Room B108.
This workshop is on- first- come- first- serve basis. Interested persons can register for this training via e-mail at library@ait.asia .
Second International Training Program on Innovative Biofloc Technologies for Disease Prevention and Control in Shrimp Farming
The Second International Training Program on Innovative Biofloc Technologies for Disease Prevention and Control in Shrimp Farming will be organized from 12-16 October 2015 at the Conference Center of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
DPMM Seminars for Asia Pacific Initiative for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance
Disaster Preparedness Mitigation and Management (DPMM) program shall be conducting a seminar series from August-December 2015 as a part of the Asia Pacific Initiative for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. The seminars will be delivered from JICA Room, Second Floor, School of Engineering and Technology (SET).
To reserve a seat, kindly contact
Email: dpmm@ait.asia , dpmm.ait@gmail.com
Website: www.dpmm.ait.asia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DPMM.AIT
See more details: http://www.ait.ac.th/news-and-events/2015/events/dpmm-seminars-for-asia-pacific-initiative-for-disaster-management-and-humanitarian-assistance/#.Ve-rSMv-IdV
COMING SOON: Student Research Exhibition 2015
The AIT Student Union (Academic Affairs) is organizing a Student Research Exhibition 2015 on November 4 at the AIT Conference Center, as a side-event of the AIT Career Fair.
Students will display their innovative ideas and projects to the public either as an exhibit or as a poster.
Professionals and prospective companies will be present to observe the students' researches during the Career Fair. The event is intended to promote students' innovative ideas and research.
Students from all AIT fields of study are encouraged to put forward their research and original ideas in the form of a prototype or poster. Students from other universities will also be taking part in the event.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 5 October 2015
CONTACT: suacademic.ait@gmail.com
YY Cocktail #6: Where is Social Business Headed in Thailand?
A YY Cocktail event titled "Where is Social Business Headed in Thailand?" will be organized on 12 October 2015 from 1800-2100 hours at the Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant, Bangkok.
Date: 12 October 2015
Time: 18:00 – 21:00
Venue: Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant
Register here: http://goo.gl/forms/6uvdHdCojr
Contact: Ms. Mariana Botero.
Email: yunuscenter@ait.asia .
Tel. +66 2 524 5344
See more details: http://www.ait.ac.th/news-and-events/2015/events/yy-cocktail-where-is-social-business-headed-in-thailand/#.VgtbjMv-IdU
FIVE WEEKS TO GO! 27 ORGANIZATIONS TO MEET @ THE AIT CAREER FAIR
4 November 2015, AIT Conference Center
27 organizations have confirmed so far to join the Career Fair on 4 November 2015. A brief profile of the companies that are attending our Fair for the very first time are given below:
1. Decathlon Production (Thailand) Ltd. – outdoor gear/sporting goods distributor
2. King Mongkut’s University of TechnologyThonburi – leading technology academy in Thailand
3. INTEQC Feed Co., Ltd. - livestock agricultural business provider
4. DSG International (Thailand) PCL - manufacturer and distributor of baby products/diapers
5. Spring Professional Recruitment (Thailand) Ltd. - international recruitment firm specialising in mid to senior level recruitment for engineering, IT, property & construction, and supply fields
6. MFEC PCL - Thailand's fastest growing IT Services enterprise
7. Bluescope Steel PCL - leading international supplier of steel products and solutions and a flat steel producer
8. Saraff Global - started with diamond business and diversified to real estate, trading, IT, power sector, plastics and Renewsys fields
The above companies are now joining the list with: BangkokGlass PCL, Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited,TEAM Consulting Engineering and Management Co. Ltd., Kasikorn Bank, Siam Cement Group, Christiani and Nielsen PCL ,Tipco Asphalt PCL ,SDV Logistics (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Pylon PCL, Siam MakroCo. Ltd. , Maxim Integrated Product (Thailand) Co. Ltd., AMATA Corporation PCL , ERM-Siam Co., Ltd. (Head Office), Black & Veatch (Thailand) Ltd. ,TOA Paint ( Thailand) Co., Ltd., GEMCITY Engineering and Manufacturing Thailand, Panya Consultants, AIT Consulting, Dutch Mill Co. Ltd.
Many more will be confirming their participation in the coming weeks.
Companies have also started visiting the campus to give Career Talks. Please find below updated
CAREER TALK SCHEDULE:
TIPCO Asphalt Co. Ltd. - 7 October 2015 (Wed), 4 pm, TV Rm, AITCC
Mott MacDonald Co. Ltd - 14 October 2015 (Wed), 4 pm, B108, AITCC
Cowan Intl Co. Ltd. - 21 October 2015 (Wed), 4 pm, B108, AITCC
MFEC Co. Ltd.- 28 October 2015 (Wed), 4 pm, B206, AITCC
World Bank Grp Info Session - 30 October 2015 (Fri), 4 pm, Rm. B108, AITCC
Mark your calendar! For developments and career opportunities, please drop by at: www.careercenter.ait.asia ; http://www.facebook.com/aitcareercenter ; careercenter@ait.asia ; tel. 02-524-6744, 02- 524-6326
Reading and Writing Thai for Beginners
The Language Center is pleased to announce the opening of Reading and Writing Thai for Beginners.
Reading and Writing Thai for Beginners:
From 26 October to 9 December 2015 (20 hours)
On Monday and Wednesday, from 17:00 - 18:30 hrs.
Course Fee: 2,000 baht
Class Size: 15 persons
Register now at the Language Center, Room 216.
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Faculty and Staff Travel
Dr. G. Louis Hornyak / Guwahati, India / 10 – 16 August 2015*
Dr. Naveed Anwar / Kathmandu, Nepal / 15 – 17 September 2015*
Mr. Thaung Htut Aung / Manila, Philippines / 15 – 17 September 2015*
Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi / Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / 28 September – 1 October 2015*
Miss Aye Sandar Phyo / Mandalay & Yezin, Myanmar / 30 September – 20 October 2015
Mr. Furqan Ali Shaikh / Karachi & Quetta, Pakistan / 1 – 15 October 2015
Dr. Vatcharapol Sukhotu / Vietnam / 2 – 9 October 2015
Mr. Tharakorn Chanlapa / Karachi & Quetta, Pakistan / 3 – 10 October 2015
Ms. Rowena Alcoba / Manila, Philippines / 3 – 12 October 2015
Mr. Norman Del Mundo Alcoba / Manila, Philippines / 3 – 25 October 2015
Dr. Djoen San Santoso / Myanmar /5 - 6 October 2015
Dr. Ram C. Bhujel / ABJ, Ivory Coast, 5 – 10 October 2015
Dr. Firman Hadi Darodji / Semarang, Indonesia / 7 – 10 October 2015
Dr. Abha Mishra / New York, USA / 9 – 17 October 2015
Prof. Gopal B. Thapa / Kathmandu, Nepal / 10 -22 October 2015
Prof. Nazrul Islam / Boston, USA / 11 – 25 October 2015
Dr. Pham Huy Giao / Chiba, Japan / 11 – 15 October 2015
*(Staff or faculty member travelled and returned to AIT prior to documentation received for publication)
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Classifieds (Jobs)
Information, Quality & Document Management Officer (AIT Consulting)
Ref. No: 47/15
Deadline: 23 October 2015
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/339
Administrative Officer (School of Engineering & Technology)
Ref. No: 48/15
Deadline: 31 October 2015
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/341
Head, Human Resources Office (Human Resources Office)
Ref. No: 2/15
Deadline: 31 October 2015
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/283
Assistant or Associate Professor Position (School of Engineering & Technology)
Ref. No. 8/15
Deadline: 8 November 2015
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/340
Assistant or Associate Professors Positions (School of Management)
Ref. Fac 5/15
Deadline: 31 December 2015
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/309
Assistant or Associate Professor, SERD (School of Environment, Resources & Development)
Ref. No: Fac 4/15
Deadline: 15 July 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/304