Ms. Arunee Suwanngam, a PhD scholar who received the DAAD-SEARCA In-Country Scholarship, has been awarded a six-month research stay at the University of Cologne in Germany. The grant was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). During her scholarship, she attended various trainings and field visits focused on biodiversity genomics. She learned about cutting-edge genomic techniques and bioinformatics, and how they are applied in biodiversity research. Ms. Arunee, along with other students, collected soil samples from mountains, seashores, and deserts. They separated and classified the nematodes or roundworms in the samples.
Ms. Arunee had the opportunity to experiment in the university laboratory, which involved advancing nematode detection methodologies. Her participation in collaborative research projects in Germany, specifically at the University of Cologne, enhanced her technical skills in molecular ecology and biodiversity conservation. The DAAD's short-term research grant allowed her to be exposed to the different practices and scientific approaches of German researchers, which can be applied in her future research activities in Thailand in the field of biodiversity genomics.
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region scholarship holders can apply for a short-term research stay in Germany if part of their thesis-related research cannot be carried out at their host university or if a research stay would benefit their overall research project. The scholarship provides a monthly payment for living expenses, health/accident/personal liability insurance, and a lump sum to cover travel expenses.