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Characterizing Molecular Adaptations and Drug Resistance in Leishmania spp. in Thailand: An Integrative Omics Approach to Combat Leishmaniasis
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, presents a growing global health concern. In Thailand, the emergence of leishmaniasis, potentially transmitted by atypical vectors, poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, particularly those co-infected with HIV. In addition, climate change is a potential increase in disease prevalence by altering insect vector distribution and population dynamics. Amphotericin B remains the primary treatment for leishmaniasis in Thailand, and Leishmania species of the subgenus Mundinia (L. orientalis and L. martiniquensis) exhibit relative insensitivity to this drug. Preliminary experiments displayed initial genomic and transcriptomic alteration after short-term treatments of L. orientalis with amphotericin B. This resistance is concerning as it may be associated with increased parasite fitness and potentially higher virulence. Addressing these critical issues necessitates a deep understanding of drug resistance and parasite adaptation mechanisms for the development of effective strategies for treatments. This research project leverages a pre-existing collaboration between researchers from the University of Glasgow (UK) and Kasetsart University (Thailand), which previously explored genomic structures of L. orientalis and L. martiniquensis strains in Thailand. The project aims to characterize molecular changes occurring during Amphotericin B selection in L. orientalis and L. martiniquensis using integrative omics technologies, parasite phenotyping and advanced computational analysis. We will investigate both innate and in vitro-acquired resistance using polyomic approaches, including bulk and single-cell sequencing and transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics, in parallel with assessing important phenotypes such as drug sensitivity and infectivity to macrophages. We will elucidate mechanisms of resistance and to identify markers that can predict Amphotericin-treatment failure. The collaborative research between the UK and Thailand teams will accelerate understanding these newly reported Leishmania parasites and benefit the control of leishmaniasis in Thailand and beyond. Bilateral knowledge exchange between Thailand and UK will be a key outcome of our project, leading to capacity building in Thailand and the establishment of critical collaboration between parasitologists working in the UK and scientists in Thailand, a country with an developing science base and an emerging problem with leishmaniasis.
A One Health framework to assess the risks of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems in North-East Thailand and inform mitigation strategies
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The rapid global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical public health crisis. It is widely acknowledged to be a One Health challenge, with aquatic environments playing a role of in the development and spread of AMR to people and animals. Aquaculture is an essential food production sector in South-East Asia; however, overuse of antibiotics and poor adherence to antibiotic treatment regimes are considered key contributors to rapid AMR development in the aquatic environment. This includes several classes of antimicrobials essential to treat human infections that are delivered to fish through medicated feed directly in shared waterbodies. Despite these concerns, the risks associated with environmental AMR – including the relative contribution of aquaculture – are poorly characterised and quantified, making it challenging to devise appropriate mitigation strategies or assess their effectiveness. This study will apply a One Health approach to elucidate the contribution of aquaculture production to environmental AMR and the subsequent risks for people, using the Pao River watershed in north-eastern Thailand. In this region, tilapia farming in open cages is commonly practiced and our team has documented high levels of unregulated antimicrobial use, wherein farmers frequently use products with unknown formulations or products not necessarily developed for use with fish. The risks that this poses for driving the selection for AMR are unknown. Moreover, antibiotic-treated feed is commonly prepared without the use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves, representing a potential risk for heightened AMR in fish farmers. Also in this watershed, our previous study revealed high levels of multi-drug resistant E. coli in banteng – a species of wild cattle – compared with local domestic cattle. This has led us to hypothesise that wildlife and people are at risk of acquiring AMR through this shared water source as a consequence of antibiotic use in aquaculture. To characterise and quantify these risks, we will: Assess the relative contribution of different sources of AMR to the Pao River watershed, and determine the degree of sharing of AMR bacteria/genes across the One Health spectrum. This will be done by i) measuring concentrations of antimicrobial residues and types/levels of resistant bacteria up- and down-stream of fish farms and compared with control sites without aquaculture; and ii) determining the AMR profiles of two key indicator bacterial species isolated across the One Health spectrum within the watershed (i.e. from samples collected from people, livestock, wildlife, fish) to assess for the specific contribution of aquaculture amongst other potential sources of AMR. This will be investigated through a combination of phylogenomic approaches and source attribution modelling. Characterise the practices and risks related to antimicrobial use in aquaculture as a potential driver for AMR in the aquatic environment. This will include measuring the quality and quantity of antimicrobials used, how they are administered, and what is driving these treatment decisions. We will assess likely uptake of different intervention options for improving antimicrobial stewardship through a stated-preference choice experiment. Based on the key risks identified, potential interventions to reduce the development and spread of AMR will be co-developed with multiple stakeholders, incorporating regulatory, political, economic and social dimensions. Overall, this study will generate new knowledge on AMR risks from aquatic food production and lead to an intervention pathway.
Targeting Thai-invasive malaria vectors by novel parasite metabolite bait trap
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Malaria is an infectious disease that poses a significant threat to public health. It has a major impact on the mortality and morbidity rates of children under the age of five, as well as pregnant women, and it also reduces labour productivity. In Thailand, malaria remains a significant public health challenge, with varying prevalence across regions. This parasitic disease is transmitted by Plasmodium-infected Anopheles mosquitoes and continues to burden affected populations. Thailand has malaria-receptive Anopheles mosquito species. The current malaria control and elimination program in Thailand relies mainly on two vector intervention tools: long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), which use insecticides to mitigate malaria transmission. The emergence of Anopheles strains resistant to currently used insecticides pose a critical challenge to achieving malaria elimination by 2030 in Thailand. Therefore, vector control is an essential aspect of combating malaria transmitted by Anopheles. The metabolite HMBPP (E-4-Hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate), produced by the malaria parasite P. falciparum, has a significant impact on the host-seeking and blood-feeding behaviour of African malaria mosquitoes such asAnopheles gambiae complex, both in laboratory and field settings. Our research has demonstrated that HMBPP acts as a direct attractant and also triggers the release of a blend of volatile organic compounds from human blood, which serves as a powerful attractant. The discovery of HMBPP and its effects make it a promising candidate for the development of a targeted mosquito control tool. Since P. falciparum is the primary malaria parasite transmitted by Anopheles vectors in Thailand, we propose that bait traps containing HMBPP could serve as a novel vector control tool in the country. Therefore, the main purpose of this research proposal is to evaluate a novel, environmentally friendly parasite metabolite bait trap for mass trapping of Thai vectors in malaria-affected regions of Thailand. In this regard, a specific aim is to evaluate the behaviour and fitness of local Thai mosquito vectors after exposure to and feeding on blood containing HMBPP. Another aim is to determine the behaviour and death rates of Thai mosquito vectors using different natural based toxins in metabolite bait traps. Finally, the effects of the candidate metabolite bait trap will be assessed on vector population suppression in a semi-field setting in Thailand.
Islanded Wave Powered Microgrid Pilot for Remote Islands in Thailand
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This project is a building on and adding to our successful Energy Catalyst R8 early-stage project, demonstrating good feasibility of the proposed concepts in enhancing the efficiency of onshore wave energy converters (WECs) and developing advanced wave-powered microgrids (WPMG) in the selected remote islands of Thailand with limited or no grid access which currently use expensive, polluting diesel generators (DEGs) as the main supply. The unit cost of the electricity generated by WPMGs can be significantly reduced by advanced predictive optimal control strategies to improve the wave power output of the WECs in a range of sea states with state-of-the-art power electronic components and novel microgrid energy management systems (EMS). The EMS can significantly reduce the power conversion/distribution losses and use deep-learning-based algorithms to forecast the stochastic loads in varying weather and wave conditions. Moreover, the microgrid provides a reliable and secure source of electricity using distributed and remote EMS services. In this mid-stage project, we aim to systematically demonstrate the efficacies of the whole concept to pave the way for sea-trial testing validation at the final stage. The consortia will integrate all the key components into one hybrid system-level wave-to-wire (W2W) WPMG simulator to validate the functionalities of the microgrid efficiently and economically in various scenarios close to real sea conditions. The wave prediction will be enabled by the latest Radar-based technology to provide shutdown signals for detrimental waves and to increase the survivability of the WECs. We aim to increase the technology readiness level (TRL) of the proposed WPMG technologies to build up a stand-alone microgrid in the final stage. Overall, the project aims to provide inclusive community-based renewable energy (sensitive to gender equality and social inclusiveness) that addresses the lack of energy access in Thailand's remote and isolated islands and eventually in other SE Asia countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. The project consortia include key industrial players, including Aquatera, Hitachi Energy, Toshiba, EcoWavePower, and major universities QMUL, Manchester & Exeter, for successfully delivering the project objectives. Following our successful workshops in the early-stage project, we will hold further technical and training workshops for the technology transfer in the SE Asia region, especially for female professionals, to promote gender equality in the renewable energy sector.
Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a widespread and lucrative criminal activity causing major global environmental and social harm. The IWT has been estimated to be worth up to £17 billion a year. Nearly 6,000 different species of fauna and flora are impacted, with almost every country in the world playing a role in the illicit trade. The UK government is committed to tackling illegal trade of wildlife products and is a long-standing leader in efforts to eradicate the IWT. Defra manages the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, which is a competitive grants scheme with the objective of tackling IWT and, in doing so, contributing to sustainable development in developing countries. Projects funded under the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund address one, or more, of the following themes: • Developing sustainable livelihoods to benefit people directly affected by IWT, • Strengthening law enforcement, • Ensuring effective legal frameworks, • Reducing demand for IWT products. By 2023 over £51 million has been committed to 157 projects since the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund was established in 2013. This page contains information about Rounds 7 onwards. For information about Rounds 1 to 6, please see the IWTCF website -https://iwt.challengefund.org.uk/
Darwin Initiative
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
The Darwin Initiative is the UK’s flagship international challenge fund for biodiversity conversation and poverty reduction, established at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The Darwin Initiative is a grant scheme working on projects that aim to slow, halt, or reverse the rates of biodiversity loss and degradation, with associated reductions in multidimensional poverty. To date, the Darwin Initiative has awarded more than £195m to over 1,280 projects in 159 countries to enhance the capability and capacity of national and local stakeholders to deliver biodiversity conservation and multidimensional poverty reduction outcomes in low and middle-income countries. More information at https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/the-darwin-initiative. This page contains information about Rounds 27 onwards. For information about Rounds 1 to 26, please see the Darwin Initiative website -https://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/
Newton Fund Thailand programme delivery
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Newton Fund Thailand programme delivery to support the delivery of ODA activities in Newton Fund countries
Neoma South East Asia Fund II
British International Investment plc
This is an SME-focused fund investing in South East Asia.
Climate Action for a Resilient Asia
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
A Technical Assistance facility will build capacity of national and subnational governments and vulnerable communities to integrate climate resilience into government-wide policy and planning and also work with the private sector, banks and financial regulators to support the integration of climate-related risks into investment decisions. A portion of the programme budget will be earmarked for coordinated policy work and regional cooperation in specific sectors or themes which require a regional approach where we have existing successful regional partnerships which can be scaled up, and or there is demand from country offices for a multi-country approach. Enable management of the programme including monitoring and evaluation, research, knowledge dissemination, communication, advisory support to country offices if required.
UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To alleviate poverty by working with partner countries to accelerate climate change mitigation by supporting them to improve the capacity and capability of key institutions (public, private, and civil society), addressing barriers and constraints to clean growth, pursue opportunities for greater climate ambition and enable access to climate finance
The Evidence Fund - 300708
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Evidence Fund procures and manages research and evaluations that primarily benefit ODA eligible countries. Most research and evaluations paid for by the Evidence Fund are country-specific, and all respond to requests for evidence to inform programme or policy decisions. Primarily serving research requests from HMG’s Embassies and High Commissions in ODA eligible countries, and from HMG policy and strategy teams, the Evidence Fund strengthens the evidence behind the UK’s priority international development investments and development diplomacy. The Evidence Fund also invests modest amounts of non-ODA, to strengthen the evidence behind wider UK foreign policy.
MOBILIST - Mobilising Institutional Capital Through Listed Product Structures
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
FCDO seeks to support the development of new products that have the ambition to list on major and local exchanges, and by doing so, engage new sources of investment and new investors, to help bridge the SDG financing gap, estimated by the UN to total $2.5 trillion p.a. ODA flows alone will not meet the needs of developing countries, and new sources of private investment will be essential if the SDGs are to be met by 2030. The programme will work with UK-based financial service providers and providers across FCDO priority countries and more widely, working to help mobilise more capital to reach the hardest places, and where the needs are greatest.
Thailand - Institutional Links
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Thailand - Institutional Links is funded through the UK Government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Newton Fund and delivered on the UK side by the British Council. This activity contributes to the Newton Fund’s work in building research and innovation partnerships with countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to support economic development and social welfare, tackle global challenges and develop talent and careers.
Institutional Links (TRF) 2017/18
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Grants provide seedfunding to initiate new/develop existing research and innovation partnerships between groups/departments/institutions in partner countries and the UK. Grants are flexible and responsive to incountry needs, allowing partners to establish collaborations on areas linked to country priorities and development needs, and to include relevant nonacademic partners (including SMEs/ NGOs).
Institutional Links (OPS) 2019/20
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Grants provide seedfunding to initiate new/develop existing research and innovation partnerships between groups/departments/institutions in partner countries and the UK. Grants are flexible and responsive to incountry needs, allowing partners to establish collaborations on areas linked to country priorities and development needs, and to include relevant nonacademic partners (including SMEs/ NGOs).
Institutional Links (NXPO) 2019/20
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Grants provide seed-funding to initiate new/develop existing research and innovation partnerships between groups/departments/institutions in partner countries and the UK. Grants are flexible and responsive to in-country needs, allowing partners to establish collaborations on areas linked to country priorities and development needs, and to include relevant non-academic partners (including SMEs/ NGOs).
Thailand - Newton Fund Impact Scheme
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Thailand - Newton Fund Impact Scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Newton Fund and delivered on the UK side by the British Council. This activity contributes to the Newton Fund’s work in building research and innovation partnerships with countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to support economic development and social welfare, tackle global challenges and develop talent and careers.
SFC - GCRF QR funding
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Formula GCRF funding to the Scottish Funding Council to support Scottish higher education institutes (HEIs) to carry out ODA-eligible activities in line with their three-year institutional strategies. ODA research grants do not represent the full economic cost of research and therefore additional funding is provided to Scottish HEIs in proportion to their Research Excellence Grant (REG). In FY19/20 funding was allocated to 18 Scottish higher education institutes to support existing ODA grant funding and small projects. GCRF has now supported more than 800 projects at Scottish institutions, involving over 80 developing country partners.
UUKi Delivery Support
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
These are delivery cost for shared learning workshops/training and best practice (for current and future applicants) on ODA assurance, eligibility, reporting and partnership working through either the NF and GCRF
Ad-hoc GCRF activity on BEIS Finance system
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Increased contributions towards a range of research projects jointly funded with DFID, and funding for the Devolved Administrations for disbursement to universities within the devolved regions to fund the full economic cost of GCRF ODA research.