Research Questions:

• Improvements of:
  • National Surveillance System
  • Serotyping
  • Molecular Epidemiology
• Early Warning System
  • Forecast
  • Warning/Alarming
  • Detection
• Incidence include asymptomatic cases?/burden
• Dengue infection/PUO
• Risk factors
  • Viral virulence
  • Environmental factor
• Morbidity and Mortality
• Severity &. Molecular study

Socio-economic:

• Completion of studies require cohorts

MOVING FORWARD 
 

   Questions and comments from the floor were brought into discussion as followings: 

• The contents of the meeting will be posted in T-2’s website for other web-visitors to read. 
• Concerning the development of cohorts, the following issues should be considered:
  • Criteria for good cohorts
  • Accommodate projects
  • Recruit researchers
• Dr. Prida’s project:
  • Set up a committee to oversee the use of specimens and database
  • Users can request for use and submit their proposals
  • Need cohorts
  • This central facility aims to get researchers focused
• Mechanisms in improving proposals
  • Trainings/workshops in how to write grants
• Regular meetings should be organized to facilitate the exchange of ideas
  • What kind of forum?
  • Objectives of these meetings
• AFRIMS can provide advices and guidance

CONCLUSION 
 

      Two out of three big projects have been submitted to T-2 on the following field areas:

1. Vaccine development
2. Clinical
3. Community-based cohort (has not been submitted yet)

• These projects are to be discussed so that any interested researchers, clinicians, or virologists may contribute help in improving the proposals.  Depending on the circumstances, workshops may be required.
• Consulting with experts may be essential to share and exchange knowledge and ideas.
• A Thai team should be set up to organize a “Dengue package”.  In order to do so, search for partnerships to sponsor this package is significant.  Perhaps T-2 may act as a host. 
• Recruitment and joining of young scientists may aid in creating clinical research projects, cohorts, and career paths.

CLOSING REMARKS 
 

      It was agreed that the majority of proposal writings do not meet the standards, which may be the reason why there are few manuscript writings produced.  It is part of the granting agencies’ responsibility to provide thorough reviews to ensure good quality proposals.  In fact, what makes a good agency is its duty in reviewing proposals, organize events (such as today’s meeting), organize support systems to strengthen proposals, and provide continuous informing and knowledge.  With reference to SERC’s review process, Prof. Tada is satisfied with its aid in improving and mentoring research projects to reach international standards. 

      The search for funding for Dengue Thailand will be initiated to accumulate all interested researchers.  In addition, conferences should be organized to ensure the accumulation of all knowledge from every direction and field.  Prof. Tada strongly emphasized the necessity of all researchers to gain knowledge in other fields other than their own in order to broaden their perspectives in future research studies.   

      A clinical center should be well developed with high fidelity so that close monitoring on every patient is allowed.  However, one should be prepared to accept the policy rights. 

      In conclusion, for database purposes, anyone with sources is kindly requested to submit them.  For future references, the contents of today’s meeting will be summarized and sent to all participants.  Furthermore, updates and new information will be uploaded into the T-2’s website where a search engine will be created to provide visitors the access to publications.    

      T-2 will attempt to put action into what has been proposed today.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Reported by:  Ms. Nisarat Pichayapa

Approved by:  Dr. Somsak Chunharas

                  Dr. Ram Rangsin

                  Dr. Pokrath Hansasuta