Thai Researcher Participates in Pioneering Antarctic Expedition for the IceCube Upgrade Project
This collaborative mission, sanctioned by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, involves a global team of 350 scientists from 14 countries and signifies a partnership between Thailand and the USA.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, where the project is based, is a massive particle detector burrowed deep into the ice near the South Pole's Amundsen–Scott Station.
The Thai government's engagement with the Antarctic study began in 2013, encouraged by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, covering extensive research areas, including climate science and geology. Spearheaded by Her Royal Highness's Information Technology Foundation, collaboration has flourished between Thai and international research entities.
Chana Sinsabvarodom, from Chiang Mai University's Civil Engineering faculty, will endure the extreme Antarctic cold to take part in this significant expedition, marking a first for a Thai national. Transported by a specialized US Air Force aircraft, the researchers' work window is limited by the harsh climate to just four months a year.
Additionally, Ajcharaporn Phakwan of Mahidol University will soon contribute to cosmic ray studies at the Korea Polar Research Institute, enhancing our understanding of solar phenomena.
On their return, these Thai researchers will bring back not just novel scientific insights but also invaluable practical experience from their time in the most testing weather conditions, promising to bolster Thailand's technological progress.