During 22-23 April 2024, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Graduate Program, Faculty of Science, KMUTT invited Asst. Prof. Sirawit Ittisoponpisan from the Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University to give a special seminar in "Advancements of Protein Structure Prediction Methods" and conduct a workshop in "More Secrets in Science Communication"

Knowing the protein structure is of importance to determine its catalytic activities as well as giving a hint for protein modification for other purposes. Although several techniques for structural analysis of protein have been developed so far, it is still challenging as the results interpretation of those techniques is somewhat difficult. Instead, using in silico method to predict the protein structure based on the available database can be an alternative way to get those hints, thus, allowing the understanding of the protein binding complex as well as the possible mechanism behind the reaction. In this special seminar, Asst. Prof. Sirawit built up the background including the important keywords in the field to all of us. After showing us the common flow in the protein structure determination both experimentally and in silico, the techniques to predict the protein structure including homology and ab initio modelings have been provided. Participants also had an opportunity to simulate the protein structure under the direct supervision of Asst. Prof. Sirawit during the seminar.

Not only being an expert in protein structure prediction, Asst. Prof. Sirawit is also the winner of FameLab Thailand 2021 and one of the top ten FameLab International 2021 finalists. During this workshop, Asst. Prof. Sirawit kindly provided us several tips to make our science communication to be more effective using both verbal- and non-verbal languages. Some of which included body language, facial expression, body gesture, metaphors, and storytelling, slides, and script creations. Several examples had been shown and participants were provided the opportunity to practice the scientific presentation using the tips mentioned during the workshop. Unlike to previous science communication workshops we had, this time, techniques in the 3-minute pitching and poster presentation were also included which are really important for this time participants.

We will have this kind of activity from time to time which will be announced via https://www.facebook.com/NanoscienceNanotechKMUTT . Therefore, please stay tune for our next activities!