Sylvie Manguin, winner of the ASEAN Springboard Prize from the Academy of Sciences
Sylvie Manguin, Director of Research atIRD, medical and molecular entomologist at UMR Hydrosciences Montpellier, is the 2023 winner of the ASEAN Springboard Award for her research on innovative approaches to studying the transmission of simian malaria in endemic areas of Thailand, in collaboration with Prof. Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap of Kasetsart University in Bangkok (Thailand).
PRIORITY RESEARCH PROJECT
Internationally recognized for her work, Sylvie Manguin studies vector-borne diseases in Southeast Asia and Africa and the development of environmentally friendly vector control methods. She coordinates and participates in European, international, and national projects focusing on mosquitoes and their role in the transmission of pathogens (malaria, dengue fever).
In 2004, she began collaborating with Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap, Professor at Kasetsart University in Bangkok. "Our shared interest in studying pathogen vectors, particularly mosquitoes that carry malaria parasites or dengue, chikungunya, and other arboviruses, has enabled us to forge a strong relationship based on mutual respect and trust," explains Sylvie Manguin. This relationship has enabled some 30 students (Master's and PhD) from the Thai university to train in the laboratory in Montpellier, and several of them to complete joint PhDs at Kasetsart University and the University of Montpellier. Thanks to the teaching provided by Sylvie Manguin to Thai students over the past 20 years, she was awarded the title of Associate Professor at Kasetsart University in 2023.
The research project that won the Academy of Sciences award focuses on the prevalence of simian malaria in areas where macaque populations are found. It has been identified as a priority area of study for Thailand in light of the increase in simian malaria transmission in Southeast Asia. Its main objective is to assess the threat of this zoonosis to the human population in Thailand. One area of research aims to determine which species of mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are capable of transmitting simian parasites to humans. Another area will be to control these vectors using vector control methods based on repellents made from natural molecules, providing the population with protection against bites in outdoor environments.
"We aim to explore, within the 'One Health' context, the biological characteristics of vectors and the transmission dynamics of simian malaria in order to facilitate the elimination of malaria in Thailand, which is scheduled for 2024," emphasizes Sylvie Manguin.
ASEAN SPRINGBOARD AWARD
Sponsored by the French Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the ASEAN Springboard Award recognizes outstanding scientific cooperation between France and the ASEAN region (Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam).