Princess Chulabhorn

Princess Chulabhorn Walailak is the younger sister of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). She is widely recognized as one of Thailand’s leading scientist-royals, with a strong academic foundation in chemistry, toxicology, natural products, and environmental health. She earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemistry with First-Class Honours from Kasetsart University in 1979, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organic Chemistry from Mahidol University in 1985. In addition to her formal degrees, she conducted post-doctoral research in advanced chemistry and toxicology, and has received honorary and advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Visual Arts from Silpakorn University in 2019. Professionally, she serves as a Professor of Chemistry at Mahidol University and has also worked as a guest lecturer and professor in various science disciplines, contributing significantly to both research and education in Thailand.

Awards & Honours

Princess Chulabhorn has received numerous national and international recognitions for her outstanding contributions to science. Among her international scientific honors, she was awarded the UNESCO Albert Einstein Gold Medal for promoting scientific cooperation, becoming one of the few recipients and the first female scientist to receive this distinction. She also received the Windaus Award in Organic Chemistry from the German Chemical Society for her achievements in organic chemistry and was named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK).

Through the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI), her work and that of her research teams have been recognized with prestigious scientific awards. These include the Grand Prix de la Charte Award (2020) for cancer research, the IUTOX Merit Award (2013) for contributions in toxicology and environmental health, and the International Order of Merit of the Inventors (IOMI), honoring her achievements in science and medicine.

Oncology & Medical Science

Princess Chulabhorn is a distinguished scientist whose work in oncology spans cancer research, drug development, and medical education. At the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI), she studies chemical carcinogenesis and bioactive natural products to understand cancer mechanisms and develop chemopreventive agents, particularly for cancers common in Southeast Asia. Under her leadership, Thailand has achieved major milestones in cancer therapeutics, including the development of HERDARA, the country’s first domestically produced trastuzumab biosimilar for HER2‑positive breast cancer, and IMCRANIB 100, a targeted oral cancer therapy developed at the Chulabhorn Royal Academy. She also established the Chulabhorn Cancer Center (now part of the 400‑bed Bhadramaharaj Memorial Medical Center), providing advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary cancer care, and education, reflecting her integrated vision of research, clinical application, and training for oncology in Thailand.

Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI)

Princess Chulabhorn’s most significant scientific contribution is embodied in the Chulabhorn Research Institute, which she founded to advance Thailand’s capabilities in biomedical and oncological research. Her leadership focuses on chemical carcinogenesis and the complex process of drug development, leading to the creation of biologics such as HERDARA and other targeted therapies. By establishing this sophisticated research ecosystem, she has bridged the gap between basic science and clinical application, fostering international collaborations that elevate Thai scientists on the global stage.

Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA)

To ensure the sustainability of Thailand’s medical progress, the Princess established the Chulabhorn Royal Academy as a premier institution for medical education and oncology training. The academy provides advanced curricula and hands-on programs designed to cultivate the next generation of physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Under her guidance, the CRA integrates high-level academic theory with practical clinical experience, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of specialized medical care and scientific innovation.

Chulabhorn Hospital

The Chulabhorn Hospital represents the practical fulfillment of the Princess’s vision for comprehensive, accessible cancer care. As a leading oncology center, it offers advanced diagnostics and multidisciplinary treatment strategies tailored to the specific needs of individual patients. The hospital serves as a vital link where research from the CRI is directly translated into patient care. This facility allows medical professionals to see how scientific discoveries are applied in real-time to improve patient outcomes, demonstrating a seamless transition from the laboratory to the bedside.