Von Würzburg in die Welt - Wilaiwan Petsophonsakul

Wilaiwan, can you let us know some description about your time in Würzburg?

My journey to Würzburg began with a strong desire to pursue graduate studies abroad. In the late 1980s, securing a place in a PhD program often involved navigating a competitive landscape. While programs in English-speaking countries were popular choices, I felt venturing outside these traditional paths and learning a new language would offer a unique perspective and potentially less competition.

With this in mind, I embarked on a determined effort, meticulously crafting and sending out over 40 application letters to various institutes in Germany. My research interests aligned particularly well with the work of Professor Annelise Schimpl at the University of Würzburg's Institute for Virology and Immunobiology.

A crucial step for DAAD scholarship recipients like myself was demonstrating German language proficiency. I participated in a rigorous six-month program at the Goethe Institute in Freiburg, culminating in the PNDS (Prüfung zum Nachweis Deutscher Sprachkenntnisse) exam – a test that caused no small amount of anxiety for many DAAD scholars (myself included!). Passing this exam was essential for starting my PhD program on schedule.

Finally arriving in Würzburg in 1987, I was met with a warm and supportive atmosphere. The faculty, including Professors Eberhard Wecker (Director of the Institute) and Professor Schimpl, were incredibly welcoming. My fellow students also played a crucial role in enriching my experience. I was fortunate to develop close friendships with Andreas Jung, Rike Berberich, and Ingolf Berberich. Their support during that time proved invaluable. They helped me navigate not only academic challenges but also everyday life in a new country.

The first year at the institute involved balancing bureaucratic hurdles with learning new laboratory techniques. Additionally, my husband sought admission to the Facharztausbildung, a specialist training program in neurosurgery at the Neurochirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik des Universitätsklinikums. Professors Wecker and Schimpl, along with my friends, provided invaluable support in overcoming obstacles we faced, both academic and personal.

Working in the laboratory at the Institute for Virology and Immunobiology exposed me to a different scientific and cultural environment compared to my department at Chiang Mai University. Professor Schimpl's group included a vibrant mix of Master's and PhD students. Following my PhD in 1993, I continued research as a postdoctoral researcher funded by the Sonderforschungbereich (SFB) grant. We returned to Thailand in 1995, when my husband completed his Fachartzausbildung.

Both my husband and I are Thai government officers. Upon completing our studies in Germany, we returned to Thailand with the commitment to utilize the knowledge and expertise gained abroad to contribute to the advancement of our fields within the country.

What would you describe as your dearest memory of Würzburg?

Choosing a single dearest memory from Würzburg feels like picking a favorite thread from a vibrant tapestry. It's the overall atmosphere that truly comes to mind, a unique blend of scientific inquiry, warm camaraderie, and cultural exchange.

One endearing memory that exemplifies this atmosphere is the pre-lab ritual I shared with my colleague, Andreas Jung. Each morning, before the hum of laboratory work began, we'd steal a quiet half hour to delve into the latest scientific breakthroughs in "Nature" Journal. These discussions were intellectually stimulating, fostering a shared passion for research and discovery.

Food also played a significant role in fostering friendships. During my time at the institute, I was surprised by the tradition of birthday cakes. Unable to bake myself, our kind landlady, Frau Fäber, helped me out. This exchange sparked a wonderful cultural exchange – cooking together at each other's homes, learning German cakes, and enjoying visits to local bakeries.

Beyond the institute, we organized vibrant Thai festivals in Würzburg – a testament to the welcoming community. We also explored the charm of nearby villages during the Wine Fest, enjoying the local specialties like Bratwurst and Kuchen.

But the heart of my memory lies in the wonderful friendships I made. Some were fellow students and colleagues at the institute, while others were serendipitous encounters. At a bus stop, I met Paul Krawinkel, a dentist and surgeon, who kindly helped me figure out how to buy a bus ticket. Another unexpected connection came through Eugen Kriener, a physician at the Würzburg Public Health Board. Recognizing my husband's Thai name, Eugen, who had previously visited Thailand, reached out to us. These chance encounters blossomed into warm friendships.

Würzburg's atmosphere, the picturesque villages, and the warmth of the people – all these threads are intricately woven into my fondest memories.

How would you describe your field of research to a non professional?

My research focused on a critical area of immunology: the intricate mechanisms of the cellular immune system, particularly the activation of T lymphocytes (T cells). This fascinating process, specifically the role of co-stimulatory signals in T cell activation, was the core of my investigation.

T cells are specialized white blood cells that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity, directly targeting and eliminating infected or cancerous cells. While it's well-established that T cell activation requires antigen recognition (the enemy), my research explored the additional requirement for co-stimulatory signals. These signals act as a crucial secondary stimulus, ensuring a robust and specific immune response.

Understanding this two-step activation process is vital for developing effective immunotherapies. Vaccines, for instance, utilize antigens to train T cells. Knowledge of co-stimulatory signals helps us design more potent vaccines that effectively activate T cells against pathogens or tumors.

Conversely, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This highlights the importance of regulating T cell activation. Future research may explore ways to modulate co-stimulatory signals, potentially offering therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disorders.

Why have you chosen this field of research?

My journey in immunology began in Thailand, where I ignited a passion for the field while teaching immunology to medical and paramedical students. The intricate dance of the immune system, with its coordinated cell interplay, captivated me. This fascination led me to Professor Annelise Schimpl's renowned research lab in Germany. Professor Schimpl's pioneering work on T cell activation, along with the stimulating research environment fostered by her group and Professor Thomas Hünig's (director of the institute) group, deeply inspired me. Her brilliance and dedication were truly motivating.

Upon returning to Thailand, I encountered practical limitations in replicating the same highly specialized research. However, this led to a rewarding shift towards applied research focused on rabies immunity, a significant public health concern in my community.

This shift aligned perfectly with my involvement in "Lanna Dog Welfare," an organization I co-founded to address stray dog management and rabies control in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Drawing on my immunological knowledge, I collaborated with international NGOs and local government agencies to apply scientific principles to rabies control strategies.

Immunology provided the foundation for research that directly addressed a local problem. We evaluated rabies vaccines in both dogs and humans. My experience in Germany, combined with cultural understanding, proved instrumental in this work.  This dedication to rabies control was further recognized by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARLAC) with the prestigious World Rabies Day Award in 2018. This award serves as a powerful motivator for our organization to continue the fight against rabies.

My passion for rabies control research has endured for over two decades. It's a journey that began with intellectual curiosity and evolved into a pursuit with real-world impact on my community.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to study in Germany. The exposure to advanced science, a rigorous work culture, and a diverse way of life broadened my perspective and fostered my international thinking. This foundation has been instrumental in facilitating my ongoing collaboration with colleagues around the world.

In conclusion, I am thankful for the diverse experiences that have shaped my career path. From teaching to research, and from basic science to applied research, my journey has allowed me to make a meaningful contribution to the field of immunology.

Interview: Michaela Thiel