In the ongoing battle against childhood obesity, Dr. Supiya Charoensiriwath, a leading figure in Thailand, has emerged as a pioneer in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to transform child health research and promote healthy eating habits. Dr. Supiya's groundbreaking work has not only earned her prestigious accolades but has also brought about tangible changes in health policies and nutrition practices.

A distinguished graduate of University College London, Dr. Supiya currently serves as the Principal Researcher and Head of the Human Behavior Analytics Research Team at the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center. Her journey to winning the 2022 Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women showcased her unwavering commitment to AI research, aligning seamlessly with the competition’s theme that year.

Revolutionizing Child Health Research

Dr. Supiya's research trajectory began during her doctoral studies, with a focus on health and childhood nutrition. Her involvement in the UK Sizing Survey left a lasting impact, inspiring her to spearhead the ambitious "SizeThailand" project upon her return to Thailand. This project, conducted from 2007 to 2008, utilized 3D body scanning technology to collect data from over 13,000 participants.

The complexity of constructing body sizing charts prompted Dr. Supiya and her team to innovate further. They developed a novel swarm intelligence AI algorithm that revolutionized the process, enabling the creation of more precise body charts covering 98% of the Thai population. This breakthrough surpassed all previous methods and laid the foundation for addressing health issues related to childhood obesity.

Bridging Nutrition Gaps and Impact Beyond Borders

The impact of the SizeThailand survey data extended beyond the fashion industry. Dr. Supiya's research revealed that over a third of the Thai population was either overweight or obese. This critical data informed the Department of Health’s recalibration of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Thais, a pivotal step in addressing diet-related disorders.

Dr. Supiya's influence also reached international borders, as she advised both the Malaysian and Philippine Sizing Surveys, sharing her expertise in developing precise body size charts. Her commitment to childhood nutrition extended to initiatives such as KidDiary, an app designed to monitor children’s growth and development, and the Thai School Lunch project, focusing on bridging the nutrition gap between privileged and underprivileged children.

Recognition, Future Initiatives, and Mentorship

Winning the Science Prize for Women in 2022 in the mid-career category catapulted Dr. Supiya into the spotlight, providing increased recognition and credibility. This newfound status motivates her to seek additional research grants, expanding her work at the intersection of childhood nutrition and AI.

“I still have the same passion for wanting to drive new initiatives to improve the quality of life for all children regardless of their social background. I would like to inspire other women, especially the younger generation, to come up with new innovations to make a difference to our future society.”

Dr. Supiya’s journey continues with an exciting new initiative centered around food traceability. Together with her dedicated research team in Bangkok, she utilizes blockchain technology to verify cross-border trade flows, ensuring the safety of food supplies. Additionally, through her association with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Dr. Supiya mentors scholarship recipients, ranging from high school students to Ph.D. candidates in STEM fields.

In her frequent role as a featured speaker, Dr. Supiya champions the cause of women in STEM issues in Thailand, embodying the impactful fusion of AI, healthcare, and nutrition for the betterment of society. Dr. Supiya Charoensiriwath stands as a beacon of inspiration, driving positive change and leaving an indelible mark in the fight against childhood obesity.