Khon Kaen University — Tuberculosis Diagnostic via Raman Spectroscopy

[Human Health and Wellbeing] Open Philanthropy recommended a grant of $1,248,280 over three years to Khon Kaen University to support research by Associate Professor Kiatichai Faksri, in collaboration with Dr. Noppadon Nuntawong of the National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand, on developing a diagnostic for latent and active tuberculosis using Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra can be visualized as a horizontal line composed of a complex series of peaks and valleys. A trained AI system can rapidly interpret the spectrum to indicate whether the sample — a single drop of blood — is from a person with active TB, latent TB, or no TB. This falls within our focus area of scientific research, specifically within our interest in advancing human health and wellbeing. The grant amount was updated in September 2024.