13/02/2025
Bridging Connections: Science Symposium with Kasetsart University, Thailand 🇹🇼🤝🇹🇭
Department of Biology and Chemistry at NCUE hosted a collaborative science symposium with Kasetsart University (KU) on November 29, 2024. This event facilitated the exchange of research project ideas in biology and chemistry between the two universities, fostering a broader academic partnership between Taiwan and Thailand. The symposium featured 10 academics from KU, evenly distributed between their chemistry and biology departments, and was supported by a total of 22 research scholars from NCUE. Many IPMS students also participated in this conference, gaining valuable insights and enhancing their learning experience.
Among the biology topics discussed, researchers from both universities talked about biological solutions to tackle the global problems in sustainability, ecology, and health. Topics such as the applications of bacteria, yeast and fungi in agriculture, environmental, and ecological protections, and disease management are the highlights of the symposium. For instance, two KU professors brought the topics about the yeast biodiversity and its agricultural applications from endemic plant species in Thailand, and the role of epiphytic fungi from mangrove plants as biocontrol agents. These topics provide broader ideas for research collaboration in several works including applying the potential PLA producing yeast for bioplastic production, or utilizing the yeast & fungi biodiversity in Taiwan for agricultural application in Thailand could be some of the planned collaborated research work. As for the chemistry topics discussed, both universities highlight the research in materials and analytical chemistry such as using the pre-synthesized colloidal gold nanoparticles to provide a robust framework for the plasmonic nanostructure research, and the use of Raman & surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the precise and effective detection of a certain chemical compound. Those topics show influence for collaborative work with interfacial and analytical chemistry labs in order to expand the applications and scope of the research, as well to raise the impact of the result.
Through this symposium, NCUE also desires to attract more international students, especially from KU and Thailand, or to participate in Taiwan’s government research internship program such as TEEP, IIPP, and New Southbound Policy, or to continue their study for master degree in NCUE’s IPMS-MBTS program. While on the other hand, KU provides opportunities for NCUE’s student for an exchange internship program, which will gain their exposure towards international community as a part of their learning experience.
Besides the symposium activity, NCUE also invites all the professors from KU to know more about Taiwan and its culture through visiting some famous tourist spots. Are you curious to know more about their journey in Taiwan? Stay tuned for the next post!
