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PMU-B joins forces with TISTR and KKU to accelerate "Thatchawit" through a new curriculum: Bioscience and Bioinnovation for Sustainability


PMU-B joins forces with TISTR and KKU to accelerate "Thatchawit" through a new curriculum: Bioscience and Bioinnovation for Sustainability.



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PMU-B drives the development of high-competency researchers in bioscience and bioinnovation for sustainability through the “Thatchawit” platform, leveraging strategic collaboration between the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) and Khon Kaen University (KKU).

📅 On August 9, 2023, the Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), led by:

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirinan Kulchat

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Pripop Pitsuwan, Deputy Director

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rina Patramanon, Chair of the PMU-B Frontier Technology Cluster

  • Ms. Jaturaporn Chokphukhiow, Chair of the SHA and AI/Coding Clusteralong with experts, faculty members from Khon Kaen University, and PMU-B analysts, visited TISTR headquarters in Pathum Thani Province.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Chutima Iamchotchawalit, Governor of TISTR, who chaired the opening session and discussion on a joint strategic framework for building Thailand’s high-potential workforce, especially in bioscience—a field in which TISTR has a long-standing track record of conducting research and generating innovations that have been successfully commercialized within the agro-industrial sector.

Dr. Chutima also highlighted TISTR’s ongoing collaboration with the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) in co-investing with the private sector to advance high-impact research and innovation. She emphasized that the development of frontier-level human capital—critical for enhancing Thailand’s national competitiveness—requires a coordinated effort with PMU-B.

This meeting laid the foundation for the joint development of a 360-degree Research & Innovation Program, aiming to align research infrastructure, talent development, and academic-industry partnerships into a unified ecosystem. Additionally, TISTR expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with universities that can utilize its research instruments and facilities to maximize the impact of research and innovation nationwide.

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In the morning session, the PMU-B executive team, along with distinguished experts, faculty members from Khon Kaen University, and PMU-B analysts, visited and attended presentations by researchers at several specialized innovation centers, including:

  • InnoFood – Innovation Center for Functional Foods

  • InnoHerb – Innovation Center for Herbal Products

  • ICOS – Integrated Cosmetics Innovation Service Center

  • ICPIM – Innovation Center for Microbial Seed Production for Industry

The visit provided a platform for academic exchange, research technique sharing, and institutional collaboration building, particularly in researcher exchange programs and the shared use of advanced testing instruments.


In the afternoon, researchers from TISTR’s innovation centers, together with faculty members from Khon Kaen University and subject-matter experts, engaged in brainstorming sessions to co-develop and propose directions for collaborative 360-degree research and innovation programs through the Thailand Academy of Sciences (TAS), or “Thatchawit”. PMU-B serves as the funding intermediary, facilitating collaboration among research institutions, universities, private sector stakeholders, and international partners—ensuring optimal use of existing infrastructure and resources.

The workshop was divided into three breakout groups:

  1. Human Capital Development for Future Industries

  2. Frontier BCG Research Development and Co-Funding Opportunities (PMU-B / TISTR / Europe) – toward national upgrading under Program P22

  3. Research Utilization and Spinoff Strategies – aiming to maximize the impact of frontier research from upstream (research and discovery) to midstream (talent development) and downstream (commercialization)


Dr. Sorada Wanpha, Deputy Governor for R&D in Industrial Biotechnology at TISTR, delivered the closing remarks, expressing appreciation to Khon Kaen University faculty members, researchers, and PMU-B executives and staff for their participation in this collaboration. She reaffirmed TISTR’s commitment to support and advance high-competency talent development through the Thatchawit platform, with a shared vision for future projects and milestones.

To mark the beginning of this collaborative journey, all participants—including leadership, researchers, and staff—gathered for a commemorative photo on stage, signifying the official kickoff of the Thatchawit collaboration platform in the near future.

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