PMU-B Joins Forces with TISTR and Khon Kaen University to Accelerate “Thatchawit” Advancement through the New Bioscience Curriculum

PMU-B Aims to Advance the Development of High-Competency Researchers in Biosciences and Bio-Innovation for Sustainability through the “Thatchawit” Platform, in Collaboration with TISTR and Khon Kaen University

The Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B) is committed to promoting the cultivation of high-potential researchers in biosciences and bio-innovation to support sustainable development. This effort is being carried out under the “Thatchawit” platform, through strategic collaboration between the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) and Khon Kaen University.

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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 and Asst. Prof. Dr. Paripok Phitsuwan, Deputy Directors of PMU-B, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rina Patramanon, Chair of the PMU-B Frontier Technology Cluster Coordination Committee, and Ms. Jaturaporn Chokphukhaochiew, Chair of the PMU-B Cluster Coordination Committee for SHA and AI/Coding, visited the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) in Pathum Thani Province.

The delegation also included distinguished experts, faculty members from Khon Kaen University, and PMU-B analysts. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration and explore opportunities for advancing science, technology, and innovation through strategic partnerships.

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On this occasion, Dr. Chutima Iamchotchawalit, Governor of the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), presided over the welcoming ceremony and opened the discussion forum to explore collaborative approaches in developing high-potential human resources for Thailand. She emphasized the long-standing expertise of TISTR in the field of biosciences, which has led to the transformation of research into products and innovations that generate revenue for the agricultural industry.

Dr. Chutima also highlighted TISTR's ongoing collaboration with the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMU-C) in advancing high-level research and innovation projects that have successfully attracted significant private sector investment. She stressed that developing the highly skilled workforce required for frontier research — crucial for enhancing national competitiveness — calls for close cooperation with PMU-B.

This visit served as a platform for strategic discussions on establishing a comprehensive “360-degree research and innovation development project,” aimed at driving systemic impact. Furthermore, Dr. Chutima extended an invitation to universities to maximize the use of TISTR's research infrastructure and advanced scientific equipment, fostering impactful research and broader societal benefits.

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In the morning session, the PMU-B executive team, accompanied by distinguished experts, faculty members from Khon Kaen University, and PMU-B analysts, visited several specialized innovation centers and attended research briefings by resident scientists. The centers included the Center of Excellence for Healthy Food Innovation (InnoFood), the Herbal Product Innovation Center (InnoHerb), the Integrated Cosmetic Innovation Service Center (ICOS), and the Industrial Microbial Strain Production Innovation Center (ICPIM).

The purpose of the visit was to engage in academic exchange, explore advanced research techniques, and foster institutional collaboration—particularly in the areas of researcher exchange and the shared use of high-end research infrastructure and analytical equipment.

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In the afternoon session, researchers from TISTR’s specialized innovation centers, together with faculty members from Khon Kaen University and distinguished experts, participated in a brainstorming and knowledge-sharing forum. The session focused on proposing collaborative strategies to advance a comprehensive 360-degree research and innovation initiative through the Thailand Academy of Sciences (TAS), also known as "Thatchawit."

PMU-B acts as an intermediary funding agency to facilitate multi-sectoral collaboration among research institutions, universities, industries, and international partners. The initiative aims to maximize the use of existing resources, research instruments, and infrastructure to generate impactful outcomes.

The brainstorming activities were divided into three thematic groups:

1. Development of High-Competency Human Resources for Future Industries

2. Designing Frontier BCG Research Agendas and Exploring Co-Funding Opportunities(including joint support from PMU-B, TISTR, and European entities toward the national P22 transformation goals)

3. Strategies for Creating Research Spinoffs and Utilization Pathways(to enhance Thailand’s capacity in research commercialization and global scientific competitiveness)

The initiative is aligned with the full innovation value chain: from upstream frontier research, to midstream development of future-ready human capital, and downstream application and commercialization of research outcomes.

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Dr. Sorada Wanpha, Deputy Governor for Research and Development in Bio-Industry at TISTR, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the faculty members of Khon Kaen University, researchers, executives, and PMU-B staff for their active participation in the discussion on building and developing high-competency human resources through the Thatchawit platform. She reaffirmed TISTR’s readiness to collaborate and advance future initiatives arising from this dialogue.

On this occasion, the executives, faculty members, researchers, and staff took a commemorative group photo on stage to mark the beginning of this strategic collaboration under the Thatchawit platform—setting the stage for impactful outcomes in the near future.