On September 26, 2024, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) welcomed representatives from the Southeast Asia-Europe Joint Funding Scheme (JFS). The delegation was greeted by key NSTDA executives, including Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of NANOTEC; Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of MTEC; Dr. Lily Eurwilaichitr, Assistant Executive Director of ENTEC; Dr. Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri, Acting Deputy Executive Director of BIOTEC; and Dr. Rattapoom Tuchinda, Director of the NSTDA Supercomputer Center of NECTEC.
After an introductory session, the group toured Thailand Science Park (TSP) and visited leading research facilities, including the Thailand Bioresource Research Center (TBRC), the BIOTEC Bioprocess Facility (BBF), the High-Performance Computing Center at NECTEC, and Environmental Nanotechnology and Nanohybrids and Coating, and Responsive Nano Materials and Nanosensor at NANOTEC and Trace Element Laboratory at MTEC. These visits showcased Thailand's advancements in biotechnology, computational science, nanotechnology, and their contributions to the success of JFS initiatives.
In addition to the site visits, the JFS funder representatives attended the JFS Programme Steering Committee (PSC) workshop and meeting in Bangkok on September 25, 2024. The event emphasized the importance of enhancing research and innovation (R&I) collaborations between Southeast Asia and Europe, featuring strategic discussions on current JFS projects and future plans. The meeting focused on funding decisions for the 8th JFS Call and explored future objectives, including the 10th Call, aimed at strengthening EU-ASEAN research collaborations.