On 2 and 4 February, the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) hosted two Kyoto University International Symposia in Thailand, aiming to expand collaborative relationships and strengthen ties between the University and its Thai-based research partners.
The first of these events took place at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) in Rayong Province. VISTEC signed a partnership agreement with iCeMS in February 2016, following an April 2015 visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand to iCeMS.
The symposium on 2 February provided KU President Juichi Yamagiwa and iCeMS Director Susumu Kitagawa with an opportunity to meet and converse with HRH Princess Sirindhornhad in the morning, while the main program, held in the afternoon under the general theme of "Materials for Sustainable Future", featured presentations by top-ranking researchers in the fields of energy, materials, and engineering.
The second symposium took place two days later in Bangkok, exploring the "Frontiers of Innovative Research Towards Sustainable Societies in Asia". Co-organized by the Kyoto Union Club (KUC, Kyoto University's Thai alumni association), King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, and Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology, the event also had the cooperation of five KU departments: the Graduate School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, the Institute of Advanced Energy, and the ASEAN Center.
Presentations in the morning addressed the global mindset in research, human resources development in science, and the translation of research into practice, with "sustainability" as the main keyword. President Yamagiwa gave a plenary talk on the "World Natural Heritage and Biodiversity".
The afternoon session, held in conjunction with the 5th Southeast Asia Network Forum and the 23rd Southeast Asia Forum, examined the "sustainable aging society" through presentations by researchers from related fields.
This was followed by a reception, co-hosted by KUC and Thai Hyakumanben Kai (Kyoto University's Japanese alumni association in Thailand), facilitating exchange among Thai and Japanese alumni.
The 4 February symposium and reception were both lively and brisk, with around 190 attending the former and 130 the latter.
His Excellency Mr Shiro Sadoshima, ambassador of Japan to Thailand
iCeMS Director Kitagawa
KU President Yamagiwa
At VISTEC, Rayong Province, on 2 February
In Bangkok on 4 February
Dr Taizo Ohnishi, special assistant to the President and KUA vice-chairman
Dr Anchaleeporn Waritswat Lothongkum, KUC chairwoman
Thai Hyakumanben Kai Chairman Krisada Visavateeranon
With Thai students
At the reception
