28 August 2026, Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani – The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), welcomed Dr. QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and a high-level FAO delegation to Thailand Science Park. The delegation was received by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director of BIOTEC, together with BIOTEC executives and researchers.
The visit provided an opportunity for BIOTEC to present research and biotechnology solutions supporting sustainable agriculture, food security, biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods.
During the research showcase, the delegation learned about BIOTEC’s work across the sustainable cassava value chain, covering quality planting materials, disease management, resource- and energy-efficient starch processing, wastewater treatment, biogas, bioethanol, bioenergy and the development of food and higher-value cassava products. BIOTEC researchers also presented innovations in climate-resilient and low-carbon rice, biocontrol technologies, and the use of mushrooms and fungi to support biodiversity conservation, food security and sustainable livelihoods.
The delegation subsequently visited BIOTEC’s Advanced Aquatic Animal BSL2 Laboratory, where researchers presented the ShrimpGuard project and BIOTEC’s capabilities in aquatic animal health, disease diagnostics and sustainable aquaculture.
The program concluded with a visit to the National Omics Center, a national research infrastructure that applies genomics and other advanced omics technologies to agriculture, food, biodiversity and health research.
BIOTEC previously received USD 74,965 in funding from FAO for the project “Advancing Bioeconomy in ASEAN: Promoting Sustainability and Partnership with Insights and Experience in Thailand”. The project supported FAO’s Programme Priority Area on Bioeconomy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture by promoting Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy model, facilitating regional knowledge exchange and capacity building, and strengthening partnerships among ASEAN countries and international organizations.
