On 24 December 2025, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) welcomed Prof. Brian D. Shaw, Assistant Professor Baoye He and the students, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology from Texas A&M University.
They met with BIOTEC researchers and staff and were given an overview presentation of BIOTEC by Ms. Seetala Jamrerkjang, Director of the International Alliance Development and Grant Administration Division. This was followed by a briefing on BIOTEC’s academic internship program by Ms. Ngoentra Samnaknit and Ms. Sarinda Kanjanakhot. The Plant–Microbe Interaction Research Team (APMT), represented by its Team Leader, Dr. Nattawut Boonyuen, and Dr. Umpawa Pinruan, presented the team’s research scope and highlighted key outcomes related to fungal biodiversity in Thailand. Their work aims to promote the sustainable use of natural fungal resources for diverse applications, including mycelium-based construction and decorative materials, as well as the cultivation and utilization of edible and medicinal mushrooms.
On this occasion, they visited Monoclonal Antibody Production and Application Research Lab (IMAT), Dr. Orawan Himananto given overview of IMAT’s milestones research and also visited Edible Mushroom Research by Dr. Umpawa Pinruan, who leads projects focused on the cultivation and technology transfer of edible and medicinal mushrooms in the Lancang-Mekong region.
The activities were designed to provide international students with opportunities to learn and exchange knowledge through close interaction and Q&A sessions with the BIOTEC researchers. It helped enhance students’ understanding of the role and significance of our research, while also fostering relationships with international universities to support future collaborations with BIOTEC.
