The partnership is being conducted under the Japan-Asean Science and Technology Innovation Platform. “Kyoto University has an enduring research cooperation with the Institute of Energy and Environment and research institutes in Thailand,” NSTDA executive vice president Narong Sirilertworakul said.

“NSTDA is participating in this as a collaborative research unit to strengthen cooperations in energy and the environment in Asean.”

Narong spoke at the ceremony to mark the memorandum of cooperation signed at Japanese ambassador’s residence in Bangkok.

The research will be carried out at the Thailand Science Park’s Innovation Cluster 1 building.

It will include researchers from the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre and the National Nanotechnology Centre. The aim of the research is to increase the usage of biomass as a high-value source for energy and chemicals.

A February 29 workshop will be held at NSTDA under the scheme.

Kyoto University proposed the partnership to the Japanese government and funding has been secured until March 2020.