Journalists from 8 leading European newspapers arrived in Bangkok to get a first hand knowledge of the status of Thai research and development. On hand to welcome the journalist was Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, President of NSTDA. Dr. Thaweesak informed that both Thailand and the EU have enjoyed bilateral relations and cross continent cooperation. In the early years the emphasis was on crop diversification and boosting farmers’ income. The current focus is now on e-science, renewable energy and development of novel drugs to combat wide range of infectious diseases. 

“I think that the evolving relationship between Thailand and the EU reflects the changing role that S&T has come to play” said Dr. Thaweesak. “In less than 10 years the number of Thailand and EU co-published research papers have climbed to 700 co-publications. This is a significant increase”.

The trip was organized under the umbrella of the FP7 funded SEA-EU-NET project (www.sea-eu.net), in which NSTDA is a partner, and the ASEAN-EU Year of Science, Technology and Innovation 2012. 

NANOTEC researchers joined in giving presentation on current research activities. Dr. Ubonthip Nimmannit, Team Leader of Nano-cosmeceuticals Lab gave a talk on “Increasing the value of natural cosmeceutical products (for Hair Growth)”, Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Team Leader of NANO Delivery System Lab gave a presentation on “Fighting against mosquito” focusing on Nano Bednet and Mosquito-repellent Nanoemulsion lotion, and Dr. Chamorn Chawengkijwanich, Researcher at Hybrid Nanostructure and Nanocomposites Lab gave a talk on “Clean drinking water in time of crisis” focusing on the portable solar operated system (SOS) approach.