The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) recently signed a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) during NSTDA Annual Conference 2011 on March 25.
The MOU allows KRIBB to explore research collaborative initiatives with any of the 4 research agencies within NSTDA. In the area of nanotechnology, discussion between KRIBB and National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) focused on target drug delivery for anticancer applications.
As Thailand is seeking to increase the amount of money spent on R&D to 1% of GDP by 2013, NSTDA is working diligently to support this national policy and to become a S&T solution providers for major industries in Thailand” said Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, President of NSTDA. “Working with capable partners such as KRIBB to exchange research knowledge and skill is a significant pathway towards accomplishing this goal”.
“The MOU will provide scientists from NSTDA and KRIBB with opportunity for more active cooperation” said Dr. Yong Kyung Choe, President of KRIBB. “I am confident the mutual ties between our two countries will create the synergic effect in the years to come”.
The Korean delegates included 13 participants from 5 research institute were in town to participate in the Thailand-Korea Joint Symposium on Nanobiotechnology. The aim of the symposium is to exchange research information and explore research collaboration opportunities.
One of the research collaboration discusses is in the area of nanoparticles for drug delivery.
“The research work at KRIBB on controlled antibody immobilization is very interesting to us” said Dr. Warayuth Sajonsang, a NANOTEC researcher. “The current focus of our research work is anticancer drug delivery. We feel our research focus in nanoparticles drug delivery compliment the work at KRIBB and can produce successful results that would be beneficial to healthcare sector”.
“The MOU is a good initiative to start the collaborative process” said Dr. Sang Jeon
Chung, Principal Investigator of BioNano Technology Research Center, KRIBB. “We can certainly devote our knowledge to help modify the existing NANOTEC research
in nanoparticle by antibody or other targeting signal peptides”.
Specific research topics were discussed and action plan were identified in which both NANOTEC and Korean delegation will work to put into action.
