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L-R: Dr. Choe and Dr. Thaweesak (holding the signed MOU)

L-R: Dr. Choe and Dr. Thaweesak (holding the signed MOU)

Abstract:
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.

Thailand partners Korea in research collaboration

Pathumthani, Thailand | Posted on March 28th, 2011

The MOU provides KRIBB with an opportunity 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
JeonChung, 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.