Prof. Dr. Navadol Laosiripojana, Director of the Joint Graduate School of Sustainable Energy and Environment (JGSEE), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), and Manager of Hub Net Zero, recently participated in the UK-ASEAN Engineering Biology Symposium. The event was hosted by Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), in collaboration with the ASEAN Committee on S&T Innovation (COSTI), with funding support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The symposium took place on 10–12 November 2025 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok, Thailand.
Held under the theme “Fostering UK-ASEAN Partnership in Responsible Research and Innovation for Engineering Biology,” the symposium brought together representatives from academia, research institutions, government agencies, and industry. Over three days, participants exchanged knowledge and shared best practices in Responsible Research & Innovation (RRI), emphasizing the importance of integrating societal needs and ethical, environmental, and economic considerations into emerging biotechnologies.
Discussions explored the role of engineering biology in addressing pressing global challenges, including gene editing for improved food security, developing resilient agricultural crops, and advancing precision health solutions. The symposium also served as a platform to strengthen collaborations and identify new partnerships between the UK and ASEAN research communities.
Hub Net Zero is currently driving a research consortium that applies synthetic biology to develop advanced microalgae systems for carbon capture and high-value bioproduct manufacturing. Participation in the symposium provides valuable insight for shaping this research direction, ensuring that scientific advancements are aligned with social expectations and developed with consideration of ethical, environmental, and economic impacts.
Photo credit: BIOTEC
