The 7th Symposium between Kasetsart University, Thailand (KU) and the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University (KUGSA)
The 7th KU-KUGSA Symposium on “Food, Environment and Life for the Next Generation: Science and Technology for Bio-Circular-Green Economy,” jointly organized by the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University and Kasetsart University, which is the third oldest national university in Thailand, was held on December 10 and 11.
The MoU between Kyoto University and Kasetsart University was signed in 1984 and the two universities have built a mutually beneficial partnership over the years.
Kasetsart University was the first agricultural university established in Thailand, and has been actively engaged in many areas of exchange with our Graduate School, including joint research, ILAS seminars (overseas, formerly international exchange courses), exchange programs, and double degree programs.
The first (December 2015), third (December 2017), fifth (December 2019), and sixth (December 2023) symposia were held at Kasetsart University, and the second (December 2016) and fourth (December 2018) at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University.
The previous symposia were jointly hosted by KU and KUGSA, but for the first time this time, Khon Kaen University, Mahidol University, Mae Fah Luang University from Thailand, University College Dublin from Ireland, and a delegate from the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo also participated in the symposium for further development of exchanges. From KUGSA, more than 20 participants attended the symposium.
On the first day, the symposium opened with a welcome address and opening remarks by the prof. Ryutaro Tao, Dean of the Graduate School. The keynote speeches were given by Mr. Eoghan Murphy, Agriculture & Fisheries Counsellor at the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo, on “Solving problems: role of science and responsibilities from policymakers” and by associate professor Kornsorn Srikulnath, assistant to the president of Kasetsart University, Thailand, gave a speech on “New horizons: Advancing economic resilience and KU’s 9S-Curve”.
This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Sakiko Imaeda, an office administrator KUGSA, on introduction of the Kyoto University Exchange Programs available at KUGSA, to which the faculty members of the partner universities listened attentively. The opening ceremony ended with the presentation of commemorative gifts and a commemorative photo.
After the opening ceremony, research presentations were given by each research field, and 35 participants from the participating universities gave presentations on their research topics, which were followed by lively discussions.
During the presentations, there was a fruitful discussion between Kasetsart University and KUGSA on the further development of the double degree program. From our side, Vice Dean Prof. Koichi Kuriyama, Prof. Hirokazu Higuchi, Prof. Hiroshi Kamitakahara, and office administrator, Ms. Sakiko Imaeda participated in the meeting.
After the research presentations on the first day, a welcome dinner was held in the “Former head office of Forest Research Station” lounge. The dinner opened with a welcome speech by Prof. Hirokazu Higuchi, followed by a lively interdisciplinary exchange.
During the excursion on the second day, after visiting the Kyoto University Museum, the participants were guided through the Clock Tower Memorial Hall and the History Exhibition Room, and toured the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens and the Kyoto Botanical Garden, providing opportunities for further exchange across disciplines. The symposium was a great opportunity for further exchanges among the participants, not only during the research presentations, but also during breaks, luncheons, and dinners, and we can expect great cooperation among the participating universities and related parties in the future.
|
Opening remarks by the Dean Prof. Ryutaro TAO, |
Commemorative photo in the courtyard |
|
Keynote Speech by Mr. Eoghan MURPHY, |
Keynote Speech by Associate prof. |
|
Discussion on the double degree program |
Opening speech by Prof. Hirokazu Higuchi |
|
Kyoto University Campus Tour |
Excursion (Kyoto Botanical Garden) |
