The 8th symposium between Kasetsart University, Thailand (KU) and Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University (KUGSA)

The 8th Bilateral Symposium on “Food, Environment, and Life for the Next Generation: Sustainable Development Goals”, was held from November 27 to 30, 2025 at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand. The symposium was jointly organized by Kasetsart University and the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University.

Since the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 1984, Kyoto University and Kasetsart University have established a long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership. As Thailand’s first agricultural university, Kasetsart University has actively promoted academic exchange with KUGSA through joint research projects, ILAS seminars (overseas programs, formerly international exchange courses), student exchange programs, and double degree programs.

Previous symposia were held at Kasetsart University for the 1st (December 2015), 3rd (December 2017), 5th (December 2019), and 6th (December 2023) meetings, while the 2nd (December 2016), 4th (December 2018), and 7th (December 2024) symposia took place at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University.

At this symposium, a total of 14 faculty members and students from Kyoto University participated. Including participants from Kasetsart University, the total number of attendees exceeded 30.

The symposium opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Dokrak Marod, Vice President for Research and Internationalization at Kasetsart University, followed by remarks from Prof. Noriyuki Kioka, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University. A keynote lecture was then delivered by Assoc. Prof. Prakit Sukyai, Deputy Head of Department at Kasetsart University.

Following the opening session, plenary sessions were held in thematic tracks, during which 19 participants presented their research. The question-and-answer sessions after each presentation fostered active and productive discussions across disciplinary boundaries.

On the second day, an excursion was organized to the National Corn and Sorghum Research Center (Suwan Farm) in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, located approximately two hours from the university. In addition to touring the facilities, participants visited part of the farm, which covers approximately 400 hectares.

Building on the achievements of previous symposia, this meeting provided a valuable opportunity to further strengthen interdisciplinary academic exchange. It is expected to contribute significantly to the continued development of collaboration and cooperation between the two universities.

Souvenir Presentation
Prof. Noriuki KIOKA, Kyoto University (left) and prof. Dokrak MAROD, Kasetsart University (right)

Souvenir Presentation
Prof. Hirokazu HIGUCHI, Kyoto University (left) and Assoc.Prof. Nuttakan Nitayapat, Kasetsart University (right)

Overview of the symposium, Kasetsart University, Thailand

Group Photo Session

Excursion at the National Corn and Sorghum Research Center (Suwan Farm), Thailand

Briefing at Suwan Farm and Corn Juice Tasting