During 10–14 August 2026, a delegation from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director of BIOTEC, together with Dr. Sithichoke Tangphatsornruang and Dr. Wirulda Pootakham, Deputy Executive Directors; Dr. Kallaya Sritunyalucksana-Dangtip, Director, Integrative Aquaculture Biotechnology Research Group; and Ms. Seetala Jamrerkjang, Director, International Alliance Development and Grant Administration Division, visited Australia to attend the Steering Committee Meeting of the BPM-TEAM project (Biologics and Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing in Thailand for Equitable Access to Medicines) and to expand strategic research collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
The delegation visited 3 major CSIRO research sites—Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre in Queensland, Black Mountain in Canberra, and CSIRO Clayton in Victoria—with discussions covering aquaculture, agricultural biotechnology, biosecurity, biotherapeutics, pharmaceuticals, and emerging opportunities for joint research and funding.
At CSIRO Bribie Island, the delegation exchanged research capabilities with CSIRO experts in aquaculture health, breeding and genomics, nutrition, microbiome, and precision engineering. The discussions identified opportunities to apply advanced technologies, including gene editing, to develop disease-resistant and reproductively sustainable aquatic animals.
At CSIRO Black Mountain, BIOTEC met with CSIRO Agriculture & Food researchers to discuss crop gene editing and plant phenomics and visited CSIRO’s phenomics facilities. Both organizations identified potential collaboration on gene editing of crops such as rice and sugarcane, initially targeting traits related to productivity and climate resilience.
The visit concluded at CSIRO Clayton, where the delegation participated in the Steering Committee Meeting of the BPM-TEAM project (Biologics and Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing in Thailand for Equitable Access to Medicines), supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The project, involving CSIRO, BIOTEC/NSTDA, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), and the National Biopharmaceutical Facility at KMUTT, is strengthening Thailand’s capacity for essential medicine and biologics manufacturing through process development, training and technology transfer. Significant progress includes pre-pilot production of the anti-HIV drug abacavir and advancement of biologics manufacturing capabilities. Discussions also explored future cooperation in biosecurity, bioconjugation and natural products, as well as opportunities to build on BPM-TEAM (phase 2) through future regional initiatives.
During the Canberra visit, the BIOTEC delegation also met with Ms. Chijvipha Benjasil, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Mr. Pawornwat Simaskul, Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra, to brief the Embassy on the outcomes of the discussions and potential new collaborations with CSIRO, particularly the continuation and expansion of the BPM-TEAM project.
