On September 25, 2024, the Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University proudly hosted a special visit from Dr. Taketoshi Minato of the Institute for Molecular Science, Japan. Dr. Minato, an esteemed expert in his field, was invited under the KKU Inbound Visiting Scholar Program to foster knowledge exchange, cutting-edge research, and international collaboration with KKU’s Chemical Engineering Department.
Dr. Minato’s visit was warmly received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Prof. Dr. Wanida Kaen-akat, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs. The collaboration focuses on teaching advanced courses, including Catalyst Sciences, Pollution Prevention in Chemical Processes, and Chemical Engineering Projects, while also spearheading joint research on the “Catalytic Reaction of Biomass and Sugar for Sustainable Energy.”
Overseen by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutasinee Neramittagapong, Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arthit Neramittagapong, Chair of the Chemical Engineering Program, Dr. Minato’s involvement is expected to produce at least three significant research papers in collaboration with KKU scholars.
In a generous initiative, Dr. Minato has also secured full scholarships for two KKU engineering students to conduct research at his institute in Japan for eight months. The scholarships, covering living expenses, accommodation, and travel, offer these students a rare chance to gain hands-on experience and sharpen their research skills on an international platform.
This partnership marks an exciting chapter in KKU’s mission to foster global academic connections and advance groundbreaking research, especially in sustainable chemical engineering solutions.
