Khon Kaen University’s Biotechnology programme hosts an intensive camp focusing on sustainable biofuel and probiotic production for secondary school students.
On 17 January 2026, the Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University (KKU), led by Associate Professor Priekamol Klanrith, Ph.D., Head of the Division of Biotechnology, together with faculty members, staff, and students, successfully hosted the first ‘Biotech KKU’s Camp 2026’.
Operating under the theme “Opening the World of Biotechnology Learning for Thai Youth,” the project aimed to disseminate knowledge in science, technology, and bio-innovation to secondary level students, sparking their interest in these crucial fields.
The academic camp featured hands-on practical learning sessions centred on two key thematic modules:
- ProBio – Yogurt: This module focused on the production process of healthy yoghurt, a fermented milk product. Students learned how lactic acid bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, ferment the lactose in milk into lactic acid, creating the product’s distinctive flavour and aroma.
- Biofuel for NextGen: This session explored the process of producing ethanol biofuel. The learning covered microbial fermentation using yeast to convert sugars into ethanol under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, students learned about the potential uses of ethanol as an alternative energy resource, highlighting its significant role in future sustainable development.
The project attracted strong interest, with over 160 teachers and students from Grades 7 to 12 from Srisongkhramwittaya School, Wangsaphung District, Loei Province, participating in the activities. Students engaged in both lectures and laboratory-based practical sessions, receiving close supervision and knowledge transfer from faculty members, scientists, researchers, and students from the Division of Biotechnology.
This camp serves as a key initiative in promoting STEM Education by enhancing critical thinking, experimental design, and hands-on learning skills. Importantly, it inspired participants and broadened their perspectives on bioscience, technology, and innovation, providing a strong foundation for further education and Thailand’s future sustainable development.
News Credit: Piyameht Thonglamoon
