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 main topics:
- 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 high interest, with over 160 teachers and students from Grades 7 to 12 from Srisongkhramwittaya School in Wongsaphung District, Loei Province, participating in the activities. The students engaged in both lectures and practical laboratory work, receiving close supervision and knowledge transfer from the Division of Biotechnology’s faculty members, scientists, researchers, and students.
This camp serves as a vital component in promoting STEM Education by enhancing critical thinking, experimental design, and hands-on learning skills. Critically, it helped to inspire participants and broaden their perspectives on bio-science, technology, and innovation, providing a foundational pathway for their further studies and future sustainable development in Thailand.
News Credit: Piyameht Thonglamoon
