WACE to Tackle Waste
Presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarintip Tantanee, President of Naresuan University (NU), a group of senior executives led by Prof. Dr. Peter Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University (MU) and researchers from Bioplastics Innovation Hub from the same institution met with NU team members to discuss likely future of cooperation between the two universities on 8 October 2025. The focus of discussion was placed upon research collaboration in biopolymers, bioplastics and biological products to be contributed by the establishment of the Joint Laboratory of Waste and the Circular Economy (WACE), for which the details were jointly presented by NU and MU at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on 1 October 2025. It is expected that the lab would encourage joint research activities, intellectual properties and patents benefiting not only NU and MU but the industry and spinoff companies who are looking for products and know-hows constituting waste and pollution free for the next generation. It is also noted that both the partners find out mutually agreed topics, research and products to push for joint publications while maintaining the mindset of reducing microplastic waste and other related harmful agents to save the environment. Having a Science Park located at Naresuan University, it is essential that they work closely with the private sector and nearby municipalities to come up with solutions for agricultural waste reduction where as WACE will play one of the key roles to serve as a portal for experienced researchers from Thailand and Australia, where funding is expectedly drawn from international funding agencies given increased visibility achieved by both NU and MU.
On the following day, Naresuan University and Murdoch University joined hand to officially launch the Joint Laboratory of Waste and the Circular Economy, which the event was honored by the attendance of Ms. Amelia Walsh, Minister-Counsellor (Commercial) and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Thailand and Laos, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Australian Embassy in Bangkok, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaleeda Borompichaichartkul, Director Research University Network (RUN) and Deputy Director for Research Strategy, Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) and representatives from the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. WACE incorporates a synergy from the Bioplastics Innovation Hub of Murdoch University; the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and NU Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medical Science and Faculty of Science by invaluable support from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission from the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. WACE does not only serve research purposes between NU and MU but facilitate research activities, products and commercialization towards waste management and reduction under circular economy scheme between Thailand and Australia for greener and more sustainable future.
The meeting between NU and MU took place on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at 13.30 at Naresuan Meeting Room 310, Office of the President and the official launch of the Joint Laboratory of Waste and the Circular Economy was arranged on Thursday, 9 October 2025 at 10.00 at AG7406 Meeting Room, Center for Organic Agriculture Standard Development and Surveillance of Agriculture Residues (OASSAR), Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.
