By FEBT-FINH and Office of Communications and Public Affairs
On October 6, 2025, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Murdoch University (MU) co-hosted a one-day workshop on “Biotechnology and the Circular Economy” at Pathum Thani. The event brought together faculty, researchers, students, and representatives from academia, industry, and government to explore collaborative and innovative approaches to sustainable food systems, biotechnology, and circular economy models.
This workshop was a part of AIT’s Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FEBT) and Food, Innovation, Nutrition, and Health (FINH) programs, reflecting its ongoing mission to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and foster interdisciplinary partnerships that address pressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, public health, and environmental degradation.
Sessions focused on five key themes: sustainable food systems and nutrition security; circular and bioeconomy; the One Health approach; climate change and environmental management; and capacity building through education partnerships.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Anil Kumar Anal of AIT remarked, “This workshop reflects the true spirit of collaboration, bringing together experts from MU and AIT to share knowledge and explore new frontiers in biotechnology, agriculture, and plant sciences. Our partnership began with discussions on sustainable bioplastics and has evolved into a meaningful exchange of ideas. It offers students and researchers an opportunity to connect across disciplines and envision innovative solutions for the region and beyond.”
Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development at AIT, added, “This workshop is a space where minds meet, where collaboration and innovation intersect with purpose. Our mission is to transform knowledge into practice and ideas into tangible outcomes for communities and industries. With partners like MU, we can create real value and drive progress beyond boundaries.”
Echoing this, Prof. Daniel Murphy of MU noted, “Global challenges like food security, bioplastics, and climate change demand global solutions, and that begins with collaboration. What impressed us most at AIT was the enthusiasm and quality of its students and staff. Today marks the beginning of a partnership that connects our strengths and empowers future scientists to shape a more sustainable world.”
A series of research presentations showcased the scientific depth and practical potential of AIT–MU collaborations. Speakers included:
- Dr. Alexandra Gulizia (MU) – Polymers by Design: BIH Advanced Biomanufacturing Capacity
- Johnmel Abrogena Valerozo (AIT/MMSU) – Plant Byproducts as Therapeutics: Unlocking Antidiabetic Bioactive Compounds
- Joseph Boctor (MU) – Designer Enzymes: Modelling and Property Prediction
- Dr. Takuji Tsusaka (AIT) – Social and Economic Transformation in the Bio-Circular-Green Economy
- Sutheera Arjcharoen (AIT/Food Innopolis) – Empowering Thai Food Entrepreneurs Through Innovation Ecosystems by Food Innopolis, NSTDA, Thailand.
- Dr. Sakshi Tiwari (MU) – Scaling Up Microbial Polymer Production
- Prasit Pongsoon (AIT) – FINH: Intelligent Nutritional Harvest for Premium Wolffia
- Dr. Francesca Brailsford (MU) – Fate of Biopolymers: Isotope Tracing in Natural Environments
These presentations showcased real-world applications, from biopolymer alternatives to petrochemicals and AI-guided enzyme design to policies advancing the bio-circular-green economy.
Afternoon breakout sessions, moderated by Prof. Anal and Prof. Murphy, turned discussions into actionable collaboration tracks. Participants identified priorities such as developing edible packaging to reduce plastic waste, valorizing food waste through bioprocessing, studying gut microbiome health, and designing low-carbon, water-efficient production systems. Plans for joint postgraduate programs, research projects, and student exchanges also began to take shape.
Prof. Peter Davis, Pro Vice Chancellor at MU, said, “Our flagship research areas food, health, and environment, align perfectly with AIT’s strengths. What makes this collaboration meaningful is that it goes beyond signing MoUs. Real impact occurs when researchers and students collaborate to turn ideas into action. At Murdoch, we believe in connecting people early in their careers so that collaboration grows organically.”
Prof. Tony O’Donnell, of MU, added, “Southeast Asia is vital to us, not only for its strategic relevance but for the shared challenges we face. Our Bioplastics Innovation Hub is advancing biodegradable polymers and sustainable materials aligned with Thailand’s green economy goals. We see great potential in co-developing training modules and joint programs with AIT to equip the next generation for sustainable change.”
Prof. Andrew Whiteley, Research Director at CSIRO Environment, highlighted, “Sustainable progress depends not just on innovation but also on public trust and engagement. Our collaboration with AIT provides a platform to turn science into real-world solutions by bridging research, policy, and industry. Together, we can tackle shared challenges like water security, waste management, and environmental resilience, while empowering the next generation to lead the transition toward a greener economy.”
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to deepen AIT–MU cooperation through joint projects, academic programs, and regional partnerships aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The workshop emphasised a common belief: that collaboration based on science, trust, and personal connections is essential for creating a more sustainable and resilient future throughout Asia and beyond.
