Dr. Wenchao Xue, a faculty member from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), participated in the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) Program during the International Teaching and Research Week hosted by the University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Germany, from 8–12 June 2026.
The THM International Research and Teaching Days was organized under the Erasmus+ initiative to strengthen international collaboration, promote academic exchange, and foster research partnerships. The program brought together faculty members and researchers from more than 20 universities and research institutions worldwide, providing a valuable platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and international networking.
As part of the program, Dr. Xue delivered a research talk titled “Microplastics in Southeast Asian Tropical Urban Waters: Sources, Distribution and Pathways.” The presentation highlighted recent research findings on the occurrence, transport mechanisms, and environmental impacts of microplastic pollution in rapidly urbanizing tropical regions of Southeast Asia.
In addition to the research exchange sessions, Dr. Xue participated in laboratory visits and technical discussions with faculty members from THM’s Department of Life Science Engineering. The discussions explored potential areas for future collaboration in environmental science and technology, including joint research projects, student mobility opportunities, and academic cooperation under the Erasmus+ framework.
A key outcome of the visit was the initiation of a research student exchange between AIT and THM through the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Program, one selected AIT master’s student is expected to undertake a research exchange at THM’s Department of Life Science Engineering, laying the foundation for long-term collaborative research and academic engagement between the two institutions.
Reflecting AIT’s dedication to global collaborations and research excellence, the Erasmus+ mobility initiative has further strengthened institutional relationships with THM and created new avenues for joint research, faculty exchanges, and international capacity development in environmental science and engineering.
