SABER Lab Hosts Delegation from Thailand Science Research and Innovation

The MUT–Imperial SABER Lab was honoured to host a senior delegation from Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) for the strategic meeting "Thailand–UK SRI Strategic Partnership 2026", held in London from 30 May to 4 June 2026.

The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Thailand and the United Kingdom in science, research and innovation, and to explore future collaborative opportunities in research funding, innovation policy, academic partnerships, and international research networks.

The visit brought together distinguished representatives from across Thailand's science, research and innovation system, including:

• Prof. Anek Laothamatas, Distinguished Expert in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Fine and Applied Arts
• Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D., Chairman, National Commission on Science, Research and Innovation
• Prof. Sompong Klaynongsruang, Ph.D., President, Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI)
• Prof. Vissanu Meeyoo, Ph.D., Vice President, Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI)
• Asst. Prof. Sirinan Kulachat, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Office for SRI International Cooperation and Research Utilization Strategy
• Ms. Varisara Chuenarom, Assistant Director, Administration and Organization Development Office
• Ms. Suphawadee Niamsoongnoen, Project Analyst and Secretary for the TSRI President
• Mr. Nattapan Chanchomchuen, Public Relations Officer, Office for SRI International Cooperation and Research Utilization Strategy

The delegation was joined by Assoc. Prof. Panavy Pookaiyaudom, Rector of Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) and Co-Director of the MUT–Imperial SABER Lab.

As part of the programme, the delegation, hosted by Prof. Pantelis Georgiou, co-Director of the MUT–Imperial SABER Lab, and Dr. Melpomeni Kalofonou, Director of Healthcare Technology, toured the SABER Lab. During the visit, they were introduced to the group’s ongoing research and then the delegation met with Imperial College London’s Provost, Prof. Peter Haynes, to discuss opportunities for strengthening institutional collaboration between Thailand and the UK. The participation of Assoc. Prof. Pookaiyaudom, co-Director of the SABER Lab, further underscored the strong partnership between MUT and Imperial that underpins the lab’s joint mission.

The visit builds on the SABER Lab's mission as a strategic partnership between Imperial and MUT: strengthening semiconductor resilience by training the next generation of leaders in integrated circuit design and AI technology, and developing AI-enabled biosensor and biomedical electronic systems that improve human and societal wellbeing — from diagnostic biosensors for healthcare to embedded monitoring systems for agriculture and the environment. With Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation funding five PhD scholarships annually for Thai students to train at Imperial's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the discussions held during the week mark a further step in translating the Thailand–UK partnership into lasting research capability and real-world impact.