Collaboration with institutes in Thailand
A group of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, have recently visited Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss intensively with scientists from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College at the Chulalongkorn University, the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) and National Science and Development Agency (NSTDA). Professor Katharina Landfester, who is responsible for the department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, and Professor Hans-Jürgen Butt, who leads the department of Physics at Interfaces at the Max Planck Institutefor Polymer Research, have led the high-ranking nine-member Mainz research delegation.
During the multi-day symposium about nanostructures and responsive soft materials, the scientists from Mainz have intensively exchanged views with their Thai hosts. Professor Landfester confirmed: "Our common goal is to intensify scientific collaborations including research visits, as well as meetings, seminars and workshops on both sides." The conclusion of joint memoranda of understanding has been an important outcome of the symposium, for example to exchange students through various research programs to promote application-related polymer research.
Memoranda of understanding seal collaborations
The memoranda of understanding focus on strengthening scientific collaborations in the broad field of polymer, petrochemical and nanotechnology research. Professor Butt emphasized: "The memoranda of understanding are a visible sign of our joint efforts to strengthen the scientific relations between our institute and our Thai partners."
One memorandum of understanding for the collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and Thailand has been signed by Professor Jumras Limtrakul, President of the Vidyasirimedhi Institute for Science and Technology (VISTEC) in Papyupnai, Thailand, and by Professor Landfester during a formal ceremony. Another memorandum seals the cooperation with the Petroleum and Petrochemical College at the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. It has been signed by Professor Suwabun Chirachanchai and by Professor Landfester and Professor Butt.
The symposium has ended with lectures of the Mainz group leaders of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the Thai scientists on their respective subject areas.
