Bangkok, Thailand (24 October 2025) — Kasetsart University (KU) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have formalized a new chapter of scientific collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Scientific and Technical Collaboration for Developing, Promoting and Disseminating High-Yielding, Climate-Smart and Healthier Rice Technologies.”

The signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, alongside Assoc. Prof. Anuchai Pinyopummin, Vice President for Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Prof. Dr. Kornsorn Srikulnath, Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization of Kasetsart University, and Dr. Bjoern Ole Sander, Senior Scientist and Thailand Country Representative of IRRI.

This partnership underscores a shared vision to strengthen Thailand’s leadership in sustainable rice science and innovation. The MOU—effective immediately and valid for five years—sets a framework for closer collaboration between the two institutions in advancing the future of rice research, production, and policy.

Under the agreement, KU and IRRI will cooperate in the areas of:

1. Advanced breeding and genetics, including climate-resilient varieties and genome editing;
2. Health, nutrition, and grain quality to improve rice for both producers and consumers;
3. Sustainable production and agroecology, with a focus on precision and low-emission rice farming;
4. Policy and socioeconomic research, including rice market analysis, food security, and technology commercialization; and
5. Innovation partnerships, through joint research hubs and technology transfer initiatives.

The MOU also provides for staff and student exchanges, joint seminars and trainings, and capacity-building programs to strengthen technical expertise across Thailand’s rice research community.

This collaboration reflects IRRI’s commitment to science-driven solutions that empower countries to meet the challenges of climate change, nutrition, and sustainable production. As a leading academic and research institution in Thailand, IRRI is proud to partner with Kasetsart University in co-creating innovations that will benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.

The partnership will be implemented through jointly defined projects that align with Thailand’s national priorities, IRRI’s research capacity, and available funding resources. Both institutions will also explore opportunities for joint resource mobilization to expand the impact of their work.

Over the next five years, this collaboration aims to deliver science that is not only cutting-edge but also deeply practical—helping farmers adopt climate-resilient and healthier rice technologies that support both livelihoods and sustainability goals.