Seminar: “eDNA and the Sustainability of Thailand’s Aquatic Resources” under the Visionary Strategic Integration of Chula’s 9 Core Research Institutes 

On April 29, 2025, at the 7th-floor conference room of the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, presided over the opening of a seminar hosted by the nine core research institutes under the visionary strategy of integrated research collaboration at Chulalongkorn University. The seminar, titled “eDNA and the Sustainability of Thailand’s Aquatic Resources,” began with a welcome speech by Professor Dr. Voranop Viyakarn, Director of the Chula Water Resources Research Institute. 

Organized by Chulalongkorn’s nine research institutes, led by the Water Resources Research Institute, the seminar aims at promoting the exchange of knowledge, experience, and approaches to applying environmental DNA (eDNA) technology. It also aims to address scientific, medical, and veterinary challenges while providing a platform for researchers, faculty members, and policymakers to get together and discuss and develop eDNA techniques in solving national issues. 

The event featured lectures by esteemed experts across various fields, including: 

• “eDNA Techniques in Research: Background and Methodologies” by Dr. Sirawut Klinbunga, Research Team for Genetic Markers and Aquatic Biotechnology, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC),
• “Applying eDNA in Marine and Coastal Resource Management” by Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, 
• “eDNA and Policy Advocacy for the Protection of National Maritime Interests” by Professor Dr.  Padermsak Jarayabhand, Director of the Coordination Center for Blue Economy Research and Innovation, 
• As well as a panel discussion by Chula’s professors and academic experts. 

In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat highlighted eDNA as a significant innovation with applications across numerous scientific disciplines such as ecology, biology, and environmental science. He emphasized its crucial role in biodiversity conservation, species extinction prevention, ecosystem monitoring, and environmental contamination detection. Therefore, acknowledging that eDNA plays a vital role in the conservation and management of aquatic resources. 

The president expressed hope that the seminar would inspire knowledge sharing and policy development, aiming to embed environmental consciousness as part of the Thai people’s “DNA.” Sustainable environmental development, he stressed, cannot be achieved without awareness, attitudes, and a collective conscience. Chulalongkorn University places great importance on creating value in aquatic resource conservation. This seminar exemplifies an integration of academic knowledge across disciplines by the nine core research institutes, to be of great benefit to all participants. 

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