Short-term experts worked in Khon Kaen and Bangkok

Two short-term experts conducted research activities of G4 and G5.
Please see below for the activity report.

Short-Term Expert Report

Chief Researcher Prof. Masaaki Morikawa, Hokkaido University (16 – 20 June 2026)
Group4 Leader Assoc. Prof. Kengo Kubota, Tohoku University (16 – 18 June 2026)

June 16 to 18, 2026
Prof. Masaaki Morikawa from Hokkaido University and Dr. Kengo Kubota from Tohoku University visited Khon Kaen University and a tapioca starch factory where a bench-scale reactor is installed. During the visit, they checked the operating status of the reactor and held meetings regarding its future operation. This activity is part of the development of methane fermentation technology, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Pairaya Choeisai and Dr. Thanapat Thepubon from Khon Kaen University. A research student from Kagawa National College of Technology (Kagawa Kosen) also visited the site to see the reactor. The experiments are generally progressing well, including the identification of challenges arising from the continuous feeding of duckweed into the reactor. It was agreed to continue the operation of the reactor moving forward.
Additionally, the team visited the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture at Khon Kaen University where duckweed research has been started and discussed the applications of duckweed.

Note:
The project consists of six research groups namely: G1: Duckweed Holobiont Resource & Research Center (DHbRC). G2: Duckweed holobiont collection. G3: Duckweed holobiont analysis and biotechnology. G4: Duckweed biomass utilization. G5: Duckweed wastewater treatment technology. G6: Social implementation activities toward BCG economy.