Climate change, the increase in world population, and the emergence of infectious diseases are among factors that threaten the global food security, contributing to food scarcity and affecting the production of nutritious and safe food. To address this challenge, BIOTEC-NSTDA, in collaboration with Thammasat University and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), established the International Joint Research Center on Food Security (IJC-FOODSEC) in 2022. The center aims to become a center of excellence, conducting high-quality research to support food security in the ASEAN region.

IJC-FOODSEC is a product of a decade-long collaboration between BIOTEC and QUB.  In 2022, with the inclusion of Thai academic partner like Thammasat University, IJC-FOODSEC was officially established, implementing comprehensive activities encompassing joint research and development, capacity building of R&D personnel and students and collaborative research with the food and feed industries.

Prof. Dr. Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri, BIOTEC Researcher and IJC-FOODSEC Director revealed that the center’s prime focus is on the development of food production systems that minimize losses and maximize resource utilization. The ultimate goal is to reduce production costs, increase profits, and enhance the value of agricultural products and biological resources in the country. In addition, the center conducts studies on food safety, with a special focus on mycotoxins.

The center has successfully developed a range of technologies that are now ready for commercial use. These include biocontrol technology for pest management, MycoSMART (Mycotoxin Strip based on MicroARray Technology) for mycotoxin detection, and Agri-Mycotoxin binder for the control of mycotoxins in feeds, such as aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1, and deoxynivalenol.

Dr. Nitsara also announced that IJC-FOODSEC will be hosting ASEAN-ASSET 2023: Global Summit on the Future of Future Food, marking the first time this important event to take place Asia. The summit is scheduled for 14-15 November 2023 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. For more information on this event, please visit: www.biotec.or.th/asean-asset2023/.