Strengthening Biodiversity and Innovation Partnerships Through the WAITRO Network: A Collaboration Between TISTR and BRIN for Sustainable Development

On November 22, 2024, the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) welcomed Dr. Ratih Damayanti, Director of Scientific Collection Management from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, for a discussion meeting and study visit on Culture Collection Management at TISTR Technopolis, Pathum Thani, Thailand.

The delegation from TISTR’s Biodiversity Research Centre, particularly those responsible for the Microbiological Resource Centre (Bangkok MIRCEN), presented TISTR’s research achievements in microbial culture collection management and its applications for sustainable development. Dr. Ratih shared valuable insights into BRIN’s best practices and successes in managing microbial collections for research purposes, while also exploring opportunities for collaborative research between the two institutions.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured TISTR’s microbiology laboratories and the Algal Excellence Center (ALEC), both of which play a critical role in advancing research, innovation, and international services for private and industrial sectors.

TISTR and BRIN, both prominent member organizations of WAITRO in the Asia and Pacific region, have long recognized each other’s strengths through active participation in the WAITRO network. This collaboration reinforces their shared commitment to advancing international microbial collection management. The visit marks a pivotal step in leveraging their mutual expertise, strengthening ties within the WAITRO community, and expanding joint efforts in biodiversity research and scientific innovation.

These initiatives directly support key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):