Thailand's NANOTEC signs affiliation agreement with West Virginia University

(Nanowerk News) The National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) today announced it has entered into an Affiliation Agreement with the School of Pharmacy at West Virginia University, USA to explore collaborative research opportunities in areas related to pharmaceutical and health-related research initiatives.
"We are always striving to add dynamics to our in-house research initiatives in order to enhance human resource development and increase the qualitative aspects of our research undertaking. We are confident the affiliation with the School of Pharmacy at West Virginia University will help us achieve this goal," said Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director of NANOTEC.
Dr. Yon, Dr. Patricia, Mrs. Euaporn, Dr. Sirasak
from left: Dr. Yon, Dr. Patricia, Mrs. Euaporn, Dr. Sirasak
"The emphasis must be on collaboration" said Dr. Patricia A. Chase, Dean for the School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University. "It is not just about science, it must be a team effort between scientists and administrators both on the research front and the policy/funding aspects".
Also commenting on the Affiliation Agreement, Dr. Ubonthip Nimmannit, Head of Nano-Cosme Lab at NANOTEC said, "the initial collaboration focus will be in the area of formulation and nano-encapsulation. With our strength in formulation/nano-encapsulation and WVU's strength in pharmaceutical science, I think we can maximize the knowledge sharing process between our two institutes".
According to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturing Association (PREMA), it is estimated that 13.8% of the Thai population will be above 60 years of age in 2015. It is expected that this aging population will increase the demand for pharmaceutical products. Despite the fact that Thailand has made considerable progress in meeting its domestic pharmaceutical needs, it still relies heavily on imports.
Source: NANOTEC