On 13 August 2025, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, together with the Minister Counsellor (Agriculture) and officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra, met with representatives of the Agrifood Innovation Institute (AFII), a research institute under the Australian National University (ANU), led by Professor Owen Atkin, Director of the Institute. Also present were representatives from other ANU centres, including Professor Tony Millar, Director of the ARC Training Centre for Future Crops Development; Ms. Sarah Adams, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the ARC Training Centre for Plant Biosecurity; and Dr. Allen Wen, Head of Plant Synbio Australia.

 

During the discussion session, the delegation was briefed about ANU’s capabilities in agricultural science and innovation, including training capabilities in future crop development and plant biosecurity, which ANU operates in collaboration with leading universities in Australia and with support from the Australian Research Council (ARC). The delegation also learned about the Plant Synbio Australia, which was founded this year to advance innovation in modern plant genetics. Both sides also exchanged views on potential areas for collaboration, including in future food, gene-editing technologies, biosecurity, as well as student and researcher exchanges.

 

In addition, the delegation met representatives from the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), led by Professor Matt Tomlinson, Director, School of Cultures, History and Languages, and discussed opportunities for collaboration between CAP and universities in Thailand.

Following the discussion session, the delegation had a tour of research laboratories under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN).