Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand (NSTDA)*1 and the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines (DOST)*2, with the approval of the e-ASIA Board, have agreed to commence support for 1 collaborative research project in the field of 'Functional Materials' within the framework of the e-ASIA Joint Research Program (e-ASIA JRP) *3.
The selected projects are as follows:
“Development of Functional Nanocarbon-Based Catalysts for Biomass Conversion Processes” to be conducted jointly by Tetsuya Kida, Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kumamoto University in Japan, Artiwan Shotipruk, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and Joseph Auresenia, Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, De La Salle University-Manila in the Philippines.
This collaborative research aims to synthesize nanocarbon materials such as graphene oxide, carbon nanotube and hydrothermal carbon, and utilize them for efficient conversion of vast biomass resources available in Southeast Asian region into useful compounds under special reaction field of supercritical fluid and microwave irradiation.
A total of 2 proposals were submitted in response to the joint call implemented by JST, NSTDA and DOST in the research field of 'Functional Materials'. Separate expert evaluations were commissioned by the three parties, conducted according to their respective criteria to assess the quality of the research plan and expected effectiveness of exchange activities among other aspects, before a joint selection meeting in July concluded with the selection of the one (1) successful project. Support will commence in November 2014, and will last for 3 years.
*1 National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
NSTDA was created by the Science and Technology Development Act of 1991 and officially commenced its operations in 1992. It was founded with the explicit aim to “...conduct, support, coordinate, and promote efforts in scientific and technological development between the public and the private sectors towards maximizing benefit for national development...”
NSTDA homepage: http://www.nstda.or.th/eng/
*2 Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
DOST supports, directs and coordinates all scientific and technological activities in the Philippines, encourages greater private sector participation in research and development, and formulates policies, programs and projects to support national development towards achieving technological self-reliance for the Philippines.
DOST homepage: http://www.dost.gov.ph/
*3 The e-ASIA Joint Research Program (e-ASIA JRP)
Through the acceleration of science and technology research exchange and collaboration in the East Asian region, e-ASIA JRP aims to strengthen research and development capabilities towards resolution of shared challenges across the region, including those associated with environmental protection, natural disaster mitigation and infectious diseases prevention.
e-ASIA JRP Homepage: http://www.the-easia.org/jrp/
Attachments
Contact
Hideo NAKAJIMA (Dr.)
Department of International Affairs, JST
K’s Gobancho, 7, Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0076
Tel:+81-3-5214-7375 Fax:+81-3-5214-7379
E-mail: 