Kagawa University Agriculture

On May 29, 2025, the Faculty of Agriculture at Kagawa University held the closing ceremony for its International Research Internship Program, marking the successful conclusion of a two-month academic exchange with the Theophane Venard School of Biotechnology, Assumption University (Thailand).

This year, four student interns from Assumption University were welcomed through a collaborative effort led by Prof. Dr. Peter Lutes, Chair of the International Exchange Committee at Kagawa University, and Lect. Dr. Atittaya Tandhanskul, Assistant Dean for Global Academic Development and Industrial Collaboration at Assumption University.

Running from March 28 to June 1, 2025, the internship offered students a valuable opportunity to engage in hands-on research, cultural exchange, and visits to local agricultural sites. Research activities were supervised by the following faculty members:

• Prof. Dr. Lutes, Applied Communication Lab
• Prof. Dr. Yamaguchi, Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanagita, Chemical Biology Lab

During the closing event, students delivered their final presentations, received certificates of completion, and participated in a commemorative photo session. The ceremony included formal remarks from both institutions, including:

• Prof. Dr. Ogawa, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Patchanee Yasurin, Dean, Theophane Venard School of Biotechnology, Assumption University
• Lect. Dr. Roungdao Klinjapo, Chairperson, Department of Food Technology, Assumption University
• Prof. Dr. Lutes, Chair, International Exchange Committee, Kagawa University

Attendees included:

From Assumption University:

• Lect. Dr. Atittaya Tandhanskul, Assistant Dean for Global Academic Development and Industrial Collaboration
• Four student interns

From Kagawa University:

• Prof. Dr. Ogawa, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture
• Prof. Dr. Lutes, Chair of the International Exchange Committee
• Prof. Dr. Kawamura, Vice-Dean for International Affairs
• Prof. Dr. Yamaguchi, Coastal Biogeochemistry Laboratory
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanagita, Chemical Biology Laboratory
• Faculty members, administrative staff, and Kagawa University students

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Program Highlights and Timeline

March 28–31:
The interns arrived in Japan and were formally received by the host institution. Orientation sessions were conducted to introduce the Faculty of Agriculture, its educational programs, and facilities by Prof. Dr. Lutes and Lect. Dr. Khalife.

April 1–22:
Initial research placements were carried out, where students were introduced to ongoing projects and methodologies. Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Lutes.

Interns also attended special seminars in core areas related to their studies, including the Food Science Area, Plant Science, Biomolecular Chemistry, and Environmental and Ecological Functions.

April–May (Ongoing):
Laboratory research was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Yamaguchi (Environmental Science Group) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanagita (Animal Science Group). Weekly academic sessions were also held, including:

• International Communication Seminars led by Prof. Dr. Lutes and Lect. Dr. Khalife
• Japanese Language Classes coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Takamizu and Assoc. Prof. Shioi

Additional highlights of the program included a guided industry visit to Sanuki Mengyo Co., Ltd., and a hands-on workshop on ice cream production using rare sugars, led by Prof. Dr. Ogawa, Dean.

May 29:
A Final Presentation and Closing Ceremony was held.

June 1:
The interns return to Thailand, concluding the two-month training and exchange program.

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Kagawa University extends its sincere appreciation to all participants and collaborators for making this program a success, and looks forward to continued partnership with Assumption University in the years ahead.