Thailand is one of the world's top seafood exporters, exporting 1.5 million tons of fresh and processed seafood, valued at 195 billion baht per year. Seafood is therefore very important to the country's economy.
The International Center of Excellence in Seafood Science and Innovation (ICE-SSI) was established on 25 December 2020 at the PSU Faculty of Agro-Industry to be the leading research center in seafood science and innovation in Southeast Asia. The center’s main goal is the sustainable use and development of marine resources, under the mission of conducting research to create a modern body of knowledge for use in academic and industrial circles, and the production of high-quality manpower in seafood science and innovation to meet market demand. The center also aims to strengthen research cooperation through a network of universities and research institutes abroad. With expertise on seafood research for more than 20 years, the results are evident both in Thailand and worldwide.
ICE-SSI Director Prof. Dr. Soottawat Benjakul explained that the center's core concept is to focus on creating research on the quality and safety of quality seafood to meet the needs of the domestic industry, including building an international network by cooperation with universities and research institutes abroad in creating research and sharing knowledge of various works.
In addition, academic services are also provided, fulfilling one of the missions of the university by transferring knowledge to the industry and entrepreneurs in the field of seafood research. The private sector is interested in research on bio-calcium because it is a product with worldwide demand by the Halal market. The center also cooperates with the Science Park in using modern tools and technologies to create effective research.
One interesting project the ICE-SSI is involved in is the exploitation of seafood waste to respond the needs of the seafood industry, which is in line with the national strategy in aiming at the national development goals using resources efficiently. The BCG Economy (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) is an economic model for sustainable development as well as realizing and giving importance to manpower, leading to the creation of graduate studies. At present, there are both local and international students interested in studying at ICE-SSI, and the continuous demand is expected to grow.
“ICE-SSI has a full range of skilled staff and researchers to drive the creation of high-quality research, aiming to be a world-class research center, producing modern knowledge able to compete on a global scale. With the transfer of technology and knowledge for further commercialization, along with creating quality manpower, the center is ready to continue serving the society nationally and internationally”,
Dr. Suttawat concluded.
