Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement on Academic and Research Collaboration between Kasetsart University and MDPI

          On 28 October 2024, in Meeting Room No. 10 on the 10^th floor of the Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University Bangkhen Campus, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apisit Songsasen, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, graciously presided over the opening of the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Kasetsart University and MDPI to support collaborative research and academic development. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kornsorn Srikulnath, Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization, reported on the significance of this collaboration, while Ms. Suphanee Hongthong, Director of KU Library, welcomed the attendees. The event commenced with a presentation of an introductory video about Kasetsart University, KU Library, and MDPI, providing an overview of each organization’s mission and focus areas. The signing ceremony was honored by the presence of executives from MDPI, the personnel of the Office of Kasetsart University Library, Mrs. Rattama Chaivaiprib, Head of the Administration and International Strategies Section, and IAD personnel, all attending as witnesses to the official signing.

          MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) is an international academic publisher established in 1996, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. MDPI focuses on disseminating high-quality research through open-access online academic journals, aiming to provide researchers worldwide with free access to data and research outputs, thereby enhancing the accessibility of information and facilitating the global dissemination of research. Since 2019, MDPI has expanded its operations internationally, starting offices in Japan and currently has offices in over 12 countries worldwide, including regional centers in Asia, Europe, and America. Recently, it opened a branch in Bangkok, Thailand, enabling MDPI to provide closer support to researchers in Thailand and the region.

          The signing of the MOA between MDPI and KU Library will strengthen the online learning resources and databases, allowing faculty, students, and staff at Kasetsart University better access to research data and effectively disseminate their research outputs internationally through MDPI's open-access platform. It also opens opportunities for researchers at Kasetsart University to leverage a comprehensive global research network. This collaboration will enhance the strength of the database and learning resources, allowing faculty and researchers at Kasetsart University to access and publish their research through internationally recognized channels, thus increasing the visibility of their work globally.

          During the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apisit Songsasen warmly welcomed and congratulated the attendees on this collaboration, emphasizing the opportunities and benefits arising from joint efforts in research and development. Following this, Mr. Alistair Freeland, Chief Operating Officer of MDPI, expressed his pleasure in collaborating with Kasetsart University and highlighted the importance of joint research support, which is expected to lead to new opportunities for research projects, academic publication, and the development of an international network. Additionally, MDPI is known for its swift publication process, enabling researchers to disseminate their work more quickly than other publishers. With operations across Europe, Asia, and America, MDPI stands out as a publisher that comprehensively and easily supports researchers, gaining popularity among researchers and academic institutions in various countries.

          After the greetings from the executives, the ceremony proceeded to the signing of the MOA, which was signed by Ms. Suphanee Hongthong, Director of KU Library, and Mr. Alistair Freeland, Chief Operating Officer of MDPI. Following the signing ceremony, a group photo was taken to commemorate this achievement, and souvenirs from both parties were exchanged as a symbol of the beginning of a strong partnership. This signing marks a significant step in the academic development of Kasetsart University, promoting access to and dissemination of research at the international level, and reaffirming the commitment to advancing research and education in the future.