Biochemical Engineering
and
Pilot Plant Research and Development Unit
(BEC)

Background

The Biochemical Engineering and Pilot Plant Research and Development Unit (BEC) was established in 1986 under cooperative program between the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). The Unit serves as a center for research and development in biochemical engineering and pilot plant design, with a strong emphasis on applications suitable to local industrial needs. During the initial phase, BEC bec ame one of a number of independent satellite research units of BIOTEC. This allowed the research group to work independent of the bureaucratic system.

During Phase II, (1995-1999), BIOTEC bec ame an autonomous organization and a large number of their graduate scholarship researchers trained overseas returned to Thailand to work in collaboration with the satellite units. Also during this period, administration of the units was undertaken by university staff assigned by BIOTEC for this purpose. BEC's first 5-year plan was implemented during this phase emphasizing collaboration between researchers from both BIOTEC and KMUTT who worked together in the laboratory facilities at KMUTT. This concept of shared resources has proven to be a successful innovation for research profgrams in Thailand , producing a win-win for both parties.

The second 5-year plan was implemented during the third phase (2000-2005). The formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 23 December 1999 had helped to better define the activities and clarify the expected support and roles of both partners. The second 5-year plan provided a framework for research, development and engineering that focuses on the activities of four major research groups; Algal Biotechnology, Sensor Technology, Microbial Bioprocess Development and Waste Utilization and Management. At the end of this 5-year plan, BIOTEC and KMUTT agreed to restructure the scope of BEC's works by spinning-off the Waste Utilization and Management Research group to be Excellence Center of Waste Utilization and Management (ECoWaste).

The fourth phase (2006-2010) is currently being implemented with the formal Memorandum of Understanding started from 1 st October 2005. The framework of the third 5-year plan of BEC focuses on the activities of five major research groups including Algal Biotechnology, Sensor Technology, Microbial Bioprocess Development, Food Technology and Engineering, and Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. Apart from BEC as collaborative research and development unit, KMUTT and BIOTEC have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to set up the Excellence Center of Waste Utilization and Management (ECoWaste), spun-off R&D group from BEC, at KMUTT.

Dr. Solot Suwanayuen has guided BEC as its Director since the establishment of the Unit in 1986.