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Reestablishment of the strategic partnership between QMUL and Chulalongkorn University started in 1988

3 February 2025

QMUL delegation visited Chulalongkorn University after the first visit more than 30 years (c) Professor Yuttanant Boonyongmaneerat
QMUL delegation visited Chulalongkorn University after the first visit more than 30 years (c) Professor Yuttanant Boonyongmaneerat
Delegation from the former Queen Mary and Westfield College (QMW), University of London has visited Chulalongkorn University in 1994.
Delegation from the former Queen Mary and Westfield College (QMW), University of London has visited Chulalongkorn University in 1994.

On Thursday 16th January 2025, delegates from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) led by Professor Wen Wang FREng, Vice Principal for Science and Engineering, were warmly received by Lecturer Siratach Sirichumsang, Vice Director of the Office of Registry, Chulalongkorn University and QMUL Alumnus. We thank him for his hospitality and warm welcome.

The trip was also a celebration of the partnership between QMUL and Chulalongkorn University which started in 1988, about 36 years ago. At that time, Professor William Bonfield, Former Head of the Department of Materials, Chairman of the School of Engineering and Dean of Engineering at Queen Mary College, University of London had visited Chulalongkorn University several times to establish the strong partnerships in biomaterials research with Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute.

The photo from 1994 was taken during a stategic visit and includes:

  1. Professor Serena Best CBE FREng, now at University of Cambridge
  2. Professor Yoshitaka Masozue, Kyoto University
  3. Professor William Bonfield CBE FRS FREng FMedSci, now at University of Cambridge
  4. Professor George Bentley FMedSci, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
  5. Professor Takao Yamamuro
  6. Dr Lek Uttamasil, Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University
  7. Professor Dr Piboon Ittiravivong MD, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
  8. Professor Elizabeth Tanner OBE FREng, Queen Mary University of London

After this visit, the team led by Professor William Bonfield was awarded the British Council Link between Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute (MMRI) in 1996. Co-ordinators at the project included Professor William Bonfield, Dr Lek Uttamasil and Dr Weresak Udomkichdecha. The British Council Link project aimed to develop a Thai manufactured bone fracture fixation plate; develop hydroxyapatite and an osteoconductive defect filler; introduce hydroxyapatite -polyethylene composite technology and develop bioactive bone cements for implant fixation.

They have also partnered with Chulalongkorn University to create Biomedical Science and Engineering programme over there. More than 30 years ago, now is the beginning of the new chapter of the strategic partnership between the two universities.

In January 2025, a delegation from QMUL again visited Chulalongkorn University after more than 30 years. From left to right:

  1. Dr Craig Wheway, Senior International Partnerships Manager, Joint Research and Development Office
  2. Professor Alex Clark, Dean for International (Science & Engineering), and Professor of Mathematics, School of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering
  3. Professor Wen Wang FREng, Vice Principal for Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London
  4. Dr Chinnapat Panwisawas, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Materials and Solid Mechanics, Deputy Director of Graduate Studies and Director of Materials Science and Engineering Programme at School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
  5. Lecturer Siratach Sirichumsang, Vice Director of the Office of Registry, Chulalongkorn University and QMUL Alumnus
Contact:Chinnapat Panwisawas
Tel:07551 428989
Email:c.panwisawas@qmul.ac.uk
People:Chinnapat PANWISAWAS Elizabeth TANNER
Research Centres:Intelligent Transport Bioengineering Sustainable Engineering