Highlights from the Franco-Thai Symposium 2025
On April 30, 2025, our team had the privilege of participating in the Franco-Thai Symposium 2025, titled ChiraChem Symposium 2025, held at Amphi 2, ENSMAC, University of Bordeaux, France.
This year’s symposium was primarily organized by Prof. Dr. Alexander Kuhn and his team. The event opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Neso Sojic, Director of International Relations at ENSMAC CNRS, followed by welcome speeches from the chairs: Prof. Dr. Alexander Kuhn, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chularat Wattanakit, and co-chair Dr. Gabriel Loget.
The scientific program featured 16 researchers from both France and Thailand. Notable contributors included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khampee Phomphrai and Prof. Dr. Adrian Flood from VISTEC, and Dr. Sopon Butcha from Thammasat University. On the French side, presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Neso Sojic, Asst. Prof. Dr. Adeline Perro from the University of Bordeaux, and Dr. Sitthichok Kasemthaveechok, with all speakers sharing insights on chiral synthesis, electrochemical synthesis, and related applications.
Additionally, post-doctoral researchers such as Dr. Gerardo Salinas and Dr. Supattra Somsri (University of Bordeaux), Dr. Sitthichok Kasemthaveechok (Sorbonne University), and Dr. Anittha Prasertsab (VISTEC) presented compelling research on electrosynthesis and photocatalysis for chiral applications.
The symposium also served as an excellent platform for emerging researchers. Several students delivered impactful presentations, including:
Mr. Sorasak Klinyod, Mr. Zikkawas Pasom, and Mr. Wanmai Srisuwanno (Cotutelle doctoral students)
Ms. Watinee Nanthakitgoson, Ms. Anousha Sohail, and Ms. Kanokwan Klahan (Ph.D. students, VISTEC)
Ms. Cara Loson (M.S. student, University of Bordeaux)
With over 30 participants, the event was a resounding success. It reaffirmed the strong and sustained collaboration between France (University of Bordeaux) and Thailand (VISTEC), now approaching a decade. As Prof. Alexander Kuhn reflected, “ChiraChem has its roots in a long-term collaboration that began in 2006 with Professor Jumras Limtrakul and was further strengthened in 2015 with Associate Professor Chularat Wattanakit.”
This symposium served as an invaluable platform for scientific exchange, enabling our team to engage with international experts, foster collaborations, and receive constructive feedback to advance our research.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Franco-Thai Symposium organizers and all participants for making this event a success. We are also deeply grateful to CNRS, U.S. AFOSR, and PMU-B (Global Partnership for Research and Innovation Program) for their generous support, which made our participation possible.
