Khon Kaen University

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biotechnology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biotechnology at Khon Kaen University is a research-intensive curriculum explicitly designed to drive the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy. By integrating advanced biotechnology with engineering principles, the program addresses critical global challenges. It makes significant contributions to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through extensive coursework on biofuels, hydrogen production, and bio-energy. It strongly supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by focusing on biorefineries, fermentation technology, and the valorization of agro-industrial residues. Furthermore, the curriculum promotes SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through agricultural biotechnology and biofertilizers, and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) via bioremediation technologies. With a foundation in advanced research and international publication, the program fosters SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), creating high-level researchers capable of sustainable innovation.

Best Practices

        The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biotechnology of Khon Kaen University serves as a principal mechanism for producing high-level researchers to drive the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, a national agenda and a key strategy for addressing global sustainability challenges - especially inefficient resource use and environmental pollution.
        The curriculum intensively integrates research and innovation through a dissertation process focused on generating new knowledge and technologies with real-world applications. This is complemented by critical analysis and synthesis of research in Biotechnology Seminar 1 and 2, and hands-on learning in specialized courses with direct sustainability impact, such as Environmental Biotechnology (TE 027 751), which targets pollution solutions, and Business Challenges in Food Innovation Biotechnology (TE 027 741), which covers health foods, functional foods, plant-based meat, and cultured meat.
        Tangible outcomes include the production of doctoral graduates with the capacity to conduct leading research in clean energy and sustainable waste management. This research must be published in international academic journals and lead to the development of technologies that can sustainably reduce environmental impacts, such as studies on biohydrogen production from algal biomass.
        The sustainable impact of this program is the advancement of national development toward industrial and innovation progress (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by producing top-tier personnel capable of creating and transferring biotechnological innovations; the promotion of responsible consumption and production (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production) through the application of biotechnology for waste management and efficient resource use under the BCG model; and a focus on research for sustainable clean energy (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy), reinforcing Khon Kaen University's mission as a leader in biotechnology for a sustainable global future.