The opening of this new laboratory marks an important milestone in Imperial's collaboration with the Mahanakorn University of Technology Thailand.
On a sunny Thursday afternoon, the main entrance foyer of Imperial College London was alive with excitement as Imperial and Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) officially launched the MUT-Imperial Semiconductor AI & BioSensor Electronics Research Lab (SABER Lab). Imperial welcomed a delegation from Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHSEI), including Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi and Permanent Secretary Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, as well as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panavy Pookaiyaudom, President of MUT for the opening and signing ceremonies for the lab.
The SABER Lab was made possible thanks to the generous support from MHSEI through MUT. Co-directed by Professor Pantelis Georgiou, Professor of Biomedical Electronics at Imperial's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and Professor Pookaiyaudom, the lab will combine the complementary strengths of the two universities. This partnership initiative will bring together Imperial's world-class expertise in integrated circuit design and biomedical electronics and MUT's state-of-the-art training facilities and electronics design.
The lab will be key in addressing the global call for semiconductor resilience, providing the urgent need for advanced training and innovation for the semiconductor industry.
Professor Georgiou said: "SABER Lab will serve as a beacon for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship in semiconductor IC design, AI and biosensor systems. With a focus on real-world impact, it will address the global challenges we face in healthcare and agriculture. We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and to MUT for supporting this initiative."
The signing ceremony was hosted by Imperial Provost Professor Ian Walmsley. Guests from MHSEI and MUT had the chance to participate in the unveiling of the SABER Lab by Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi followed by a tour with Professor Georgiou showcasing various semiconductor research projects in the lab. This followed with a meeting with Professor Nigel Brandon, Dean of Engineering, and Professor Tim Green, Head of the Department of EEE.
Representatives of the Thai government also enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Thai students studying at Imperial about their university experience.
Supporting future Thai leaders
As part of its commitment to accelerate Thailand's workforce in future technology, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is funding 5 PhD scholarships annually for the next 5 years for Thai students based in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The SABER Lab will play a pivotal role in nurturing and training the next generation of Thai scholars, giving them the opportunity to work with leading experts and develop their practical skills using the latest state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. This collaboration is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and will help upskill the workforce in Thailand's semiconductor industry.
Professor Pookaiyaudom said: "SABER Lab is not just a research center but also a global platform that allows Thai students to push the limits of learning and become true technology leaders."
About the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Located in a dedicated 12-storey tower at the heart of Imperial's South Kensington Campus, the Department of EEE is a strong community of 1,200 staff and students. The Department delivers important research and trains future leaders across a breadth of fields in electrical and electronic systems and information science, continuing a long history of excellence dating back to the 1870s.
