Khon Kaen University (KKU) welcomed Professor Yet-Ming Chiang of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a globally influential scientist in Climate Tech, on August 22, 2025, to discuss potential research collaborations in clean energy. Prof. Chiang, who holds the Kyocera Professorship at MIT, was recently named to the TIME 100 Climate List as one of the world’s key figures in addressing climate change.

The high-level meeting was led by KKU President,Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., and attended by other university executives, including the Vice President for International Affairs and the Director of the Battery and New Energy Factory. During his visit, Prof. Chiang toured the university’s advanced research facility, the Battery and New Energy Factory (kkUVolts), which serves as a hub for developing and transferring future energy technologies. Discussions focused on joint research opportunities in battery innovation, clean energy technology, and creating a sustainable Climate Tech ecosystem with commercial and social applications.

In addition to the strategic meetings, Prof. Chiang delivered a special lecture to the university community titled, “How to be an Optimist about Climate Change.” Hosted by the Faculty of Science, the presentation provided deep insights into clean energy innovations, case studies of successful Climate Tech startups, and examples of next-generation energy storage technologies like iron-air batteries and sodium-air fuel cells. The lecture attracted a large audience of faculty, students, and members of the public.

Prof. Chiang’s visit marks a significant step for Khon Kaen University in expanding its academic network with world-leading institutions. The collaboration underscores KKU’s commitment to enhancing its research and innovation capabilities in clean energy, smart cities, and sustainable development, aligning with both the university’s mission and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).