The Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment (Khon Kaen P-ONRE), organised a meeting on 18 December 2025 at the Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University. The primary goal was to integrate academic knowledge and operational practices for the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment, particularly focusing on transferring technology and innovation for air quality (PM 2.5) management in local communities.

      Associate Professor Chuchat Kamollerd, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Academic Service, officially welcomed the attendees and provided background information on the Office’s consistent focus on transferring Khon Kaen University’s innovations to communities. He highlighted that in January 2026, the Office of Academic Service plans to launch a project related to air pollution reduction. Therefore, Khon Kaen P-ONRE was invited to participate closely in the operation to ensure that academic services effectively address the urgent issues faced by the province.

          Mr. Naret Boonchom, Director of Khon Kaen P-ONRE, expressed his pleasure regarding the collaboration and outlined the core mission of Khon Kaen P-ONRE as the central agency for managing natural resources and the environment in the area. He noted that the office currently places paramount importance on tackling air pollution (PM 2.5), managing green zones, and regulating the use of groundwater resources.

       Mr. Naret emphasised that Khon Kaen University possesses significant academic strength and technological innovations that align perfectly with Khon Kaen P-ONRE’s mission. This collaboration is thus regarded as a crucial opportunity to integrate the missions of the two organisations to elevate the standard of environmental problem-solving at the provincial level.

Following the discussion, a joint project focusing on PM 2.5 management through KKU’s innovations will commence in early 2026 in three pilot districts: Mueang Khon Kaen District, Nong Ruea District, and Nam Phong District of Khon Kaen Province.

Both agencies expressed confidence that this alliance between a government body and a leading higher education institution will generate a crucial model for driving Khon Kaen Province towards becoming a “Model City for Environmental Management.