From March 2 to March 7, 2026, Kyushu University implemented the Overseas Dispatch Program for Students and Young Researchers, as part of the activities of the Environmental Plastics Research Complex (EPReC), a Strategic International Framework (SIF) initiative related to environmental plastics.
In this program, various training activities were organized mainly in Bangkok, where Kyushu University’s research hub for marine plastics—The Center for Ocean Plastic Studies (COPS)—is located. In addition to lectures and facility tours at COPS, the participants visited Precious Plastic, a community-based recycling initiative that promotes the local reuse of plastic waste; the JICA Thailand Office; the Samae San area, where plastic waste is stockpiled in open areas; and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). SEAFDEC is an international organization established in 1967 to promote the sustainable utilization of fisheries and aquatic resources in Southeast Asia, with the aim of advancing fisheries resource management, research, and human resource development in the ASEAN region. Lectures and facility tours were also conducted at SEAFDEC as part of the program. New for visit to SEAFDEC was up in this site.
A total of six early-career researchers and students from Kyushu University who are engaged in research related to environmental plastics participated in this program. By experiencing real-world sites and initiatives, the program is expected to deepen participants’ understanding of the challenges surrounding environmental plastics.
We look forward to the continued achievements of these young researchers in this field.
Reports prepared by the participants will be published on this website at a later date.
