On August 24, 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Trakarn Prapaspongsa of the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, met faculty members from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Trakarn is Chair of the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (International Program), at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The MIT delegation was led by Professor Retsef Levi and Professor Karen Zheng from the MIT Sloan School of Management. The delegates participated in a collaborative discussion on PM2.5, air quality, and health impacts. The meeting was held in Meeting Room 1, 24th Floor, of Bangkok Bank Headquarters.

The discussion brought together researchers from Mahidol University and MIT to explore opportunities for collaboration under the theme “PM2.5 and Health Research Collaboration.” The initiative addresses one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges and integrates expertise from both institutions to advance research on air pollution and its health consequences.

Key topics of discussion included the availability of data about PM2.5, air quality, and health in Thailand; identifying promising research questions; establishing joint research teams; and strengthening academic networks between researchers from both institutions. The participants also exchanged ideas on how research findings could contribute to evidence- based policies and practical solutions for improving public health outcomes.

The meeting marks an important step toward expanding international academic and research collaboration between Mahidol University and MIT. Both institutions expressed interest in pursuing joint research projects, collaborative publications, and long-term partnerships focused on air quality and health, which will contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions to address PM2.5 challenges in Thailand and beyond.