On 9 July 2026, the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, represented by Associate Professor Dr. Yuthana Phimolsiripol, Dean of the Faculty of Agro-Industry, participated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony to establish the Innovative Food Assessment Center (IFAC). The collaboration brings together the Faculty of Agro-Industry, the Research Institute for Health Sciences (RIHES), the Faculty of Medicine, and the Science and Technology Park, Chiang Mai University. The ceremony was held at the Exhibition Hall, Regional Science Park (Northern Region), Chiang Mai.

The event was presided over by Professor of Practice Charin Techapun, Ph.D., Vice President of Chiang Mai University, and attended by the executives representing the collaborating organizations, including:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pitiwat Wattanachai
  Director, Science and Technology Park, Chiang Mai University
• Prof. Dr. Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai
  Director, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nut Koonrungsesomboon 

Assistant Dean for Research, Innovation and International Relations, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University 

The establishment of IFAC aims to provide scientific safety assessment services and safety evaluation reports for novel foods, non-novel foods, foods for specific purposes, and food contact materials/packaging, in accordance with the regulatory framework of the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA).

Through this collaboration, IFAC will serve as a multidisciplinary platform to strengthen food safety assessment based on internationally recognized scientific standards while supporting regulatory compliance, research and innovation, and the evolving needs of the food industry.