Mahidol University International College (MUIC) hosted the successful “Biosynergy 2023,” an event that highlighted the botanical field studies and experiments of Grade 10 students of Mahidol University International Demonstration School (MUIDS) on October 24, 2023 at MUIC’s Auditorium.

“Biosynergy 2023” was the culminating activity of the Biophilia Plant Kits, a subproject of the Biophilia Research Cluster of MUIC. Lead organizer Mr. Laird Allan of the Science Division, and Dr. Kritya Bunchongchit, Program Director of Creative Technology, led a team of 16 upperclass student mentors from MUIC to instruct 286 Grade 10 students from MUIDS during September and October 2023.

Under the Biophilia Plant Kits subproject, the organizers installed upcycled wood tables in six greenhouses on the grounds of MUIDS where the participating students raised more than 1,000 bean seedlings, learning valuable lessons in botany and along with several practical skills.

These students were divided into 12 teams which then gave a presentation of their output in “Biosynergy 2023.”

In the morning of October 24, the 286 students and 10 of their teachers were brought to Sireeruckhachati Nature Learning Park inside the MU Salaya campus for the first part of “Biosynergy 2023.” Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, MD, MUIC Dean, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wariya Chinwanno, MUIDS School Director, gave the welcoming remarks. Ajarn Laird and his team then gave the students a guided tour and also facilitated talks on biodiversity values, Thai traditional herbal medicine, and the multisensory plant aesthetics.

The second part of the event was the “Biophilia Plant Kits Presentation Competition.” A panel of judges composed of Dr. Bryan Ott, Chair of the Fine and Applied Arts Division; Mr. Joseph Serrani, Program Director, Preparation Center for Languages and Mathematics; Dr. Wayne N. Phillips, faculty member of the Science Division; Ajarn Chutamas Jayuutdiskul, faculty member of Food Science and Technology Program; and Ms. Princess Erica Gallemit, Food Science and Technology alumna. Before the announcement of the winners, the Theatre Club performed a musical skit. Several MUIC students also participated as volunteers during the event.

The top winners were:

1^st Prize: Section 10

1^st Runnerup: Section 1

2^nd Runnerup: Section 4

Special award recipients were:

Best Speaker Award: Section 2

Communication Design Award: Section 10

Cyborg Award: Section 10

Mot Daeng Award: Section 8

Citizen Scientist Award: Section 6

Biophilia Award: Section 6

Social Butterfly Award: Section 10

Ajarn Laird described Biosynergy 2023 as a resounding success: “We were able to help almost 300 Grade 10 students learn and appreciate much more about nature and their place in it. Hands-on learning all the way including the students’ incredible presentations based on the plant kits. The best thing about it is that everyone involved gained a great experience including all the wonderful staff, students, teachers and professors who supported the students in their journeys. Literally hundreds of lasting experiences and memories grew from this fertile ground.”

This project is cosponsored by MUIDS Department of Biology and MUIC Research Grant 2022.