The “TAGUCHI FUND”, commemorating the contribution by Professor Dr.Hisaharu Taguchi to education and promotion of biotechnology in Thailand, was founded by his family and colleagues both in Japan and Thailand. The FUND awards the Taguchi Prize to young scientists studying biotechnology in Thailand. Dr. Hisaharu Taguchi, Professor Emeritus of Osaka University, passed away on June 1, 1987 soon after his retirement from the professorship at Osaka University. He made remarkable contributions to the biotechnology world, especially via “International Education”. Dr. Hisaharu Taguchi contributed greatly to the operation of the International Post-Graduate University Course in Microbiology, which has increased more than 200 young researchers from various Asian countries. In addition, he trained more than 200 young researchers from various Asian Countries and directed a scientific exchange program in microbial engineering and biotechnology as part of a Southeast Asian exchange program sponsored by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Through these and other activities in the region, Professor Taguchi developed close professional and personal relationships to promote excellence in biotechnology research and in education of young scientists in the field.

The “Taguchi Fund” has been awarding “Taguchi Prize” for outstanding researcher in biotechnology during the annual meeting of Thai Society for Biotechnology (TSB) since 1990. The prize was firstly granted only to a young scientist who accomplished outstanding research in biotechnology. However, it has later extended to outstanding Master and Doctoral Theses conducted in Thailand. The prize has also been granted to the outstanding private sector that conducts or promotes research and development including commercialization of the technology at an industrial level.