Charles Sturt University (CSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rangsit University in Thailand to develop a closer relationship between the pharmacy programs of the two institutions.

The MoU, signed by CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann and Rangsit University President Dr Arthit Ourairat, allows for the development of joint research projects in biomedical sciences and pharmacy as well as staff and student exchanges.

The agreement follows a visit by CSU's Associate Professor in Pharmacy Practice Maree Simpson to Rangsit last year as the plenary speaker at the International Conference on Advanced Pharmaceutical Research.

A four-member delegation from Rangsit University visited CSU in Orange recently to meet the staff of the School of Biomedical Sciences pharmacy program to identify ways to implement the MoU to the mutual benefit of staff and students at both institutions.

Associate Professor Simpson said, "The visit by senior staff from Rangsit University's Faculty of Pharmacy was a great opportunity to explore and propose activities such as student exchanges to enhance the learning of students at both institutions to educate globally aware pharmacists better able to serve their communities." 

The members of the delegation received a traditional welcome by local Wiradjuri people, toured the campus and visited a local community pharmacy, Orange Health Service Pharmacy and the local botanic gardens.

Rangsit University is a private institution in the Thai city of Pathum Thani north of the capital Bangkok.

CSU offers a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy through the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Orange which will celebrate its 20^th anniversary next year.