UNESCO Regional Network for Microbiology and Allied Activities in Southeast Asia: A model training and research network in microbiology for development.

The Regional Network for Microbiology in Southeast Asia is one of the programmes for regional cooperation in the basis sciences established by UNESCO in collaboration with the government of Japan through a funds-in-trust agreement, in 1974. Up to 1991, the network has organized 50 scientific activities and 945 young microbiologists have received training in microbiology. The nature of the programme's activities has become more specific recently and concerns microbial resources and use of biotechnology to conserve the environment.