The Asian Institute of Technology is an international graduate school located near Bangkok, Thailand. In the 50 years of its existence it has served the region and beyond in education, research and outreach activities. In order to consolidate and further strengthen its research it has decided to focus on the thematic knowledge area of climate chnage and sustainable development. While it has made considerbale contributions cutting across many research areas for many years, the institute plans to encourage further interdisciplinary research and create a niche for itself based on its varied experience in the region and beyond.