NRCT and Global Young Academy Strengthen Collaboration to Propel Early-Career Researchers Globally

On 6 October 2025, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, led by Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of NRCT, together with Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director, Professor Dr. Sanong Ekgasit, Associate Professor Dr. Anak Khantachawana, Associate Professor Dr. Dusit Athinuwat, Academic Advisory Committee, Ms. Kwansiri Chonyuth, Director of Group of International Affairs, and NRCT officials, held discussions with representatives of the Global Young Academy (GYA). The GYA delegation included Dr. Sam Chan Siok Yee and Dr. Yensi Flores Bueso, Co-Chairs, as well as Dr. Francesco Maurelli, Executive Member. The meeting took place during the STS forum 2025 – The 22nd Annual Meeting at the Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto), Kyoto, Japan.

Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), noted that as the country’s main research funding agency, NRCT plays an important role in supporting the career pathways of researchers at all levels — especially early-career researchers, who are a key driving force for Thailand’s future. NRCT focuses on strengthening their potential and creating opportunities to connect with international networks, broaden perspectives, explore new ideas, gain inspiration, and build academic collaboration with young scientists worldwide.

Dr. Sam Chan Siok Yee, Co-Chair of the Global Young Academy (GYA), shared that GYA is a network of early-career researchers from more than 60 countries, open to scholars from all disciplines. The Academy promotes academic excellence alongside a strong commitment to societal impact. Its core activities aim to connect “science and society” through science communication, science diplomacy, and support for interdisciplinary research as well as collaboration between developed and developing countries. GYA is also developing initiatives to support women scientists in artificial intelligence (AI), taking into account the cultural contexts of different regions.

The discussion between NRCT and the Global Young Academy marked another meaningful step in expanding international collaboration. It opens up opportunities for Thai researchers to exchange knowledge, strengthen scientific leadership skills, and enhance the global presence of Thailand’s young researchers in a more impactful and sustainable way.