Research Ethics Network: Building Collective Strength to Raise Thailand’s Research Standards

Research plays a vital role in generating knowledge, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable national development. However, high-quality research is not just about academic accuracy or useful results — it also needs to be grounded in ethics, transparency, and social responsibility, so that the public and the academic community, both in Thailand and abroad, can trust it.

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), which oversees research ethics standards and regulations, recognizes that promoting research ethics cannot be the responsibility of any single organization. That is why NRCT has focused on building a research ethics network to encourage collaboration among research institutions and related bodies. NRCT has taken over and continued driving the "Thailand Research Integrity Network (TH-RIN)", a program originally started by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). Since 2023, this network has held regular meetings to lay the groundwork for cooperation in preventing research misconduct, exchanging knowledge, and promoting a strong research culture across all sectors. It has also encouraged research institutions to set up their own Offices of Research Integrity (ORI), giving them a solid internal mechanism to prevent misconduct.

In addition, the network has worked with NRCT to develop a practical guide for researchers called "Guidelines for the Ethical Application of Generative AI for Researchers." This guide helps researchers use AI technology appropriately in their work while upholding academic integrity and honesty, ensuring that Thailand's innovation and knowledge development remain responsible and internationally credible.

Ultimately, research ethics is not just a set of rules for managing research projects — it is a fundamental pillar of the country's research and innovation system. Together, NRCT and the network are building a research culture rooted in integrity, transparency, and accountability. This will raise the quality of Thai research, strengthen public trust, and boost the country's competitiveness on the global stage in a sustainable way.