International Collaboration & Global Network
18 September 2026
International Collaboration & Global Network
Connecting Thailand’s Research and Innovation with the International Community
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, promotes international cooperation in science, research and innovation to strengthen connections between Thailand’s research community and international partners.
NRCT works with research councils, funding agencies, universities, research institutions, international organizations, and research networks from different countries. Through these partnerships, NRCT facilitates opportunities for Thai researchers and research organizations to exchange knowledge and expertise, develop research collaboration, and participate in international research activities.
International cooperation also provides opportunities for NRCT to exchange experiences and engage in international dialogue on science, research and innovation, supporting the development of research cooperation that responds to areas of mutual interest and shared challenges.
ðĪ International Partnerships
NRCT develops bilateral and multilateral partnerships with research organizations and institutions in different countries. These partnerships provide frameworks for knowledge exchange, research cooperation, academic activities, and other forms of collaboration agreed upon with international partners.
Through international partnerships, NRCT connects Thai researchers and research organizations with international counterparts and creates opportunities to develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
ðŽ Research Collaboration & Funding
NRCT supports international research collaboration through joint research activities and funding mechanisms established with international partners.
These collaborations provide opportunities for researchers from Thailand and other countries to work together, exchange expertise and research experience, and develop research in areas of shared interest.
Where joint funding mechanisms are established, NRCT works with international partners to support collaborative research and provide opportunities for researchers to participate in international research programmes.
ð Global Research Networks
NRCT participates in international research networks and forums that bring together research organizations, funding agencies, researchers, experts, and policymakers from different countries.
Through these networks, NRCT engages in international dialogue, exchanges knowledge and experience, and follows developments in science, research and innovation.
International networks also provide opportunities to strengthen connections among research communities and explore areas for future cooperation.
ðĨ Connecting Thai Researchers with the World
International cooperation creates opportunities for Thai researchers and research organizations to connect with counterparts and research communities beyond Thailand.
Through joint research, academic activities, researcher exchanges, international meetings, and research networks, NRCT supports the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and research experiences.
These connections help create opportunities for researchers to develop collaborative relationships and participate in international research activities.
ð From Partnership to Collaboration
NRCT’s international cooperation develops through a range of partnerships and activities, from institutional cooperation and research networks to joint research and international research activities.
Each partnership provides opportunities to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and develop research collaboration with international counterparts.
Through continued engagement with international partners, NRCT facilitates connections that support Thailand’s participation in the international research and innovation community.
ð International Collaboration Timeline
NRCT’s international cooperation has developed continuously through partnerships and activities with organizations and research communities in different countries.
Explore key milestones from 2019 to the present, including international partnerships, research collaboration, joint activities, and participation in international research networks.
The timeline highlights selected milestones in NRCT’s international cooperation and provides an overview of the development of its international partnerships and activities.
Explore International Collaboration Timeline en.nrct.go.th/mou
1. STS forum Japan-Thailand Symposium 2026
1.1 Event Background
In recent years, the world has been facing rapid changes and complex challenges in many areas, including public health, environmental sustainability, climate change, energy security, and economic development. These challenges are closely connected and affect societies at both national and global levels. At the same time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of society. This convergence of AI with health, environment, and bio-economy presents new opportunities to enhance decision-making, improve quality of life, and support long-term sustainability.
The STS forum is a globally recognized platform that brings together leaders from government, academia, industry, and international organizations to discuss the long-term impacts of science and technology on society. Each year, around 1,000 high-level leaders from politics, government agencies, the private sector, research institutions, and the scientific community from around the world gather at the annual meeting of STS forum to exchange views and discuss how to strengthen the “lights” and manage the “shadows” of science and technology from a long-term perspective for humanity. The annual meeting is held every October in Kyoto, Japan, a historic city with more than 1,200 years of history and at the same time a modern center of advanced science and technology.
2. NRCT Reaffirms Global STI Cooperation for a Sustainable Future at STS forum 2025 Closing Ceremony
On 7 October 2025, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, together with NRCT executives, academic advisory committee, and NRCT officials, attended the closing ceremony of STS forum 2025 – The 22nd Annual Meeting, held from 5–7 October 2025 at the Kyoto International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan.
The meeting brought together more than 1,500 leaders in science, technology, and policy from over 80 countries, as well as representatives from international organizations, to exchange views and collectively advance science and technology toward a sustainable future society.
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3. National Research Council of Thailand and Research Council of Finland Discuss Approaches to Strengthen Thailand–Finland Research and Innovation Collaboration
On 6 October 2025, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, assigned Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director of NRCT, together with Ms. Kwansiri Chonyuth, Director of the Group of International Affairs, academic advisory committee, and NRCT officials, to meet and hold discussions with Professor Paula Eerola, President of the Research Council of Finland (RCF), and Ms. Ulla Ellmén, Science Adviser. The meeting took place at the Kyoto International Conference Center, Kyoto, Japan, during the STS forum 2025 – The 22nd Annual Meeting, held from 5–7 October 2025.
Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), shared that as Thailand’s main research and innovation funding agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, NRCT is committed to supporting research that delivers tangible benefits to society and the environment in a sustainable way.
4. 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.
5. NRCT Participates in Funding Agency Presidents’ Meeting
On 6 October 2025, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), participated in The 15th Funding Agency Presidents’ Meeting (FAPM)—a special session convening heads of funding agencies from around the world. The meeting was held under the theme “Co-Developing AI-literate Human Resources” during the STS forum 2025 – The 22nd Annual Meeting at the Kyoto International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan. The meeting was officially opened by Kazuhito Hashimoto, President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). A keynote address was delivered by Gunther Dissertori, Rector of the ETH Zurich, with remarks also provided by Hiroshi Komiyama, Chairman of the STS forum.
Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), shared her perspectives on the role of funding agencies in developing AI-literate human resources. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among academia, government, and industry, and highlighted four key priorities for AI human resource development:
