STS forum Japan – Thailand Symposium 2026

1. Background and rationale

At present, the world is confronting complex and deeply interconnected systemic challenges, including public health crisis, climate change, environmental sustainability, energy security, and the need to enhance economic competitiveness within an increasingly competitive global landscape. These challenges cannot be addressed by any single discipline alone. Rather, they require the integration of science, technology, and innovation particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), which plays an increasingly important role in improving decision-making, analyzing big data, advancing medical innovations, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and driving the bio-economy.

The Science and Technology in Society forum (STS forum) is a globally recognized international platform that promotes dialogue among leaders from government, academia, industry, and international organizations to deliberate on both opportunities and challenges of science and technology from a long-term perspective. The annual meeting is organized annually in October in Kyoto, Japan, and plays a significant role in shaping global direction in scientific technology and innovation cooperation.

Thailand, through the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), has continuously participated in and supported collaboration with the STS forum since 2017 in order to elevate Thailand's role in the international science and technology stage and to strengthen strategic cooperation networks with Japan and other partner countries. In light of this ongoing partnership, the STS forum Japan–Thailand Symposium 2026 is being organized under the theme "The Great Convergence: AI-Driven Health, Environment and Bio-Economy".

This symposium focuses on the integrating of knowledge and the applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) across three (3) main dimensions: (1) Health, (2) Environment and Energy, and (3) Bio-economy. These interconnected fields are critical to the sustainable development of Thailand and the broader region. The symposium will feature keynote speeches delivered by distinguished international leaders and experts, high-level policy dialogues, parallel academic sessions, and networking activities designed to foster meaningful collaboration.

2. Objectives

2.1 To provide a platform for discussion and exchange perspectives on the integration of Artificial Intelligence with health, environment, energy, and the bio-economy.

2.2 To exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices among leaders, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and researchers.

2.3 To promote and further strengthen international cooperation in science, research, and innovation, and to support collaborative initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.

3. Expected results

3.1 Enhanced awareness of key global and regional trends related to the application of AI in health, environment, and bio-economy.

3.2 Strengthened networks and collaborative partnerships among participants from diverse countries and sectors.

3.3 Developed concrete collaboration opportunities, including joint research projects, policy collaborations, and innovation activities.

3.4 Obtained policy recommendations and practical guidelines to support the responsible and effective use of AI and advanced technologies in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Target participants

• STS forum Board and Council Members
• High-level executives, government officials, and policymakers in science, technology, innovation, health, environment, energy, and economic development
• Executives and representatives from international organizations and research institutions
• Distinguished experts and researchers in artificial intelligence, health science, environment, energy, bioeconomy, and related fields
• Industry leaders and private sector representatives engaged in technology, innovation, and sustainability

5. Duration and Venue

The STS forum Japan–Thailand Symposium 2026 will be held between April 24–25, 2026, at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand.

NRCT's Deep Involvement in STS forum

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), plays a pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s science, research, and innovation ecosystem onto the international stage in a tangible and strategic manner. The Science and Technology in Society forum (STS forum), an annual global platform held in Kyoto, Japan, that gathers leaders from government, academia, industry, and international organizations, is a principal forum to deliberate on the long-term societal implications of science and technology. Since 2017, NRCT has sustained a strong and continuous partnership with the STS forum and has progressively taken on a more prominent role in contributing to global scientific dialogue and international collaboration, as follows:

1. Elevating Thailand’s Role as a Principal Supporter of the STS forum

In 2023, NRCT strengthened its engagement by assuming the role of Council Member and Premium Sponsor of the STS forum. This role clearly demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to national and international development through science and advanced technology. In this capacity, NRCT has served not only as the country’s representative but also as an active contributor to shaping global science policy.

In 2024, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Former Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand, delivered a special address at the Opening Session under the theme “Opening: The World in 2024 – What do we need from S&T?” at the 21st Annual Meeting of the STS forum (STS forum 2024).

Subsequently, in 2025, Prof.Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand, delivered a special lecture on “Path to Sustainability toward a Zero Carbon Society,” a key topic addressing carbon reduction through sustainability and the transition to clean energy. Whereas Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of NRCT, delivered a speech as a Keynote Speaker in a concurrent session titled “AI in Healthcare – Research” at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the STS forum (STS forum 2025).

In addition, NRCT has actively participated annually in the Funding Agency Presidents’ Meeting (FAPM), a high-level gathering of leaders of major research funding organizations worldwide, to discuss strategies for strengthening research collaboration, human resource development, and science diplomacy.

2. Leadership in Organizing International Meetings and Dialogue Platforms

Beyond its role as a Council Member and Premium Sponsor, NRCT has also taken a leading role in organising side events during the STS forum Annual Meeting to showcase Thailand's innovation progress as well as to provide an opportunity platform for Thai young leaders supported by NRCT to share their research works and perspectives. Topics have been aligned with the main theme of STS forum, such as "Science, Research, and Innovation for Future Transition" in 2024 and "AI for Disaster Preparedness and Response" in 2025.

Moreover, to further strengthen this close partnership, NRCT and the STS forum are jointly hosting the "STS forum Japan–Thailand Symposium 2026," during 24–25 April 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The symposium will be held under the theme "The Great Convergence: AI-Driven Health, Environment and Bio-Economy," aiming to create a regional platform for knowledge exchange and advancing the development of sustainable innovation solutions for the future.

3. Building International Collaboration Networks in Research and Innovation

Continuous participation in the STS forum has served as a key mechanism enabling the NRCT to expand its collaborative network with leading global funding agencies and research institutions. NRCT has leveraged this platform to convene bilateral meetings aimed at advancing co-funding schemes and researcher exchange programs with a range of prominent international partners, including:

• Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan
• National Research Foundation (NRF), Singapore
• Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Switzerland
• São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Brazil
• Swedish Research Council, Sweden, and Research Council of Finland (RCF), Finland

Through these engagements, NRCT continues to strengthen international research partnerships, foster mobility of researchers, and promote collaborative funding mechanisms that enhance Thailand's integration into the global research and innovation landscape.

4. Sponsoring the STS forum Young Leaders Program

A prominent mission of the NRCT is to strengthen the capacity of early-career researchers through the STS forum Young Leaders Program. NRCT serves as the principal agency responsible for nominating participants and providing financial support for Thai researchers to engage in this global platform.

At present, NRCT has supported 25 young researchers from nine universities and one research center across Thailand. The program offers Thai researchers valuable opportunities to participate in high-level activities, including the "Dialogue between Young Leaders and Nobel Laureates," where they are able to exchange knowledge and perspectives directly with Nobel Prize–winning scientists, as well as to build international networks with innovation leaders from around the world.

In addition, Thai participants are given the opportunity to present their ideas and research addressing global challenges in areas such as environmental sustainability, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and medical technologies. These engagements help enhance international recognition of the capabilities and potential of Thai researchers on the global stage.