NRCT and Swiss National Science Foundation Discuss Co-Funding Collaboration at STS forum 2024
6 October 2024
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, held a bilateral meeting with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) of Switzerland to discuss future institutional collaboration and potential joint support mechanisms in areas of mutual interest. The meeting took place on 6 October 2024 during the Science and Technology in Society forum 2024 – The 21st Annual Meeting at the Kyoto International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan.
Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand, stated that NRCT is committed to strengthening international collaboration in research and innovation, including with Switzerland. She emphasized that global cooperation is a key driver of national development, essential for addressing complex challenges and advancing scientific progress. She also proposed potential areas of future collaboration between NRCT and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), such as joint research funding programs in priority areas of mutual interest and researcher exchange initiatives between the two countries. These initiatives would promote the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experience, while fostering stronger networks between Thai and Swiss researchers.
Angelika Kalt, Executive Director of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), stated that SNSF is interested in expanding its network of cooperation with partner agencies outside Europe, as its existing collaborations are predominantly within European countries. She noted that more than 40 percent of researchers in Switzerland are currently from abroad. Regarding its international cooperation mechanisms, SNSF operates through two main schemes: (1) Bilateral Programs, which are topic-specific with clearly defined thematic priorities; and (2) Lead Agency Agreements, under which research funding is provided on a project-by-project basis.
Also participating in the meeting were Ms. Saowanee Mungsujaritkarn, Deputy Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand; Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Expert on Research System; Associate Professor Dr. Anak Khantachawana, Associate Professor Dr. Dusit Athinuwat, Academic Advisory Committee; Ms. Kwansiri Chonyuth, Director of the Group of International Affairs; and NRCT officials.
