NRCT Brings Young Researchers to STS forum 2025 Promoting Thai Young Leaders to the Global Science Stage
5 October 2025
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, led a delegation of young researchers supported by the NRCT to participate in the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum 2025 – The 22nd Annual Meeting, held from 5–7 October 2025 at the Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto) in Kyoto, Japan.
The STS forum is a global platform that brings together leaders in science, technology, and policy from around the world to exchange ideas and experiences on leveraging science and innovation to address global challenges and build a sustainable society.
At this year’s meeting, the NRCT was honored by the presence of Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, who presented certificates of recognition to six young researchers (Young Leaders).
These six individuals were selected by the NRCT to represent Thailand in participating in activities at the STS forum 2025, as follows:
1. Associate Professor Dr. Krit Charupanit, Prince of Songkla University
2. Associate Professor Dr. Theerawit Wilaiprasitporn, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science & Technology (VISTEC)
3. Dr. Sittiprapa Isarangura, Mahidol University
4. Assistant Professor Dr. Wiriya Thongsomboon, Mahasarakham University
5. Assistant Professor Dr Sitthivut Charoensutthivarakul, Mahidol University
6. Dr. Soontorn Tuntithavornwat, Mahidol University
Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul expressed his admiration for the potential of young researchers, who play a vital role in driving the country forward through science, research, and innovation. He emphasized that, “Youth and young researchers are at the heart of the future, and this international platform is a valuable opportunity to spark collaboration, creativity, and mutual understanding for a safer and more sustainable world.”
All six young researchers took part in key activities of the STS forum. These included the special session, “Dialogue between Young Leaders and Nobel Laureates,” which provided an opportunity for young researchers from around the world to directly exchange views with Nobel Prize–winning scientists. They also built academic collaboration networks with international innovation leaders. In addition, they participated in a Side Event titled “AI for Disaster Preparedness and Response,” organized by the NRCT on 4 October 2025 at Room C-2, Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto).
The STS forum Young Leaders program serves as an important mechanism in propelling Thailand’s young researchers onto the international stage. It enables them to learn about cutting-edge technologies and advanced research approaches from leading scientists, as well as expand collaborative networks with top institutions worldwide. This experience will be a key driving force in developing the capabilities of Thai researchers to become future leaders in science, technology, and innovation.
The participation of the Young Leaders delegation in STS forum 2025 not only reflects the potential of Thai researchers but also reinforces the role of the NRCT as the leading agency in advancing human capital development in research and innovation—empowering Thailand to compete and to proudly help shape a sustainable future on the global stage.
