NRCT and Advanced Technology Research Council Hold Proactive Talks on Research Funding and Thailand–UAE Researcher Exchange at STS forum 2024 in Kyoto, Japan
6 October 2024
On Monday, 7 October 2024, 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, assigned Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Expert on Research System, together with her delegation, to hold a bilateral meeting to discuss potential avenues for Thailand–United Arab Emirates cooperation. The discussion took place under the framework of collaboration between NRCT and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) during the Science and Technology in Society forum 2024 – The 21st Annual Meeting in Kyoto, Japan.
Ms. Sirinporn stated that the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) is a government research and innovation funding agency in Thailand, dedicated to supporting Thai researchers in conducting both basic and applied research, as well as fostering international collaboration in research and innovation. She proposed initiating joint activities, such as co-organized seminars in areas of mutual interest, including biotechnology, energy, climate change, and artificial intelligence. She also suggested researcher exchange opportunities, in which Thai researchers could undertake research placements at ATRC research institutes for a period of six months to two years.
Mr. Nizar Al Schekhil, Senior Director of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), explained that ATRC is a research funding agency of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, providing financial support to its affiliated research centers in the fields of science and technology. ATRC primarily focuses on research projects with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and above. He also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with research agencies in Asia, including Thailand.
The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) provides research funding to ten research centers under its supervision in the fields of science and technology. These include centers specializing in advanced materials, cryptography, quantum technologies, secure systems, and artificial intelligence.
This discussion marked an important starting point for strengthening research and innovation cooperation between Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The initiative is expected to contribute to building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries in the future.
Also participating in the meeting were Associate Professor Dr. Dusit Athinuwat, Academic Advisory Committee; Ms. Kwansiri Chonyuth, Director of the Group of International Affairs; and NRCT officials.
