The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has provided support for young researchers to participate in the STS Forum Young Leaders 2023 program. The initiative offers selected participants the opportunity to engage in activities and dialogues with Nobel Laureates. Through the program, participants benefit from networking with fellow young scientists and researchers, as well as with global leaders and distinguished figures in science and technology during STS Forum 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. This experience contributes significantly to expanding international perspectives, fostering collaboration, and strengthening Thailand’s next generation of scientific leaders.
On 3 October 2023, prior to the closing ceremony of STS Forum 2023, Dr. Thittaporn Ganokratanaa, a Thai researcher from the Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, who was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), was selected by the Science and Technology in Society forum (STS forum) to represent the Young Leaders in delivering reflections on her participation in the program. In her remarks, Dr. Thittaporn expressed her sincere appreciation to NRCT for supporting her participation in this year’s forum. She shared her impressions of the event, particularly the “Dialogue between Young Leaders and Nobel Laureates,” where she engaged with fellow young leaders from various countries. She noted that she was deeply inspired by discussions on critical issues shaping a sustainable future, ranging from sustainable energy solutions to the ethical implications of advanced AI.
Through her exchanges with Nobel Laureates, she learned that perseverance and determination are key factors behind long-term success. Beyond technical discussions and academic expertise, she observed that STS forum brings together individuals who share common goals, collaborative mindsets, and a commitment to global progress. These interactions provided profound inspiration for young leaders, reinforcing the value of the Young Leaders Program in fostering shared dedication toward building a future driven by collaboration and innovation.
In addition, an important question was raised regarding ethical considerations when implementing AI in low-income countries. Dr. Thittaporn shared her perspective that AI has already been widely adopted in public use. Therefore, from an ethical standpoint, it is essential to ensure that users receive basic education on how AI functions, as well as an understanding of which services or features are powered by AI. This foundational knowledge would enable users to apply AI appropriately and to better understand its intended purposes.
The STS Forum Young Leaders Program brings together approximately 130–140 young leaders each year from 40 countries worldwide. All participants are given the opportunity to engage directly with Nobel Laureates. The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has continuously supported young Thai researchers to participate in the program since 2019. At Science and Technology in Society forum (STS forum) 2023, four young researchers sponsored by NRCT took part in the event :
1. Dr. Thittaporn Ganokratanaa, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
2. Dr. Kattika Kaarj, Suranaree University of Technology
3. Dr. Nathachit Limjunyawong, Mahidol University
4. Dr. Adisak Seesanea, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University
