NRCT and Belgium’s FNRS Sign MoU to Strengthen Thailand–Belgium Cooperation in Science, Research and Innovation
7 June 2026
NRCT and Belgium’s FNRS Sign MoU to Strengthen Thailand–Belgium Cooperation in Science, Research and Innovation
On 5 June 2026, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), together with Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director of the NRCT, and an NRCT delegation, attended the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NRCT and the Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS) at the FNRS Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium; Dr. Somkiat Kamolpun, Minister Counsellor (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation); and Mr. Nutt Svasti-Salee, Counsellor.
The signing marks a significant milestone in strengthening science, research and innovation cooperation between Thailand and Belgium. Representing the Thai side, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong and Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool signed the agreement on behalf of the NRCT, while the FNRS was represented by Professor Rector Françoise Smets,
President of the FNRS, and Professor Véronique Halloin, Secretary General of the FNRS. The MoU aims to promote joint research, researcher development, and academic networking between the two countries.
Following the signing ceremony, both parties discussed mechanisms for implementing activities under the MoU. Professor Véronique Halloin presented the FNRS’s mission and international research cooperation programmes, including researcher exchange schemes, bilateral research projects, and multilateral collaborative projects supported under European Union frameworks. She also highlighted successful collaborations between Thai and Belgian researchers in areas such as health and medical sciences, environmental sciences, and biotechnology.
In addition, Professor Halloin presented data on Thailand–Belgium academic collaboration, noting that researchers from the two countries co-author approximately 150 scientific publications annually. These publications span a wide range of disciplines, including physics and astronomy, medicine, engineering, agricultural and biological sciences, mathematics, biochemistry, and health sciences. The figures reflect the strength and continued growth of the research networks between Thailand and Belgium.
During the meeting, Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool presented the mission and role of the NRCT as Thailand’s principal research and innovation funding agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). She emphasized the NRCT’s role in supporting research for national development, fostering research and innovation talent across all age groups, and promoting international academic cooperation through joint research programmes, researcher exchanges, international conferences and seminars, and partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide.
H.E. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke congratulated both organizations on the signing of the MoU and highlighted the strong potential for cooperation among Thailand, Belgium, and the European Union in advancing research, technology development, and academic collaboration between research and higher education institutions. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting and facilitating future cooperation initiatives.
Dr. Somkiat Kamolpun, Minister Counsellor (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation), also proposed potential areas for future collaboration that align with the development priorities of both countries. These include semiconductor technologies, food security, the transition to a green economy, renewable energy, and smart agriculture.
As a result of the discussions, both parties agreed to initiate cooperation in two priority fields through the organization of joint workshops: medical sciences and environmental sciences. These areas were identified as fields in which both countries possess strong expertise and shared interests. The initiative aims to establish robust academic networks, develop high-impact research, and contribute to building a more sustainable future.
The signing of the MoU between the NRCT and the FNRS represents an important milestone in science, research and innovation relations between Thailand and Belgium. It is expected to pave the way for expanded collaboration in research, technology development, and human resource development, while fostering the creation of knowledge and innovation capable of addressing global challenges and supporting sustainable national development.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
