NRCT’s Hub of Talents on Rubber Co-Hosted "UHA-KU Bilateral Symposium 2026" with Kasetsart University and the University of Haute-Alsace, France
8 May 2026
NRCT’s Hub of Talents on Rubber Co-Hosted "UHA-KU Bilateral Symposium 2026" with Kasetsart University and the University of Haute-Alsace, France
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, through its Hub of Talents on Rubber, collaborated with Kasetsart University (KU) and the University of Haute-Alsace (UHA), France, to organize the "UHA-KU Bilateral Symposium 2026." The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Assistant Professor Dr. Wisit Limsombunchai, Vice President for Asset Management at Kasetsart University, and Professor Jean-François Brilhac, Vice President for Research at the University of Haute-Alsace. The symposium was honorably co-presided over by Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of NRCT, and Dr. Ludovic Andres, Attaché for Science and Higher Education at the Embassy of France in Thailand, who delivered the opening remarks. The virtual session, held via Cisco Webex Meetings, was moderated by Professor Karine Mougin from the University of Haute-Alsace and Associate Professor Dr. Weerasak Smitthipong, Director of the Hub of Talents on Rubber.
The objective of this symposium was to serve as an international platform for presenting research findings, exchanging academic knowledge, and strengthening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation related to natural rubber and polymers. Furthermore, it aimed to provide opportunities for French and Thai scholars to foster academic collaboration leveraging the strong network of NRCT's Hub of Talents on Rubber, Kasetsart University, and the University of Haute-Alsace, which serves as a vital engine in driving Thailand's science, research, and innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), stated that NRCT recognizes the importance of integrating knowledge and specialized expertise to elevate laboratory research to the international stage. This is particularly true for the integration of materials science, such as polymers and natural rubber, which presents both a challenging and vital task in creating meaningful economic, social, and environmental impacts for the country.
This symposium serves to build collaboration between French and Thai scholars through educational integration while driving research outcomes into concrete policy implementation and commercial utilization. This aligns with the Thailand 4.0 policy, serving as an essential foundation for the nation's future progress. Additionally, Dr. Ludovic Andres, Attaché for Science and Higher Education at the Embassy of France in Thailand, noted that the symposium demonstrates a firm commitment to fostering tangible academic cooperation and strengthening relations between Thailand and France. Furthermore, the year 2026 marks the historic 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The "UHA-KU Bilateral Symposium 2026" featured research presentations on materials science, polymers, and natural rubber. The event brought together a total of 130 participants from various sectors, including undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, experts, and policymakers from the public, private, and international organization sectors. Together, they exchanged and transferred knowledge, while strengthening scientific cooperation to develop sustainable research and innovation, ultimately driving the nation forward through research and innovation.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
