NRCT and Kingston School of Art, UK, Advance Research and Innovation Collaboration, Promoting Technology Development, Researcher Exchange, and a Future Forum on Creative Economy Innovation
12 May 2026
NRCT and Kingston School of Art, UK, Advance Research and Innovation Collaboration, Promoting Technology Development, Researcher Exchange, and a Future Forum on Creative Economy Innovation
On 11 May 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led a delegation of executives and researchers to hold discussions with Kingston School of Art, United Kingdom, on strengthening research and innovation collaboration. The visit focused on advancing cooperation in technology development, researcher exchange, and the preparation of a future forum on innovation for the creative economy. The meeting took place at Kingston School of Art during NRCT’s participation in the globally renowned London Craft Week 2026.
Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of NRCT, stated that the visit to Kingston School of Art represents an important step toward translating science, research, and innovation cooperation into tangible outcomes. Both parties discussed mechanisms for researcher exchange in the fields of arts, design, and creative economy innovation, while exploring opportunities to integrate advanced technologies with Thailand’s artistic and cultural heritage.
She emphasized that NRCT is committed to fostering collaborative research and innovation platforms that connect institutions, researchers, and creative professionals. Such collaborations will help elevate Thailand’s creative research and innovation capabilities to international standards while generating new opportunities for cultural and economic development.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from Kingston School of Art, including Ms. Rachel Gannon, Head of School of Design; Mr. Nick Gorse, Deputy Dean of Kingston School of Art; and Mr. Mark Gower, Head of the Department of 3D Design. They were joined by Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Associate Professor Dr. Namfon Laistrooglai, an expert in museum studies and traditional arts and crafts, Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director of NRCT, and members of the Thai delegation.
Discussions focused on establishing collaborative mechanisms for research and creative innovation projects to be implemented during 2026. Both parties also explored plans to jointly organize a forum dedicated to advancing innovation within the creative economy. The proposed forum will highlight the application of modern technologies in transforming artistic and cultural identities into innovative products and services capable of generating economic value, supported systematically through science, research, and innovation.
The collaboration builds upon existing NRCT-supported research initiatives involving the application of Advanced 3D Printing technology, one of Kingston School of Art’s areas of expertise. The institution possesses advanced technological infrastructure, specialized equipment, and expert personnel, providing a strong foundation for future joint research projects and capacity-building programs in art, design, and innovation.
In addition, the discussions addressed opportunities to further develop creative research projects supported by NRCT that focus on documenting and interpreting the distinctive color palettes and artistic identities of Thailand’s royal temples, including Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), and Wat Ratchaorasaram. The initiative seeks to transform these artistic elements into contemporary pattern designs and architectural applications, creating new opportunities for utilizing Thailand’s cultural heritage in creative industries and innovation-driven economic development.
The partnership between NRCT and Kingston School of Art marks another significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration in arts, design, technology, and innovation. By combining advanced technologies with cultural heritage and creative research, both institutions aim to develop innovative solutions that contribute to the growth of the creative economy while preserving and promoting Thailand’s unique cultural identity on the global stage.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
