NRCT and the National Research and Innovation Agency of Uruguay (ANII) Discuss Thailand–Uruguay Cooperation in Research and Innovation during the 14th Global Research Council (GRC) Annual Meeting 2026
On 19 May 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), held a bilateral meeting with the National Research and Innovation Agency of Uruguay (ANII) during the 14th Global Research Council (GRC) Annual Meeting 2026 at Dusit Thani Bangkok, Thailand.
Representing NRCT, Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakul, Deputy Executive Director of NRCT, together with Ms. Kwansiri Chonyuth, Director of Group of International Affairs, and NRCT officials, participated in the discussion on behalf of Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of NRCT. The ANII delegation was led by Mr. Alvaro Brunini, President of ANII, and Ms. Ana Vasquez, Cooperation Manager.
During the meeting, Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakul highlighted NRCT’s role as Thailand’s key research and innovation funding agency, dedicated to supporting research across science, technology, social sciences, and the humanities to promote sustainable national development. She emphasized Thailand’s research priorities in addressing global challenges, including climate change, environmental and waste management, modern agriculture, and preparedness for an ageing society.
She also underscored NRCT’s commitment to strengthening Thailand’s research and innovation ecosystem through various forms of international cooperation, including joint research projects, researcher exchange programs, international academic conferences, and researcher career development initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance research capacity and develop a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting future national and global needs.
Mr. Alvaro Brunini, President of ANII, provided an overview of ANII’s mission to promote and strengthen Uruguay’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem through research grants, scholarships, capacity-building programs, and support for innovation-driven enterprises and projects that contribute to the country’s economic and social development. He also emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector to create a dynamic and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
The discussion marked an important first step toward strengthening academic and research collaboration between Thailand and Uruguay. ANII expressed strong interest in developing cooperation with NRCT in areas such as researcher exchange, joint research initiatives, and knowledge development in agriculture and biotechnology—fields in which both countries possess significant expertise and potential.
The meeting laid a solid foundation for future collaboration in science, technology, research, and innovation, while contributing to stronger international research partnerships and the expansion of global research networks that address shared challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
