NRCT Participates in GRC Regional Meetings, Strengthening Thailand’s Role in Advancing Global Research Collaboration
20 May 2026
NRCT Participates in GRC Regional Meetings, Strengthening Thailand’s Role in Advancing Global Research Collaboration
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), participated in a series of regional meetings held as part of the 14th Global Research Council (GRC) Annual Meeting 2026 at Dusit Thani Bangkok, Thailand. The meetings provided an important platform for shaping international cooperation in science, research, and innovation and strengthening collaboration among research funding organizations worldwide.
On 19 May 2026, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of NRCT, assigned Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakul, Deputy Executive Director of NRCT, together with Ms. Kwansiri Chonyuth, Director of the Group of International Affairs, and NRCT officials, to represent the organization at three key meetings: the Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, the Joint Asia-Pacific & Europe Session, and the Global South Heads of Research Councils (HORCs) Meeting.
The Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting focused on key priorities and developments within the region. Discussions included the endorsement of the Asia-Pacific Regional Governing Board for the 2026–2029 term, a report on the regional meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia, in November 2025, and updates on preparations for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, scheduled to take place in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The meeting provided an opportunity for research funding organizations across the region to exchange information, share experiences, and strengthen long-term collaboration.
NRCT also participated in the Joint Asia-Pacific & Europe Session, which built upon previous discussions among European research funding organizations. The session explored ways to elevate collaboration from traditional bilateral partnerships to a more integrated multilateral research ecosystem capable of addressing global challenges such as emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and alternative energy development. Participants also discussed enhancing access to research infrastructure and promoting knowledge exchange among researchers from both regions.
During the Global South Heads of Research Councils (HORCs) Meeting, NRCT joined representatives of research funding organizations from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as representatives from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada. Discussions focused on strengthening international research networks, expanding joint funding mechanisms through collaborative calls for proposals, and enhancing institutional capacities under the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.
Participation in these three strategic meetings reflects NRCT’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s science, research, and innovation agenda on the global stage. The meetings also provided valuable opportunities for Thailand to contribute to shaping international research cooperation frameworks and fostering partnerships that support sustainable development and collective responses to global challenges.
Through its active engagement in the Global Research Council, NRCT continues to strengthen international collaboration, promote research excellence, and enhance Thailand’s role as a trusted partner in the global research and innovation community.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
