NRCT, Thai Society Innovation Network (UK), and the Hub of Minimal Invasive Medical Devices and Standardization Host Researcher and Student Networking Seminar in the UK: “From Policy to Practice: Can Thailand Execute?” at Imperial College London
On 16 May 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with the Thai Society Innovation Network (TSIN), UK, and the Hub of Talent on Minimal Invasive Medical Devices and Standardization, NRCT, organized a networking seminar for Thai researchers and students in the United Kingdom entitled “From Policy to Practice: Can Thailand Execute?” at Imperial College London.
The seminar brought together distinguished speakers from Thailand’s research funding and management organizations as well as innovation experts from leading academic institutions in the United Kingdom. The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities involved in translating research and innovation policies into practical outcomes that generate tangible societal and economic impact.
Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), shared her perspectives on the challenges facing Thailand’s research funding system and the mechanisms required to drive research outcomes toward practical utilization. Associate Professor Dr. Chinnapat Panwisawas of Queen Mary University of London discussed his experiences in connecting research funding opportunities in the United Kingdom with industrial partners and government agencies in Thailand. Dr. Ukrit Angkawinitwong, representing Imperial College London, presented the concept of “Research to Market,” highlighting approaches for translating research excellence into economic and social impact on an international scale.
The discussion was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Anak Khantachawana, Director of the Hub of Talent on Minimal Invasive Medical Devices and Standardization, and Mr.Thanthatorn Chueasook, President of the Thai Society Innovation Network (TSIN).
This event forms part of the implementation of the Hub of Talent on Minimal Invasive Medical Devices and Standardization, an initiative supported by NRCT and led by Associate Professor Dr. Anak Khantachawana of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. The initiative aims to develop a pilot mechanism for preparing overseas Thai researchers before their return to Thailand’s science, research, and innovation system through a Pre-reintegration Mechanism. The program focuses on strengthening understanding of innovation ecosystems, fostering professional networks, and creating pathways for translating knowledge and expertise into practical applications.
NRCT believes that this collaboration among government agencies, overseas Thai researcher networks, and world-class academic institutions will serve as an important mechanism for promoting Brain Circulation—the movement of knowledge, networks, and highly skilled talent back to Thailand. Such efforts will contribute to strengthening the nation’s science, research, and innovation ecosystem, enhancing national competitiveness, and supporting sustainable development in the years ahead.
------------------------------------------
by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
