NRCT Prepares Young Researchers through the “STS forum: NRCT YLP Workshop” at Thailand Research Expo 2026
4 August 2026
On 25 June 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), organized the “STS forum: NRCT YLP Workshop” as part of Thailand Research Expo 2026. he opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of NRCT, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anak Khantachawana of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi delivered the workshop report. The event was attended by 32 young researchers who had successfully passed the first-round selection for the STS forum Young Leaders Program 2026. The workshop was held at the Lotus 1–2 Meeting Room, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.
In the opening remarks, Dr. Wiparat said that the STS forum is an international platform where scientists, inventors, and researchers from around the world come together to exchange knowledge and ideas on how science, technology, and innovation can help address global challenges. Dr. Wiparat noted that the workshop was organized to prepare and strengthen the capabilities of Thailand’s young researchers so they are ready to join international cooperation. Through this program, young researchers have the opportunity to develop their skills, learn from world experts, and build strong academic networks, which will help improve the country’s research and innovation capacity. Dr. Wiparat also expressed her hope that all participants would gain new knowledge, exchange ideas and experiences, and build valuable connections that will prepare them to represent Thailand at the STS forum in the future.
The workshop also included a session where former participants of the STS forum Young Leaders Program shared their experiences. The speakers were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit Charupanit from Prince of Songkla University, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thittaporn Ganokratanaa from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Soontorn Tuntithavornwat from Mahidol University. They shared their experiences and perspectives from joining the STS forum and inspired the participants to strengthen their potential for international cooperation in science, research, and innovation.
The workshop continued with a Problem-based Learning activity, where the young researchers had the opportunity to get to know each other, build new networks, and work together in teams. They discussed ideas and designed plans for organizing a side event and participating in the STS forum 2026 – The 23rd Annual Meeting. The activity helped participants improve their teamwork and strategic planning skills.
The “STS forum: NRCT YLP Workshop” is one of NRCT’s key activities to prepare Thailand’s next generation of researchers. The workshop aims to strengthen their academic knowledge, leadership skills, and international networks, enabling them to become Thailand’s representatives in the STS forum Young Leaders Program 2026. It also encourages them to contribute to international cooperation in science, research, and innovation and to help find solutions to global challenges in the future.
