“Prof. Dr. Yotchanan” Launches HOTNET, a Hub of Nuclear Energy Experts, Uniting Public and Private Sectors to Develop Human Resources for Future Energy Technologies
27 August 2026
On August 26, 2026, Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), presided over the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Hub of Talents for Nuclear Energy Technology (HOTNET). The event also featured the Thailand Nuclear Science Olympiad 2026 (ThaiNSO2026) and an award ceremony for Thailand’s representatives in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad.
During the event, Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), spoke about the continued support for the development of Hubs of Talents and Hubs of Knowledge. Associate Professor Dr. Thawatchai Onjun, Executive Director of the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), delivered the welcoming and reporting remarks, while Dr. Wasin Wetchakama, Manager of HOTNET, introduced the hub’s background, objectives, and activities. The ceremony was attended by network partners, representatives from the public, education, and industrial sectors, faculty members, teachers, students, and distinguished guests at Grand Ballroom B, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok.
Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Wongsawat stated that MHESI prioritizes the development of a highly skilled workforce, research, and innovation as foundations for strengthening the country’s competitiveness. Amid global transformations in energy, technology, geopolitics, and the environment, Thailand must strengthen its knowledge base and develop personnel in strategically important fields. Nuclear energy technology is receiving increasing global attention as a low-carbon energy source and an advanced technology, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Therefore, developing personnel with the knowledge, expertise, and readiness to study, conduct research, assess, and regulate such technologies in accordance with academic principles and international standards is crucial to ensuring Thailand’s preparedness.
The establishment of HOTNET marks a significant step toward laying the foundation for the country’s human capital in nuclear energy technology. The hub will serve as a mechanism for bringing together knowledge and expertise, developing human resources, connecting experts, and fostering collaboration among domestic and international organizations to systematically strengthen Thailand’s capacity to prepare for future energy technologies.
Dr. Wiparat De-ong noted that the NRCT places strong emphasis on the development of both Hubs of Talents and Hubs of Knowledge as important mechanisms for strengthening the science, research, and innovation ecosystem. The focus is on connecting, exchanging, and expanding knowledge across sectors to develop highly skilled personnel and innovations that can contribute to long-term economic and social development. To date, the NRCT has supported the development of 70 such hubs in strategically important fields and is prepared to expand its support to new strategic areas. HOTNET will serve as a central platform connecting experts, researchers, educational institutions, government agencies, and the industrial sector to jointly strengthen Thailand’s capabilities in nuclear technology.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thawatchai Onjun said that the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT), in collaboration with 13 organizations from the public, academic, and industrial sectors, established HOTNET to bring together and develop human resources, research capabilities, and collaborative networks both domestically and internationally. The hub aims to develop personnel at all levels, promote research and development (R&D) and training, and provide academic and technical information to support national policymaking and strategic decision-making.
Dr. Wasin Wetchakama, Manager of HOTNET, highlighted that the establishment of the hub responds to the growing global role of nuclear technology, particularly SMRs, in meeting demand for low-carbon energy and supporting future infrastructure, including data centers and artificial intelligence (AI). HOTNET will serve as a key platform connecting knowledge, research, and expert networks to strengthen Thailand’s preparedness in these emerging fields.
The event also featured the Thailand Nuclear Science Olympiad 2026 (ThaiNSO2026), where medals were presented to Thailand’s representatives in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, along with plaques presented to project sponsors. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI expressed his admiration and congratulations to the student representatives for bringing pride to the nation, while also commending their teachers, parents, and relevant organizations for their collaborative efforts in creating opportunities for Thai youth.
Ultimately, the establishment of HOTNET represents an important mechanism for developing Thailand’s nuclear energy workforce and knowledge base. It aims to create a connected ecosystem of experts, researchers, educational institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to advance research, innovation, and the safe, secure, and sustainable application of nuclear technology, thereby supporting the country’s long-term development.
