NRCT Leads Thai Researchers in STS Forum 2026, Strengthening International Research and Innovation Networks
19 October 2026
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), continues to strengthen Thailand’s research and innovation capabilities by supporting early-career researchers and fostering international academic collaboration. At the Science and Technology in Society Forum 2026 – The 23rd Annual Meeting (STS Forum 2026), held from 4 to 6 October 2026 at the Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto) in Kyoto, Japan, NRCT brought together participants in the STS Forum Young Leaders 2026 by NRCT programme and alumni of previous cohorts. Their participation provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, expand professional networks and engage with the global scientific community.
In 2026, NRCT, in collaboration with STS Forum, invited Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, to deliver a keynote address at the opening ceremony of STS Forum 2026. His address introduced the concept of Natural Capital Financing, which focuses on developing financial mechanisms to conserve, restore and enhance natural capital. The approach seeks to integrate the value of natural resources into investment decisions and economic development, thereby supporting more sustainable growth.
STS Forum is an international platform that brings together leaders in science, technology and innovation, researchers, policymakers, industry executives and representatives of international organizations. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge and perspectives on emerging issues shaping the world’s future and explores how science, technology and innovation can address interconnected economic, social and environmental challenges while improving quality of life and advancing sustainable development.
Through its participation in STS Forum 2026, NRCT seeks to enable young Thai researchers to engage with the international scientific community, exchange ideas with leading experts and gain broader perspectives on global research and innovation trends. The 2026 Young Leaders represent a diverse range of disciplines, including biotechnology, health sciences, molecular science, information technology, phenomics, environmental science, and the humanities and social sciences. This multidisciplinary representation highlights the potential of Thai researchers to collaborate across fields and contribute to solutions for pressing global challenges.
The participation of alumni from previous cohorts also helps sustain and strengthen the Young Leaders network. By reconnecting with international researchers and experts and sharing their experiences with the new cohort, alumni help foster intergenerational knowledge exchange and continuity. These connections can create new opportunities for academic partnerships, joint research projects and long-term collaboration between Thai researchers and international research communities.
Throughout the forum, young Thai researchers have opportunities to exchange perspectives on emerging scientific, technological and innovation issues, participate in networking activities with international researchers and leaders, and learn about new research directions and technologies. These experiences broaden their understanding of how research can address national and global challenges while helping them identify potential partners and opportunities for international collaboration.
In addition, NRCT co-organized a side event at STS Forum 2026 entitled “Building a Healthy Longevity Society through AI and Innovation.” The event provided a platform for Thai researchers to engage with international experts and partner networks, exchange knowledge and perspectives on the application of science, technology and innovation to global challenges, and explore opportunities for future collaborative activities and joint research projects.
Supporting young researchers’ participation in STS Forum reflects NRCT’s commitment to developing Thailand’s research workforce and strengthening the national research and innovation ecosystem. Through this initiative, NRCT aims to equip Thai researchers with strong academic foundations, international experience, cross-disciplinary perspectives and the skills needed to build effective international partnerships. These capabilities are essential to increasing the impact of Thai research and enhancing Thailand’s visibility and contribution within the global research community.
Importantly, the STS Forum Young Leaders by NRCT network extends beyond the annual forum. It provides a foundation for young Thai researchers to maintain international connections, apply their knowledge and experiences to future research, develop new partnerships and share insights with subsequent cohorts. This continuity helps build a strong and sustainable network that supports long-term research cooperation.
Thai researchers’ participation in STS Forum 2026 therefore represents more than an opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking. It is an important step towards preparing the next generation of leaders in science, research and innovation—leaders who can strengthen Thailand’s engagement with the international scientific community, translate knowledge and partnerships into greater research and innovation capabilities, and contribute to sustainable economic and social development and an improved quality of life.
