Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO, and Dr. Apichat Aphaiwong, Senior Policy Specialist, participated in the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum, held from 3–6 October 2026 in Kyoto, Japan, as members of the Thai delegation led by Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Held under the theme “Navigating Tectonic Shifts in Science, Technology, and Society,” the forum brought together leaders and representatives from government, academia, and business from more than 80 countries to exchange perspectives on major transformations in science, technology, and society and discuss approaches to addressing global challenges.
The forum emphasized the growing interconnectedness of challenges across geopolitics, security, technology, and the environment. Addressing these challenges requires greater trust in science, international cooperation, and governance capable of keeping pace with technological change. This is particularly important in the context of artificial intelligence (AI), which is reshaping scientific discovery, national competitiveness, and decision-making across society.
Research security was another important issue discussed at the forum. It needs to be pursued alongside openness in science and international cooperation, guided by the principles of proportionality, transparency, and fairness. At the same time, sustainable development needs to move beyond carbon reduction by ensuring that economic incentives better reflect the value of natural capital, social capital, and environmental impacts. This perspective is aligned with the concept of natural capital financing, which the Thai delegation presented at the forum.
Beyond the STS Forum, NXPO participated in a range of activities and discussions related to science, technology, and innovation cooperation between Thailand and Japan. These included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The MOU aims to strengthen research and development cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support the development of technologies that can enhance Thailand’s innovation capabilities.
NXPO also attended the certificate presentation ceremony for participants in the STS Forum Young Leader 2026, which brought together emerging researchers and leaders from diverse fields and countries to exchange perspectives on science, technology, innovation, and global challenges. The program helps build networks among the next generation of leaders and supports long-term international collaboration.
Another activity was the Thailand Future Research Leaders Forum 2026: Catalysts of Impact – From Research Potential to Real-World Value, which provided a platform for Thailand’s emerging researchers to broaden their perspectives, build international networks, and explore ways to translate high-quality research into tangible impact.
NXPO also participated in a signing ceremony for collaboration among Shimadzu Corporation, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), and NSTDA. The collaboration aims to promote research and development, technology transfer, and the application of advanced instruments and technologies, while connecting the capabilities of the research, public, and private sectors to support the practical application of research outcomes.
During the Young Leaders’ Program, Dr. Apichat Aphaiwong joined leaders and young researchers in exchanging perspectives and experiences on the development of science, technology, and innovation. The program aimed to foster a shared understanding of STI development directions and strengthen international networks among researchers and other stakeholders, contributing to the development of Thailand’s workforce and innovation ecosystem.
The Thai delegation also visited laboratories in agricultural science, life sciences, and materials science to explore research infrastructure, technologies, and approaches to applying research knowledge across different fields. Particular attention was given to technologies addressing the needs of agriculture, health and quality of life, and the development of advanced materials and technologies. The insights gained can help inform future approaches to promoting science, research, and innovation in Thailand.
In addition, NXPO visited the Advanced ICT Research Institute under the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) to exchange perspectives on advanced information and communications technologies and explore opportunities for research and innovation collaboration between Thailand and Japan.
Through participation in the 23rd STS Forum and related activities, NXPO gained insights into global STI trends and policy directions that can inform Thailand’s policy development. Key areas include research security and trust in the research system, international cooperation, AI, and approaches to sustainable development that recognize the importance of natural capital. These perspectives will contribute to the development of policy frameworks and plans for Thailand’s higher education, science, research, and innovation in the years ahead.
The 24th STS Forum is scheduled to take place from 3–5 October 2027 in Kyoto, Japan.
