The timing of the official announcement of the National Science and Technology Development Agency Annual Conference 2011 (NAC 2011) could not have been more appropriate given the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. The theme “S&T for Emergency Preparedness” fits well with the media present focus. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is confirmed to preside at the Royal Opening Ceremony on March 24 morning.

“S&T can play many roles in preventing or in most cases minimizing the negative impact of emergency situation whether it is man made or natural caused” said Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, President of NSTDA. “Many of the research projects undertaken at NSTDA can easily be adapted to cater to emergency preparation. NAC 2011 will showcase these capabilities”.

“The ministry mandate is to implement S&T policy that will focus on community development” said H.E. Dr. Virachai Virameteekul, Minister of S&T. “The 2010 flooding in Thailand is a good example of how S&T policies are put into action. For 2011 our current focus is on tackling the drought situation which is already taking place in some part of the country. S&T such as super computers can help to predict and give accurate forecast”.

In conjunction with NAC 2011 will be the Thailand-Korea Joint Symposium on Nanobiotechnology. For information on NAC 2011 and Thailand-Korea Joint Symposium on Nanobiotechnology, please log on: www.nstda.or.th/nac2011