Bangkok, Thailand — Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), participated in the Franco-Thai Joint Committee Meeting on Higher Education, Research and Innovation held on 14 May 2026 at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from leading Thai and French organizations in higher education, research, innovation, and science diplomacy to strengthen bilateral cooperation and identify future collaborative opportunities in strategic areas of mutual interest. The Committee was co-chaired by Dr. Wiphu Rujopakarn, Executive Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), and Ms. Mathilde Terruya, First Counsellor of the French Embassy in Thailand.
Dr. Uracha joined the session on “Sustainability Sciences,” which focused on addressing global challenges related to climate change, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, public health, and the health–environment nexus. During the discussion, NSTDA highlighted Thailand’s commitment to advancing sustainability-oriented research and innovation through international collaboration and interdisciplinary scientific approaches.
The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships among universities, research institutes, funding agencies, innovation organizations, and industry stakeholders from both countries. Participants exchanged views on collaborative funding mechanisms, joint research programs, researcher mobility, and long-term cooperation frameworks to foster impactful scientific and innovation ecosystems. Key areas discussed included nanotechnology, advanced materials, geoinformatics, climate science, biodiversity, and innovation ecosystems.
The Franco-Thai Joint Committee Meeting reflects the longstanding partnership between Thailand and France in higher education, science, research, innovation, and cultural cooperation, and serves as an important platform for expanding future collaboration toward sustainable and resilient development.
In the afternoon session, Dr. Thanisorn Mahatnirunkul, a researcher from the Nanoencapsulation and Biodelivery Systems Research Group, participated in the panel discussion on “Industry–Research–Innovation Cooperation” held under the Franco-Thai Symposium on Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
The session featured panelists from industry, academia, and research organizations who shared perspectives on the role of industry–research collaboration in driving innovation. The discussion also explored opportunities for innovation partnerships and included reflections on institutional and sectoral priorities, experiences in research–industry collaboration, and opportunities for deeper Thai–French cooperation in research, and innovation.
