“Grand Challenges Thailand” launched
Bangkok, Thailand (8May) – Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand announced the Launch of the Grand Challenges Thailand, a national initiative to bring together research, development and innovation community to tackle key issues for national development and global health. The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and the Thailand Research Organization Network are the main partners of this initiative. Thailand will join the growing international network of countries and organizations that promote global innovation through the Grand Challenges approach.
“The Grand Challenges Thailand initiative has been in the works for several years and now that it is launched, we can tackle key issues and priorities related to development for the societal and economic benefits on a national and global level” said Prof. Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong. “Research and development as well as monitoring and measuring of program success will be key factors in the project implementation process”.
Grand Challenges Thailand will be funded by the Royal Thai Government and managed by the NRCT under the Thailand Research Organization Network (TRON) which includes the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Research Fund (TRF), National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI), Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Agriculture Research Development Agency (ARDA), Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC), and National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). Research projects under Grand Challenges Thailand will foster innovations with impact for the betterment of those in need and will collaborate with partners in the broader Grand Challenges movement.
Over the past three years, Thailand has been working with international partners, including Grand Challenges Canada to develop and implement the concept of Grand Challenges Thailand. Dr. Peter A. Singer, Chief Executive Officer at Grand Challenges Canada in particular has played an active role in catalyzing this new initiative, as international advisory board member at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). “It is fantastic to see Thailand supporting Thai innovators to solve global challenges using innovation” said Dr. Singer. “We are thrilled that Thailand is joining this expanding global movement.”
About Thailand Research Organization Network (TRON):
To enhance economic competiveness and social well-being, the government setup the Thailand Research Organization Network (TRON) to systematically help identify, manage, and ensure coordination among the research agencies on various research programs. The network consists of seven research agencies: National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Research Fund (TRF), National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI), Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Agriculture Research Development Agency (ARDA), Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC), and National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
