TYSA Met Minister of MHESI Aiming to Join Hands to Drive National Science, Research and Innovation

TYSA met Ministry of MHESI aiming to join hands to drive national science, research and innovation. Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas suggested TYSA to deal with local level problems and empower young generation.

On January 15, 2021, Thai Young Scientists Academy (TYSA), led by the co-chairs Dr. Kampanart Silva and Dr. Sasitorn Srisawadi got an opportunity to meet with Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to present the academy’s work direction towards research and development. Dr. Kampanart described that TYSA aims to make best use of science, research, and innovation potentials of young scientists with volunteer mindset to address national and international issues. The missions of the academy are 1) to empower young scientists 2) to drive science, research and innovation policy for the development of the country and 3) to form science-informed society. TYSA collaborates with other organizations to conduct activities that inspire youths all over the country and create a platform for the young generation to throw in their opinions and ideas towards hot issues.

Prof. Dr. Anek stated that research nowadays emphasizes the evidence-based practice and the use of big data, but it lacks good perspective. Systematic analysis of perspectives can result in concepts and theories. The minister would like TYSA to seek for a possible way to establish provincial chamber of science and technology which can be a platform to make use of science, research and innovation at local level. He also aims to spread out the practice of deriving solutions from science, research and innovation to other ministries and to local authorities. Additionally, he requested the academy to come up with ideas to make science attractive and how to attract minorities, e.g., Muslims, hill tribes, and those who have no nationality, to science, and provide them an opportunity to make full use of their potentials.

The minister invited TYSA along with their young alliances to visit him every 1-2 months to present outstanding issues in science, research and innovation, and discuss policy ideas. The theme for the next meeting is BCG Economy, focusing on premium agriculture practices and its improvement. Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop and Asst. Prof. Dr. Suvaluk Asavasanti, TYSA executive committee members, will present their ideas on BCG economy from the viewpoint of energy and food at the next meeting.