National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the key national agency responsible for promoting and supporting research and innovation to drive Thailand’s sustainable development.
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) is responsible for providing research and innovation funding; developing national databases and indices on science, research, and innovation; initiating, driving, and coordinating key national research and innovation projects; establishing research standards and ethics; promoting and transferring knowledge for utilization; supporting the development of research and innovation personnel; and granting awards, recognitions, or honors to individuals or organizations in the field of research and innovation.
Vision
NRCT is the leading organization in fostering research and innovation for utilization in all dimensions.
Mission
NRCT’s Key Missions:
- Sponsoring national research and innovation funds
- Creating national databases and indexes in science, research and innovation
- Initiating, driving, and operating on national key research and innovation projects
- Establishing research standards and ethics
- Promoting and transferring knowledge for application
- Supporting and encouraging personnel development in terms of research and innovation
- Giving awards, honoring, or complimenting individuals or institutions for their research and innovation
Research and innovation crucial mechanisms for driving the national economy, advancing social development, and strengthening the innovation system, with the good of transforming Thailand from “developing” country into “developed” one. The NRCT works each day to fulfil its mission of becoming the main national organization for strengthening research and innovation systems by providing research funding, training personnel, and developing research and innovation ecosystems in accordance with the goals of the National Strategy.
To that end, NRCT will continue to support research programs and projects that aim to meet the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), as well as apply research and innovation results to the country’s development in all dimensions, overcoming the country’s challenges and concerns, as well as achieving sustainable development goals.
Highlight
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) received the Thailand Public Sector Excellence Awards (Lert Rath Awards) 2025 given by the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) in the following categories:
- Lert Rath Award 2025 for the project “Blue Swimming Crab Bank: Returning Crabs to the Thai Sea”, under the Participatory Public Management category, Outstanding Level.
- Lert Rath Award 2025 in the Public Service Excellence – Model Implementation category for the project “Development of New Generation Research and Innovation Personnel”, Good Level.
- Lert Rath Award 2025 in the Public Service Innovation category for the project “Thai National Research Repository (TNRR): Thailand’s Research Database”, Good Level.
Collaboration Opportunities
Research Funding Priorities
- BCG (Bio-Circular Green Economy)
- Soft Power
- Industry and New Economy Development
- Sustainable Society
- SME (Small and Medium Enterprises)
International Research Partnership
To advance Thailand’s research and innovation, NRCT also has international research partnership.
We separate the international research collaboration into three (3) types which are bilateral collaboration, multilateral partnership, and member of international organizations.
Funding Modalities (Bilateral and Multilateral)
collaboration are divided into
- Joint Research Projects
- Researcher Exchanges
- International Seminar or Workshops
- Other types, such as nominating researchers for international awards.
Hub of Talents
– A center that gathers experts with specialized high skills and multi-disciplinary expertise, essential from various sectors both in domestic and overseas, in key areas or targets for national development.
– High-skilled specialists with official agreements to continuously collaborate in the operations of the center.
Hub of Knowledge
– A center for generating, collecting, and disseminating specialized knowledge gaps that are crucial for continuous national development.
– A center of excellence in specialized knowledge where Thailand excels and can disseminate internationally.
– A coordinating center for the creation, collection, and dissemination of collaborative specialized knowledge among experts and specialists at various levels and across multiple disciplines.
Researcher Career Development Grant
- We also provide funding to support high-potential researchers, scientists, and inventors in starting their careers and advancing in their professional paths.
- We have funding programs at all career stages, from young researcher to senior researcher, based on the OECD research fields.
- This aims to increase the number of highly skilled scientists and innovators in alignment with the country’s needs.
Research Utilization
NRCT also places great importance on driving the utilization of research and innovation outcomes.
- This includes applications in policy implementation, social and community impact, commercial use, and academic contribution.
- For example, we have provided funding to the Thai Biomedical Engineering Association to conduct research aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities. And, we have delivered the research findings to the Ministry of Transport for further implementation and policy development.
Research & Innovation Promotion Events
We also organize Research and Innovation Promotion Events as it plays an important role in showcasing Thailand’s brilliance and inspiring the next generation of researchers and innovators.
- Thailand Research Expo
The expo brings together researchers from academia, industry, and government to showcase their latest research achievements. It also includes research presentations, exhibition, keynote addresses and panel discussions, and symposiums. - Thailand Inventors’ Day
This event is organized during two to six February every year. It features exhibitions showcasing innovations from students, government agencies, and the private sector.
We also host an international pavilion for global inventors, known as Bangkok International Intellectual Property, Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exposition or IPITEx.
Visual Showcase
Contact Partner
Closing Note
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) is committed to advancing research and innovation, fostering international collaboration, and sharing knowledge to promote sustainable global development.
