The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) is a pivotal government agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Established in 1959, NRCT plays a strategic role in shaping Thailand’s research and innovation ecosystem by promoting, funding, coordinating, and regulating research and development across multiple domains.
Core Business
NRCT’s mandate encompasses the planning, promotion, and support of research and innovation that align with Thailand's socio-economic and environmental development goals. It acts as the national-level central body for:
- Research policy formulation
- Research funding allocation
- Standards and ethics oversight
- National and international collaboration
- Knowledge dissemination and commercialization
Product and Service Offerings
1. Research Funding
- Funds over 5,000 research projects annually
- Covers diverse sectors: Science, Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, Agriculture, and Environment
- Key programs include:
- Research for Industry Transformation
- Basic Research Fund
- COVID-19 Innovation Grants
2. Policy Formulation and Strategic Planning
- Formulates Thailand’s Five-Year National Research Policy and Strategy Plans
- Coordinates inter-agency alignment on research priorities
- Advises government on science-based public policy
3. Research Infrastructure and Databases
- Maintains the National Research Information System (NRIS)
- Hosts research databases and statistical analysis tools
- Supports open-access repositories to improve transparency
4. International Collaboration
- Partners with organizations such as:
- ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology
- UNESCO
- OECD
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- Coordinates Thailand's participation in Horizon Europe and APEC STI projects
5. Research Standards and Ethics
- Enforces research integrity policies
- Sets ethical review frameworks for research involving humans and animals
- Offers national accreditation for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
6. Knowledge Transfer and Commercialization
- Promotes public access to research outcomes
- Encourages commercialization through public-private partnerships
- Hosts national events like Thailand Research Expo and Innovation Thailand
Specialization and Core USP
NRCT stands out as the strategic apex body for research governance in Thailand. Its core uniqueness lies in its:
- Authority to link research with policy-level decision-making
- Capacity to mobilize multi-sectoral resources
- Emphasis on aligning research to Thailand 4.0 and Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy models
Financials and Scale
- Annual government research budget managed: Over THB 7 billion (approx. USD 200 million)
- Funds channeled to more than 150 institutions including universities, R&D centers, and startups
- Supports over 20 national research networks and clusters
Research Output and Impact
- In 2023, NRCT-backed projects contributed to:
- 850 peer-reviewed international publications
- 145 patents and intellectual property registrations
- 230 policy briefs used in public sector reforms
- Helped develop post-harvest technology solutions adopted by over 12,000 farmers
Target Market
While not commercial in nature, NRCT’s “clients” include:
- Academic and research institutions
- Government ministries and agencies
- Private sector R&D units
- International organizations
- Non-profits and civil society groups
Capabilities
- Centralized project lifecycle management systems
- Expertise in national and cross-border research grant administration
- Policy-level coordination capabilities
- Access to Thailand’s largest researcher database
Certifications and Compliance
- Follows national governance frameworks including:
- Thailand Research Framework Act (2019)
- MHESI standards for transparency and impact evaluation
- Works under ethical guidelines established by the National Research Ethics Committee (NREC)
Customer Testimonials
Participant institutions consistently rate NRCT’s platforms highly for:
- Efficiency in grant allocation
- Transparency in selection criteria
- Robust research integrity systems
The annual Thailand Research Expo, hosted by NRCT, receives participation from over 30,000 delegates, including policy makers, academics, students, and international partners.
Major Achievements
- Launched the National Research and Innovation Network (NRIN)
- Played a central role in COVID-19 R&D emergency response
- Spearheaded Thailand’s first National Research Data Policy
- Developed the NRCT Online Grant System, enabling real-time tracking of funding
- Recognized by UNESCO and ASEAN for promoting research capacity in the region
As a cornerstone institution in Thailand’s knowledge economy, the National Research Council of Thailand continues to enhance the nation’s global standing in science, technology, and innovation through coordinated, impactful, and ethical research initiatives.
