On 1 October 2025, Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), presided over the signing ceremony of a Letter of Intent for research cooperation between the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and The University of Osaka, Japan.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand, representing Thailand, and Prof. Dr. Atsushi Kumanogoh, President of The University of Osaka, representing Japan.
On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Atsushi Kumanogoh welcomed the Thai delegation and expressed his pleasure regarding the visit. He highlighted the strong and long-standing relationships between The University of Osaka and several Thai academic institutions and expressed confidence that cooperation with NRCT would further strengthen research collaboration networks between Thailand and Japan.
Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul emphasized the important role of MHESI in higher education, science, research, and innovation. He also congratulated NRCT and The University of Osaka on the establishment of this research partnership and stressed that international cooperation plays an important role in human resource development and in enhancing Thailand’s research capabilities. Cooperation with The University of Osaka, a leading university with a strong international reputation, will provide valuable opportunities for Thai researchers to work closely with leading Japanese researchers.
Dr. Wiparat De-ong explained that the cooperation originated from a visit by the NRCT executive delegation to The University of Osaka in July. During the visit, both parties discussed and agreed on a framework for future collaboration covering joint research, academic exchange, and researcher exchange. She expressed confidence that the signing of this agreement would expand research networks and create sustainable benefits for both Thailand and Japan.
The cooperation between NRCT and The University of Osaka will focus on promoting Thai–Japanese research and innovation through joint research projects in areas with strong potential, researcher and student exchanges, and activities aimed at developing new skills needed for the future. These initiatives are expected to help advance Thailand’s research and innovation capabilities toward international standards