Bangkok: For the first time, Thailand is co-hosting the Global Research Council (GRC) 2026 meeting with Canada, bringing together research funding organizations from 70 countries. The aim is to serve as a "connector" for global cooperation in science, research, and innovation. Yoschanan stated that the conference will promote Open Science, increasing access to knowledge, reducing inequality, and developing research to address economic, social, and sustainable community development needs.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), presided over the opening ceremony of the 14th Global Research Council (GRC) Conference 2026 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok, from May 18-22, 2026. This year marks the first time Thailand, through the Thailand RISE Fund (Thailand Science, Research and Innovation Fund) under the Office of National Science, Research and Innovation Policy (ONSRIP), in collaboration with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), is hosting the conference. Representatives from research funding organizations and science, research and innovation agencies from 38 countries, as well as diplomatic representatives from 70 countries worldwide, participated in the conference to exchange views and determine the direction of international cooperation in science, research, and innovation.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan, in his keynote address at the opening ceremony, stated that Thailand's honor in hosting the GRC 2026 conference is a significant opportunity to help shape the direction of the global research system and learn about research funding approaches from leading countries. This will allow for the application of international knowledge and standards to develop a more efficient research funding system in Thailand. He noted that the world is currently facing new challenges from geopolitics, technology, and social changes, making the development and use of technology, including AI, crucial and ethically sound, with consideration of its impact on society and communities. He emphasized that policymakers must play a vital role in driving this change by formulating policies that link research to practical applications. Meanwhile, those driving the research system must consider how research can be further developed and applied in the industrial, social, and community sectors after its completion.
Building a strong research system doesn't depend solely on budget; it also requires an open ecosystem that fosters collaboration and provides a space for people from diverse fields to work together. Diversity of thought leads to creativity and innovation. Open Science plays a crucial role by facilitating access to knowledge, data sharing, infrastructure, and collaborative research resources. This accelerates scientific and innovative development, enabling countries to effectively address global problems and fostering international research collaboration. This approach will provide Thai researchers, universities, and tech startups with greater access to global research networks and funding sources.
Current research should focus on addressing national and international agendas through integrated work, without separating science and social science disciplines. It must view problems holistically to find practical and sustainable solutions. The critical issue of PM2.5, a global problem, requires both technological research to solve it and social science research to understand and modify people's behavior. The government is ready to support research that addresses key national issues and is linked to improving the quality of life for citizens. 'I am confident that the GRC 2026 conference will be another important platform for fostering cooperation, exchanging ideas, and jointly shaping the direction of the global science, research, and innovation (SRI) system. This will enable us to create tangible positive impacts on the economy, society, and the quality of life of the people. We cannot stop global change, but we can work together to determine the direction of technology so that it is used for the benefit o f humanity and society,' said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Professor Dr. Sompong Khlaynongsuwan, Director of the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), stated that the GRC 2026 conference is an important platform reflecting the role of international cooperation in driving science, research, and innovation (SRI). Thailand prioritizes developing an open, interconnected SRI system that addresses national development needs, particularly by pushing for research and innovation to have a tangible impact on the economy, society, and the quality of life of the people. This year's conference is held under two main themes: "Open Science" and "Research for Sustainable Communities," reflecting the role of SRI in addressing major global challenges such as climate change, inequality, food security, health, urbanization, and technological transformation.
Thailand and the Science, Technology, Innovation and Innovation Fund being honored to host this event reflects the international research community's confidence in Thailand's role in fostering global cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and research. It also provides Thailand with opportunities to exchange experiences and learn from various countries. The world is facing multifaceted sustainability challenges, particularly climate change, which is linked to food security, energy, agriculture, health, and the quality of life of its people. Therefore, this conference promotes two key agendas: Open Science and Research for Sustainable Communities, enabling countries to access, share, and utilize knowledge collaboratively to solve societal and global problems.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Alejandro Adem, Chair of the Governing Board of the Global Research Council (GRC) and President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), stated that research funding management organizations and multilateral collaboration play a crucial role in driving science, innovation, and research for the benefit of both developed and developing countries, especially during a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges. Throughout the past year, the GRC has jointly driven global discussions on Open Science and research for sustainable communities, including parallel activities and exchange forums on a variety of key issues such as knowledge culture, the Diamond Open Access system, reforming research evaluation systems, multilateral collaboration, developing an inclusive and equitable Open Science ecosystem, as well as issues of diversity, equity, and participation.
Her Excellency Ms. Ping Kitnikone, Canadian Ambassador to Thailand, stated that this meeting reflects the strong cooperation between Thailand and Canada in driving global science, technology, innovation, and research. It also serves as an important platform for networking, exchanging knowledge, and expanding international cooperation. Canada supports the development of research personnel and the exchange of students and researchers between the two countries, which are crucial mechanisms for building long-term collaborative networks.
Throughout the conference, representatives from various regions of the world exchanged views and experiences. This marked a significant step in supporting the Statement of Principles on Open Science and the Statement of Principles on Research for Sustainable Communities, reflecting the shared values ??and vision of research funding organizations worldwide. It also serves as a link for the international research funder community to jointly drive an open, inclusive, and impactful science, technology, and innovation (STI) system that has a positive long-term impact on society. Hosting the GRC 2026 conference highlighted Thailand's role in connecting global STI cooperation and showcased the potential of the Thai STI system to drive research and innovation to create tangible impacts on the economy, society, and the quality of life of the people, demonstrating its capabilities to the international community.