Asst.Prof.Dr. Rawin Raviwongse, president of National Science Museum (NSM) and Ms. Marissa Whitten, Assistant to Cultural Affairs, U.S. Embassy Bangkok, presented awards for the final round competition of University Students’ Science, Technology, and Innovation Talks (UniTi Talks 2024), on December 20, 2024 at IT Auditorium, IT Museum, NSM, Klong 5, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani province. Ms.Kachakorn Klongklaew, a medical student at Mahidol University, won the first place of creative science communicator, on the topic “Who Kills the Sharks?” with the idea for reducing global warming.
Asst.Prof.Dr.Rawin said “UniTi Talks 2024 competition has been held under the theme “UniTi Talks on STI for Climate Change: Raising Awareness, Mitigating the Impact, and Adapting to Climate Change”. The competition is more than just a competition since it inspires to create a new generation of science communicators who are ready to drive the Thai society to overcome the climate crisis together. The youth’s projects attempted to prove that science can change the world, and we believe that Thailand in the future will be brighter with the power of these youth groups.”
Ms.Marissa Whitten, Assistant to the Cultural Affairs Officer, Embassy of the United States of America, "The University Students’ Science, Technology and Innovation Talks (UniTi Talks 2024) is a collaboration between NSM, the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, American Corners, and five network universities: Burapha University in Bang Saen, Khon Kaen University, Kasetsart University, Chiang Mai University, and Prince of Songkla University in Surat Thani Campus. This initiative is significant to the U.S. Embassy as it aims to drive sustainable community change through the development of science communicators who will promote positive societal transformation. Climate Change, a global issue, is one of the key topics. The new generation of science communicators will be essential voices in conveying this knowledge to the public. Congratulations to the top three awardees who will have the opportunity to visit the United States in April 2025. We hope this platform will help build a network of science communicators and develop new science and technology professionals who will become quality science communicators for Thailand in the future."
Ms. Kachakorn Klongklaew, the winner said “I really feel happy since I have not expected to win the award since all the contestants did the best. I think that entering the final round of the competition is like winning over myself. The topic “Who Kills the Sharks?” may sound strange, but sharks have an important role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. It has a significant impact on reducing global warming. The key factor in science communication is to tell stories in an easy-to-understand and interesting way so that everyone is aware of the problem and can solve it together. Who would have thought that a ferocious predator like a shark could become a hero who serves the world?”
The 1st runner-award award goes to Ms.Laksika Chantanarat, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, on the topic “CBG: Move Forward to the Bigger Step Together”. She said “I have done my best, and happy for the award. I Think all contestants are very talented. The CBG means a fuel that can be used with NGV and CNG vehicles. The main idea is using CBG fuel will help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In addition, using CBG gas for transportation can reduce car dioxide equivalent to NGV gas.”
Mr.Panpitra Phuthon, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kean University, received the 2nd runner-up award, on the topic “Fast Fashion: W.E.A.R. Solutions”. He said “I am very happy to get the award since, not only, having a good experience, but also an opportunity to participate in activities to be held in the U.S.A. which is my goal to join this event. The topic I chose to talk is about using second-hand clothes, reusing clothes to reduce the demand to buy new clothes, or repurposing existing clothes into creative and sustainable fashion. These things can be started by ourselves, and can be recommended or shared with friends.”
The other winners in the final round of the University Students’ Science, Technology, and Innovation Talks (UniTi Talks 2024) are:
Honourable Mention Award:
-Ms.Sirichoke Kosalwit, Mahidol University, on the topic “Global Warming…Disturbing Health”,
-Ms.Nareekarn Singkhonrat, Mahidol University, on the topic “City of All Lives”,
-Mr.Sukpawat Muangsombat, Mahidol University, on the topic “If the Doctor Comes-But Flees-Because He Wants to Flee”,
-Mr.Peerach Chumkaew, Chaing Mai University, on the topic “Climate Change and Education Change?”,
-Ms.Taechinee Anangkapun, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, on the topic “Flooding Relate to”.
In addition, Mr.Kiatisak Phothawimoncharat, Praboromarajchnok Institute received a special award “Out of the Box” from the topic “3 Save Sex-How to love her and save the world at the same time”.
