Extreme Live Research Show at Great Wall Station, Antarctica by NSM

National Science Museum (NSM), in collaboration with the Information Technology Foundation under the Initiative of Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (PSIT), and Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, has arranged a live research stream from Great Wall Research Station, Antarctica, on February 6, 2025 at Science Showcase room, Rama 9 Museum, NSM, Klong Luang, Klong 5, Pathum Thani province. Prof.Dr.Suchana Chavanich, researcher, prof. on Antarctica, and  Marine Biology, Asst.Prof. Dr.Sujaree Bureekul, Marine Biogeochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Niphat Pinpradub, assistant researcher, Department of Aquatic Science, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, have shared their experience in Antartica; to raise inspiration of young audience. Asst.Prof.Dr. Rawin Raviwongse, president of NSM and Dr. Ganigar Chen, NSM vice president have joined the show with students and teachers from Klong 5 (Prukchut) School and Community School Wat Huthasarn Kaset, Pathum Thani. 

Prof.Dr.Rawin said “NSM has attempted to create an inspiration and awareness on science, technology and environment through real experience to the youth groups.  The project on “Extreme Live Stream from Extreme Lands” has been held for youth to get an experience that few people ever meet, including talking with researchers working in Antarctica.  It is a valuable activity to enhance learning outside the classroom, and to realize the various important aspects of natural science and environment. The experience will be a driving force that inspires the youth to become scientists and researchers in the future. In the show, NSM has invited Prof.Dr.Suchana Chavanich, deputy director, Aquatic Resources Research Institute, and professor at Marine Science Department, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University; one of researchers in Polar Research project under the Initiative of Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, (PSIT), to be a speaker in this event.”  

 Prof.Dr.Suchana Chavanich talked in the show “Thailand has joined the Polar Research project with Rep. of China since 1993 under the Initiative of Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and MoU of Polar Science between National Science and Technology Develoopment Agency (NSTDA) and Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration (CAA).  Later, a group of Thai researchers and I have joined in the 41st Chinese Antarctica Research Expedition.”

She said that it was a special opportunity to share her experience of working and living at Great Wall Station.  The youth would learn about biodiversity and the existence of animals in Antarctica, such as elephant seals and penguins; who have adapted themselves to the harsh environment of Antarctica, and have fought against global warming causing the ice to melt. The audience would experience some examples of research from the South Pole, for example, a sample of ‘penguin feathers’ collected for studying pollution in those areas. The results from the study would be applied in combating global warming and climate change; current problems facing, and reminded us to be more aware and create more awareness in conserving nature and environment.
 

Dr.Ganigar Chen added that this special talk was arranged according to the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, which science and technology is a  key area of the cooperation. The collaboration of Thai researches in the Antarctica Research project in China demonstrated the strength of this cooperation since it helped improving the potentials of Thai researchers. Therefore, the live stream and talk were arranged to create an inspiration of the Thai youth and to enhance close friendship between Thai and Chinese people. 

In addition, several 477 students have joined the live stream and talk through “Zoom”, such as King's College International School, Kensington International School, St. Gabriel’s School, Bangkok, Chulabhorn Science School, Pathum Thani, Chalerm Prakiet 60th Anniversary School, Pathum Thani, and Kasetsart University Demonstration School, Bangkok.