MHESI Grant Science Communicator Awards to Empower National Science Communication Network

Prof.Dr.Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) chaired the declaration of intent ceremony of the national science communication networks, and presenting Science Communicator Awards in “Thailand Science Communication Awards and Networks 2025 held on August 14, 2025 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok. Mr.Vichian Suksoir, Secretary to MHESI Minister, Mr.Suwarong Wongsiri, Acting National Science Museum (NSM)’s president and executives from organizations of science networks attended the ceremony. The Science Communication Awards 2025 have been granted to outstanding persons or organizations that drive their works on development by using science communication for the public. The awards aim to encourage more cooperation among science communication networks for creating science awareness.

Prof.Dr.Supachai said “The intent declaration of science communication networks in Thailand is recognized as a synergy of various organizations, such as science communities, media, social communities to develop our county with creativity and potential. It will create every sector, both government and public in the Thai society to have an awareness and accessibility of science, technology, and innovation impartially. Also, this will a crucial step to leverage our potential with a foundation of development into international arenas. I would like to convey my congratulations to the winners of Science Communication Awards 2025: an outstanding science communicator, excellent science communication organization, distinguished science communication project and science communication honor award. Those are honorary awards for individual or organizations dedicated themselves to outstanding science communication that promotes science to public. 

 

Mr.Suwarong Wongsiri, Acting President, National Science Museum (NSM) said “NSM has launched Thailand Science Communication Awards and Network 2025 and having the declaration of intent to synergize network of promoting scientific awareness and science communication in Thailand. There are 30 organizations have joined and moved forward with high collaborative effort to raise more awareness of science. NSM’s primary mission is to inspire and raise awareness of the value and importance of science in the Thai society, and to promote civic science literacy by linking scientific knowledge with relevant agencies at national level. The aim is to developing manpower to work with mastery scientific knowledge base and skill, which will improve the quality of life in various societies, communities, schools, and families. This will foster thinking process and creativity among workforce, enable them to keep up with scientific breakthrough as a foundation for sustainable social development.”

The event also featured a special panel discussion to share perspectives and new knowledge of science communication on “Science Communication and Opportunities for Thailand”.  The speakers were Dr.Ganigar Chen, NSM Vice President, Dr.Tanthai Prasertkul, President of Science Communicators Association and host of WiTcast program; and

Mr.Punthawat Setthawilai, Team Lead and Producer of the Standard Podcast. The discussion panel explored the needs, new directions, and social impact, as well as opportunities to enhance science communication and create sustainable, positive impacts in this country.

 

Dr.Ganigar shared her opinion “Due to science is multidimensional area encompassing knowledge base, processes, and the scientific mind, the goals of science communication, therefore are not only creating understanding, but also cultivating the mind or disposition of a scientist. Science will encourage people to be interested in and understand science more, and inspire them to explore new things happening in the world.”

Dr.Tanthai said “Currently, we have been facing many issues, such as climate change, renewable energy and epidemics that might consequence from people’s lack of true understanding in science. The decision makers might not rely themselves on scientific data. For this reason, if people have a correct perception, and engage in scientific matters, this will impact positively in many sectors and national governance.”

Mr.Punthawat said “I think we have a scientist hidden within us in terms of being observant and curious. As a content creator, I believe that scientific knowledge base or scientific content is always necessary to society and the nation.  So, one of the goals of communication is to make science simply to understand.  If the layman absorbs the usefulness of science, they will gain a better understanding in life and the world.”

The other discussion was on “the future of Science Communication: trends and on-trend directions of Thai science communication with “by Mr.Sawat Asawachaichan, Executive Editor of Sarakadee Magazine, Assoc. Prof.Dr.Jessada Denduangboripant, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Ms.Phatthasuda Bunyasri, Content creator of the Standard. The speakers shared up-to-date global trends or affairs affecting science communication in Thailand.

The exchanges at this forum also highlighted the significant roles of science communication towards country development, and the needs for various sectors to leverage science as driving force of the changes. Particularly, the speakers emphasized that we must design communication easily accessible and contextually relevant to each group, enable science to truly become a driving force for the Thai society.