St Petersburg University will cooperate with the National Agency for the Development of Science and Technology of Thailand
St Petersburg University and the National Agency for the Development of Science and Technology of Thailand signed a contract of intent in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Within the framework of the first Russian-Thai round table on cooperation in the field of science and education of gifted youth held in Bangkok, there was a meeting between the first deputy vice-rector for scientific work of St Petersburg University Sergey Mikushev and the executive vice-president of the National Agency for the Development of Science and Technology of Thailand Chadamas Chuvasetakun.
These large Russian and Thai scientific centres plan to: help each other in the development of innovative technologies, as well as the commercialisation and market launch of new technological projects; support venture investments in new technologies; and provide access for innovative companies of both countries to the infrastructure for research and development.
«This is only the first step in the development of our relations, but it leads immediately to the elaboration of concrete joint projects. In particular, I hope that this year the implementation of the project in the field of thin films and polymer coatings will begin with the first autonomous public university of Thailand — SUT (Suranaree University of Technology), which is the leader of the National rating of universities in Thailand,» said Sergey Mikushev, First Deputy Vice-Rector for Scientific Work of St Petersburg University.
The Heads of the Ministry of Education, the Chairman of the State Research Fund (the analogue of the Russian Science Foundation), the Head of the Academy for Gifted Children of Thailand attended the meeting; from the Russian side there were representatives of St Petersburg University, Moscow State University, Skoltekh and the educational centre «Sirius».
Sergey Mikushev presented a report to his colleagues on the scientific potential of St Petersburg University and opportunities for cooperation with scientific and educational organisations in Thailand. After the meeting, the Russian delegation was received by the Princess of Thailand, Makha Chakri Sirindkhorn, who personally supervises the development of science and support of the country’s talented youth. At the audience, the results of the roundtable were summed up and, in particular, a decision was made to develop cooperation with St Petersburg University.
In 2017, 120 years had passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand. As part of a state visit to Russia in the autumn of 2017, the Princess of Thailand visited the Research Park of St Petersburg University, became acquainted with the University’s possibilities and studied the experience of organising access for scientists and students to the scientific equipment. The Queen of Thailand Sirikit and Princess Chulapkhon Makhidon in 2007 and 2011 became holders of the title «Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University.»