A Visionary Recognized: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha Thawesaengskulthai Honored as ‘Friend of Thai Science 2024’ 

Chulalongkorn University proudly congratulates Associate Professor Dr. Natcha Thawesaengskulthai, former Vice President for Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Global Engagement and former faculty member of the Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, for receiving the prestigious “Friend of Thai Science 2024” award. The honor was presented by the Office of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation during a ceremony held on December 6, 2024, at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. Ms. Chuliepote Isarankura Na Ayudhaya, Minister at the embassy, presented the award, with officials in attendance to offer their congratulations. 

Joining Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha in this recognition was Prof. Mark Robson, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA. Prof. Robson has been a steadfast supporter of Thai science, serving as a lecturer in the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Program in Environmental Management at Chulalongkorn’s Environmental Research Institute. Additionally, he leads the NIH Fogarty International Training Program in Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (ITREOH) at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Public Health. Prof. Robson was previously awarded an honorary Doctorate of Public Health from Chulalongkorn University in 2009. 

A Catalyst for Collaboration 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha Thawesaengskulthai has played a pivotal role in promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) collaborations between Thailand and the United States. She established the Global Innovation Club, an initiative connecting global institutions, governments, academic networks, private sector partners, and investors, with the Thai Ambassador to the U.S. serving as the chairperson. The program has gained support from various key organizations, including the BOI, NXPO, NIA, DEPA, DITP, DIP, Innospace, Thai Startup Association, Techsauce, and CU Enterprises. 

One of her most notable achievements is the strategic partnership between Chulalongkorn University and Cornell University under the Cornell Global Hub Network. This collaboration focuses on addressing global research challenges and enhancing educational and research capabilities through joint projects. Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha facilitated cooperation between the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation and the University of California, Berkeley. 

She has also been instrumental in fostering the startup partnership between Montgomery County, Maryland, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and the Federation of Thai Industries through a formal MOU. This agreement supports Thai companies seeking opportunities in the U.S. market and U.S. companies expanding into Thailand. The Chula Deeptech Demo Day 2023 further showcased over 100 deep-tech enterprises, attracting over 500 global representatives, including investors and U.S.-based experts, and highlighting the potential for Thai-U.S. cooperation in advancing technology and economic growth. 

Recognizing Excellence 

In recognition of her contributions, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha was also awarded the Prime Minister Award: National Startup 2023 in the “Evangelist of the Year” category. 

The “Friend of Thai Science” award conferred by the Office of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to Thailand’s higher education, science, research, and innovation. Between 2018 and 2023, 12 individuals from the Americas have received this honor— 11 from the United States and one from Canada. The award selection process involves nominations from organizations, associations, and the public through the office’s website and communication channels. This year, two distinguished individuals, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha and Prof. Robson, were honored for their remarkable contributions. 

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