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EDUCATION
Newton Fund a boon to researchers in Thailand
Pakawan Rojanasingsawad
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Launched last year, Britain's Newton Fund has already benefited 71 Thai universities and supported more than 460 research projects.

"We build links that are crucial, so they [researchers] can go on," Dr Claire McNulty, director of Science British Council UK, said during a recent interview at the British Embassy.

"It has been shown that research, which is internationally mobile, is more productive, which is good for Thai and UK researchers," she added.

The 375 million (pound) Newton Fund seeks to allow Britain to share its research and innovation knowledge to promote economic development and social welfare with 15 other partner countries including Thailand over a five-year period starting from 2014.

Marcus Winsley, director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy, said the fund had brought together British and Thai researchers through academic institutions and research departments.

Under this fund, "Researcher Links" have already materialised in Thailand with solid success. Later this year, the British Council - which manages the Newton Fund - will also be launching "Institutional Links".

The Newton Fund is influential in terms of improving human resources and strengthening bonds between the two countries, as the project does not just focus on research but also aims to improve innovation and people's well-being.

"At the moment, the Science Ministry has networked with 14 other countries. We have started a number of projects from space all the way down to Earth's water and soil," Science and Technology Minister Dr Pichet Durongkaveroj said.

"The Newton Fund is a project that Thailand has invested in together with the United Kingdom, as we don't just receive scholarships alone, but also provide funds depending on the projects. This project is expected to build a strong relationship between researchers from both countries and serves as an opportunity for Thai researchers to get exposure to new technologies in the UK. Also some Thai students can complete their research in their final year in a new environment," Pichet added.

The minister went on to say that the Thai government would allocate about 1 per cent of the country's GDP or about Bt100 billion as investment in scientific research.

"We will use research to improve innovation and generate economic benefits as well as create value in terms of economy," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Newton-Fund-a-boon-to-researchers-in-Thailand-30264308.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-13

[djlest]

is that how Thailand was the only country in the World to find a cure to Eboli?

[Thai at Heart]

Any Thai fund doing anything similar?

[Srikcir]

"some Thai students can complete their research in their final year in a new environment"

A democratic nation?