Science as roadway to sustainable growth

Organised by the Science Society of Thailand (SST), under the royal patronage of HM the King, in association with Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science, the congress celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of HM the King's accession to the throne with the theme "Science and Technology for Sufficiency Economy".

The official opening ceremony, which falls on the second day, will be presided over by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn. The president of the Science Society of Thailand, Assoc Prof Khunying Sumonta Promboon, will give a special plenary lecture on HRH Princess Siridhorn' initiatives on science and technology education, which will be followed by a keynote lecture by the 2002 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Prof Kurt Wuthrich on Molecular Structure in Biology and Biomedicine.

In addition, the official opening ceremony will feature special invited lectures by three outstanding scientists. Prof Tokichi Miyakawa, 2005 Outstanding Scientist from Japan's Hiroshima University, will discuss his research on yeast and possible application of his research findings.

Following Dr Miyakawa's lecture, will be a lecture by two of Thailand's 2006 outstanding scientists, Prof Piyasan Praserthdam and Prof Somchai Wongwises, from Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut's University of Technology, respectively.

Of the 927 research papers, 201 will be presented orally throughout the congress. This year, the congress is introducing new categories, such as earth science, cosmetic sciences, and health and sport sciences.

Other categories include: maths, computing and IT; biological science; chemistry; physics; material science; agricultural science; food sciences; biomedical science; environmental science and technology; engineering and technology; science communication and education; and special sessions in forensic science, biomedical engineering, science and technology of Thai herbs, and synchrotron light and applications.

"Each research paper is expected to reflect sufficiency through science and technology," says Khunying Sumonta. "Material sciences, for example, involve innovations of cheaper and durable materials to replace natural materials or natural products," she adds.

The congress is open to the general public and members of the Science Society of Thailand. Free access is limited to the exhibition areas and the poster boards of scientific research papers. A fee of 1,700 baht will be charged to the general public to participate in the seminars and plenary discussions; 1,400 baht to members of the Science Society of Thailand; and 1,000 baht to students.

The Thirty-second Congress on Science and Technology convenes from October 10- 12, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. For more information, visit www.stt32.scisoc.or.th