KKU Hosts National Science Week 2026 Under "Intelligence Science for a Sustainable Future" Theme, Drawing Over 1,400 Youth Competition Teams

KKU Hosts National Science Week 2026 Under “Intelligence Science for a Sustainable Future” Theme, Drawing Over 1,400 Youth Competition Teams

11 August 2026
17:25

The regional event aims to inspire STEM learning, unveil three new immersive exhibitions, and promote sustainable innovation among young minds.

Khon Kaen University (KKU) held a press conference for the Regional National Science Week 2026 on 11 August 2026, from 09:30 to 11:15 hrs, at Wittayawiphas 1 Room, 1st Floor, Wittayawiphas Building, Faculty of Science. Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, represented the President of Khon Kaen University and led the briefing. She was joined by Asst. Prof. Angkana Boonyued, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Asst. Prof. Songyoot Kaewmala, Ph.D., Lecturer in Physics. Faculty members, university administrators, students, and media representatives attended in strong numbers.

Organised under the theme “Intelligence Science for a Sustainable Future”, the event will highlight the essential role of science, technology, and smart innovations – such as artificial intelligence and data science. These fields help address economic, environmental, and social challenges, driving balanced, sustainable national development.

Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, stated that National Science Week serves as a strategic mission for KKU to inspire youth and build a collaborative network among universities, schools, industry, and local communities. She noted that developing STEM workforce capacity forms the foundation for long-term national sustainability. To foster a lifelong learning society, KKU is expanding knowledge dissemination through the Natural History Museum and Lifelong Learning Centre, featuring three new exhibitions designed to make complex science accessible:

“Prehistoric World”: Explores prehistoric Earth through fossil and geological evidence.
“Quantum Quest”: Demystifies quantum science through interactive, hands-on experiences.
“Logical Park”: Enhances logical thinking through interactive games suitable for all ages.

The three-day event will also feature daily Science Shows (four sessions per day) and collaborative displays from over 10 partner organisations, demonstrating how smart science integrates into daily life.

Asst. Prof. Angkana Boonyued, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Science, highlighted the event’s growing reach, citing past attendance of 37,000 to 43,000 visitors annually. For 2026, over 1,400 teams – comprising more than 2,810 students – have registered for competitions in core STEM areas, including high school science project contests, science and mathematics quizzes, water rocket competitions, and science shows. Additionally, KKU has introduced two new initiatives: an invention contest that utilises waste materials to promote circular economy concepts, and the “Science Sa-on” communication contest, designed to build digital media presentation skills among young participants.

Demonstrating practical scientific applications, Asst. Prof. Songyoot Kaewmala, Ph.D., used squishy toys to explain polymer properties, illustrating how everyday items relate to advanced materials research, such as battery development currently pursued at KKU. This energy-storage research supports Thailand’s transition towards a low-carbon society and strengthens industrial competitiveness. Linking everyday phenomena to national innovations helps students realise how simple curiosity can lead to impactful solutions.

Regional National Science Week 2026 will take place from 17 to 19 August 2026, between 08:30 and 16:30 hrs, at the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University. Admission to the main event is free, while museum entry fees apply based on age categories. Further details and advance registration are available at https://sc.kku.ac.th/scweek/competition/index.php and the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KKUScienceWeek.