On Monday, 14 September 2026, the CMDDC Research Centre, Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University (KKU), welcomed a delegation from the Program Management Unit for Frontier Brainpower and Future Industries (PMU-B) to Futurium, National Science Museum (NSM), in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province. The delegation came to review the progress of projects under the Thatchawit programme.
The KKU team was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr Charuni Samat, Associate Dean for Education and Project Leader, alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr Issara Kanjug, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Pornsawan Vongtathum, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation. They were joined by faculty members, researchers and the programme’s scholarship recipients.
Dr Rattapoom Tuchinda, Deputy Director of PMU-B, headed the visiting delegation, accompanied by programme staff and senior analysts. The expert panel comprised Emeritus Prof. Dr Chachanat Thebtaranonth, Dr Kanyawim Kirtikara, Assoc. Prof. Dr Sakarindr Bhumiratana and Assoc. Prof. Dr Nathasit Gerdsri. The panel assessed each project’s progress and offered recommendations for strengthening research quality, innovation and the practical application of project outcomes.
Mr Suwarong Wongsiri, Acting President of NSM, gave the welcoming address, after which Dr Rattapoom outlined the objectives of the visit. Dr Ganigar Chen, Vice President of NSM and Project Leader, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Charuni Samat jointly described efforts to develop highly skilled talent and strengthen the capabilities of national research institutes under the Thatchawit programme. They reported progress in researcher development and in research and innovation, and set out pathways for putting the resulting knowledge to use.
A key component of the collaboration is a project to develop highly skilled personnel in generative AI, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). By integrating these technologies with neuroscience, the project designs effective learning experiences that enhance learners’ brain function. Delivered jointly by KKU and private-sector partners, the project ran across the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
The initiative links researcher development to the Faculty of Education’s programme in Innovation, Technology and Learning Sciences. It applies generative AI, extended reality (XR), neuroscience and learning sciences to practical challenges identified by NSM and industry partners, enabling researchers to translate advanced knowledge into applications for real-world learning.
Scholarship recipients also presented their research and innovations during the visit. Their work showcased applications of AI and immersive technologies in exhibition and learning-experience design, educational simulation, well-being promotion, digital exhibitions on biosignals, high-energy physics and quantum technology, and personalised learning systems informed by brain function.
The expert panel toured the exhibits, listened to the student presentations and talked through research progress, challenges and opportunities for further development. Its recommendations centred on moving research and prototypes towards international academic publication, intellectual property and practical use.
The collaboration underlines CMDDC’s role in linking talent development, advanced research and educational innovation. It combines KKU’s expertise in research and learning sciences, NSM’s learning spaces, specialists and users, and the technologies and know-how of industry partners.
Looking ahead, CMDDC, the Faculty of Education, NSM and industry partners aim to turn this project-based collaboration into a sustainable research and innovation ecosystem. Priorities include joint research, the development of early-career researchers, degree and non-degree programmes, collaborative innovation with industry, and wider application of research outcomes in learning centres and across society.
