On August 20, 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr. Namkhang Srivattanarotai, Deputy Director for Education and Network, Institute for Innovative Learning (IL), Mahidol University, was invited to serve as the moderator of a special panel discussion entitled “Scientists in the AI and Space Economy Era: Opportunities in Scientific Careers” at the Central Stage of the National Science and Technology Fair 2026.
The session was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Supa Hannongbua, President of the Science Society of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King.
The panel featured three distinguished experts: Dr. Wiphu Rujopakan, Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT); Asst. Prof. Dr. Theerakiat Kerdcharoen, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, and Chief Scientist of MUI; and Prof. Dr. Ratinan Boonclueb, President of the Mathematical Association of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King and a faculty member of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University.
Designed around the concept “Looking Far into the Universe, Looking Deep into the Nano World, and Thinking Deeply through Mathematics,” the discussion connected perspectives from astronomy, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and mathematics. The panel explored why countries are increasingly investing in space exploration and the Space Economy, the diverse career opportunities behind space missions, and how nanotechnology, sensors, and AI can be transformed into practical innovations. The discussion also highlighted the essential role of mathematics in modelling, data analysis, and validating the reliability of emerging technologies and AI systems.
A key focus of the session was preparing young people for future careers in science. The speakers emphasized that becoming a scientist requires more than academic knowledge. A positive attitude toward science and mathematics, opportunities to explore personal interests and strengths, curiosity, the ability to ask meaningful questions, and systematic approaches to finding answers are fundamental to developing scientific thinking. Once young people discover what they are passionate about, continuous learning and commitment to self-development can become powerful drivers of success in their future careers.
Rather than simply introducing different scientific career paths, the panel sought to inspire teachers and students to recognize that today’s curiosity and learning can become the starting point for tomorrow’s innovations. Young people were encouraged to move beyond being technology users and become thinkers, creators, and active contributors in shaping the future.
The participation of the Institute for Innovative Learning in this national science and technology event reflects IL’s contribution to connecting science, technology, and education through innovative learning approaches. By supporting knowledge exchange and creating learning experiences that connect young people with leading experts, IL contributes to expanding the learning ecosystem and inspiring the next generation of scientists, innovators, and future-ready professionals.
This engagement also reinforces IL’s role in bridging academic knowledge with real-world learning and future career opportunities, helping learners develop curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and the confidence to participate in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Watch the Panel Discussion
The panel discussion is available for viewing via:
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