Scientific Soft Power 2025: Applying Midwest Best Practices to Thailand

On June 21, 2025, the Office of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C. (OHESDC), in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chicago, organized the event "Scientific Soft Power 2025: Applying Midwest Best Practices to Thailand". The event showcased projects that adapt best practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from various Midwest states in the U.S. to foster new knowledge networks, expand collaboration, and provide policy recommendations for Thailand.

First Prize: Ms. Pattiya Pibulchinda for the project “Thailand’s Hydrogen for the Sustainable Future: Leveraging Innovations from the US Midwest Hydrogen Hub” This project analyzes the potential and pathways for developing Thailand’s hydrogen economy to enhance energy security by drawing lessons from the U.S. Midwest Hydrogen Hub. The main objective is to present data and practical approaches that could be adapted to the Thai context. The project also recommends adopting Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) technology to advance hydrogen production and utilization in Thailand, leveraging the Midwest Hydrogen Hub’s model to build an efficient and cost-effective hydrogen energy system. This could help Thailand compete in the global clean energy market and become the Hydrogen Hub of Southeast Asia.

First Runner-Up: Asst. prof Theinchai Pasurakul, MD for the project “Assessment of Artificial Intelligence on the Diagnosis and Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity by Ophthalmologists-in-Training, Illinois Chiaca” This project evaluates the effectiveness of AI-based diagnostic support systems in increasing the accuracy of ophthalmology trainees diagnosing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants. The study found that using AI diagnostic support, developed from Deep Learning (DL) models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and i-ROP DL (studied at the University of Illinois Hospital), to analyze wide-angle retinal images of premature infants, improved diagnostic accuracy, especially for less experienced ophthalmologists. The AI tool could also benefit healthcare providers in remote areas lacking specialists, supporting clinical care even when pediatric retinal specialists are unavailable.

Second Runner-Up: Ms. Boonyarak Chuanchit for the project “Strategies for Enhancing Educational Institutions' Participation in Strengthening Water Quality in Thailand: A Case Study of the Kishwaukee River, Illinois)” This project explores ways to encourage Thai higher education institutions to play a greater role in water quality management. Policy recommendations include establishing a national university water quality network, integrating fieldwork into curricula, providing long-term research funding, and developing national standards for data collection. The project also advocates for universities to serve as regional policy advisors and to develop standardized water quality data collection protocols. It highlights the need for regional cooperation among countries sharing water resources in Southeast Asia.

The event also featured special lectures on STEM topics such as “SRI System Serving Thailand’s Economic and Social Development” by Professor Dr. Visanu Meeyou, Deputy Director of the Office of the Science, Research and Innovation (TSRI), Thailand, “Heart Up! Elevating cardiovascular health and disease prevention through the integration of AI and gut microbiota for a better life” by Ms. Wirumpa Tanglai, University of Illinois Chicago, “Transforming Nursing Education with Virtual Reality/Metaverse” by Mr. Phiset Khueanthong, University of Illinois Chicago, and a special performance on Lanna contemporary dance by Ms. Waewdao Sirisuk, 2024 Thailand Silpathorn Award-winning performing artist.

OHESDC congratulates all award recipients and extends its gratitude to the team of Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chicago, judges, faculty members, and students who participated in the event.