On November 18-19, 2024, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with the Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI), successfully organized the 3rd ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure (RRI) Taskforce Workshop: Refining Strategy. The event took place at Swissotel Bangkok and brought together key stakeholders from across the ASEAN region.
The primary goal of the workshop was to refine the ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure Strategy (ASEAN RRI Strategy), with a focus on four key themes. Participants worked toward finalizing the zero draft of the strategy, guided by expert input from E-READI specialists.
The workshop received enthusiastic participation from all ten ASEAN Member States, represented by members of the ASEAN RRI Task Force. This meeting marked a significant milestone in the development of a sustainable research infrastructure strategy for the ASEAN region, one that promises to benefit future generations of researchers.
The event was also graced by the presence of Professor José Luis Martínez, Chair of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), who joined virtually to share insights on the importance of collaboration at all levels—local, national, regional, and international—highlighting the vital role such partnerships play in advancing research infrastructure.
As part of the workshop, four early-career scientists were given the opportunity to pitch their visions for the future of research infrastructure, answering the question: "What do you imagine research infrastructure to be in 2050?" Two standout participants from the Philippines and Thailand were selected to present their ideas at the International Conference on Research Infrastructure (ICRI2024), scheduled for December 4, 2024.
This collaborative effort underscores ASEAN's commitment to strengthening its research infrastructure and fostering innovation across the region.