(16 October 2025, Samagarden BITEC Bangna, Bangkok) The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), achieved another milestone in advancing sustainability initiatives as the Thailand’s Food Bank research team received the “The Best Sustaining Partner Award 2025” from the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS Thailand) during the “SOS Thailand Awards 2025.”

The award was presented to NSTDA representatives Dr. Worawarong Rakreungdet, Deputy Executive Director of NSTDA, and Dr. Pattamaporn Prachomrat, Head of the Thailand’s Food Bank Project, by Mr. Thawee Impoolsap, Country Manager of SOS Thailand. The recognition highlights NSTDA’s strong commitment to utilizing science, technology, and innovation as key mechanisms for promoting sustainability and strengthening food security in Thailand.

The “Best Sustaining Partner Award” is presented by SOS Thailand to partner organizations that demonstrate continuous and strong collaboration in advancing the foundation’s mission to address hunger and promote sustainable surplus food management. The award reflects NSTDA’s dedication to applying science, technology, and innovation (STI) for the benefit of society and the environment.

NSTDA’s Thailand’s Food Bank research team has worked closely with SOS Thailand in applying scientific and technological approaches to improve surplus food management systems in Thailand. Collaborative efforts include research on surplus food management approaches and the expansion of the “Local Food Rescue Community” initiative, implemented in partnership with SOS Thailand and networks from the public sector, private sector, and civil society organizations.

The initiative has expanded science-based surplus food management and volunteer-driven food rescue operations to pilot areas in provinces such as Pathum Thani and Nakhon Sawan. Importantly, NSTDA has also applied innovations developed by its national research centers, including BIOTEC, MTEC, and NECTEC, to support efficient and sustainable surplus food management and food processing systems.

This achievement further emphasizes NSTDA’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation as key drivers in building a sustainable Thailand and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing food waste and strengthening food security.