“TSRI Champions Thai Research on the Global Stage: First ‘Liquid Crystal’ Experiment Launched into Space”

Florida, United States – September 15, 2025, 5:11 AM (Thailand time) – The Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), as the primary funding agency through the Science, Research and Innovation Fund (TSRI Fund), brought pride to the Thai research community by supporting the Thailand Liquid Crystals in Space (TLC) project—marking the first time Thai research has been conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Professor Dr. Sompong Klai-Nongsuang, Director of TSRI, represented Thailand at the Falcon 9 launch ceremony at Cape Canaveral, Florida, joined by executives from Kasetsart University and the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B).

This experiment is a collaboration between Kasetsart University and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), focusing on testing liquid crystals—a vital material in the LCD display industry—under microgravity conditions. It represents a major milestone in extending Thailand’s frontier research onto the global stage. With TSRI and the TSRI Fund as the core financial mechanisms, this project allows Thai researchers to conduct experiments in space that cannot be performed on Earth, laying the foundation for future technological and industrial development and reinforcing confidence that Thailand can compete with the world in advanced research.

✨ Professor Dr. Sompong Klai-Nongsuang, Director of TSRI, stated:
“Supporting space research not only reflects the important role of TSRI and the TSRI Fund in advancing frontier research, but also symbolizes Thailand’s ability to generate knowledge recognized globally with pride. TSRI and the TSRI Fund are committed to supporting high-impact, high-challenge research and innovation that drives scientific progress, fosters the industries of the future, strengthens research talent, and builds confidence in the nation’s potential on the global stage. This will ultimately lead to long-term economic and social benefits.”