The Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI) is an autonomous, multidisciplinary institute which receives major financial support from the Royal Thai Government through the Ministry of University Affairs. The Council of Ministers approved the establishment of CRI on December 1, 1987 and exempted the Institute from bureaucratic procedures. The Chulabhorn Foundation, which was already set up to support scientific development of the nation, was fully committed to assist and expedite the establishment of the Chulabhorn Research Institute. The president of the Chulabhorn Research Institute is Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol.

Mission

"Application of Science and Technology to Improve the Quality of Life"

The ultimate goal of CRI is to utilize science and technology to improve "Quality of Life", a concept first propounded and practiced by His Majesty the King in the Royal Initiated Projects.

Objectives

Scientific progress often depends on close interaction between scientists involved in basic and applied research. Accordingly, CRI will play a key role in bringing local scientists from various academic institutes to work together, and at the same time, seek collaboration and funding from international organizations and institutes to support research and related activities.

The specific objectives of CRI are as follows:

• To promote and conduct basic as well as applied research of national importance, in particular, that which will improve "Quality of Life"
• To act as a centre for education and developing high caliber personnel in the field of science and technology
• To bring together local and foreign scientists to discuss and solve emerging problems, to promote scientific exchange, and act as a center for international co-operation
• To identify, catalyze and mobilize resources for research and development in science and technology

Institute Activities

Institute Activities include Research, Education/Training and Scientific Exchange and Special Projects and Programs.

Background

Scientific and technological research is vital to national development. Breakthroughs in science and technology have a significant impact on all aspects of the economy. The scientific and technical capabilities of Thailand need to be strengthened to support the aspirations and developmental goals of the country. Although much effort has been made in recent years to provide more resources for research and development activities, the Kingdom's institutes of higher learning still face the problems of limited research funds, lack of modern equipment and shortage of high-calibered, experienced scientists and engineers. A strategy to overcome this constraint is to direct available resources to selected priority areas of research and development, which are of importance to the nation.

In 1987, the auspicious year in which all Thais celebrated His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn established the Chulabhorn Research Institute in honor of His Majesty the King, one of the objectives being to provide research facilities for projects initiated by His Majesty the King.

Through these programs, training courses, seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences are organized to promote the exchange of knowledge and the dissemination of information to assist local scientists to keep abreast with new developments and to strengthen regional and international co-operation. Thus, CRI collaborates and maintains contact with scientific institutions and international agencies with the aim of furthering scientific exchange and international co-operation in areas that correspond to the interests and objectives of the Institute.

Link to: http://www.cri.or.th/en/index.php