On January 20, 2025, the CaRe Network International Research Center, led by Prof. Dr. Poom Kumam, a faculty member of the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), and Chair of the Steering Committee, organized the“CaRe Listening: SMS – Successor Meet Supporter” event. The gathering aimed to distill key lessons and mechanisms from the second phase of a research initiative that seeks to elevate Thai researchers as leaders in international interdisciplinary networks. The project, titled “Advancing Thai Researchers as Core Leaders in International Networks for Renewable Energy Technology Development to Reduce Carbon Use, Phase II,” has been funded by the National Science Research and Innovation Fund (TSRI) through the Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research, and Innovation (PMU-B). The event was held at Chatrium Riverside Hotel, Bangkok.

The event opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Suvit Saetia, President of KMUTT, who delivered an inspiring keynote,“A Vision for the Future of the CaRe Network.”This was followed by a series of engaging sessions and panel discussions involving the CaRe network and funding agencies:

1. Achievers Dinner Talk – “Pathways to Global Success: Insights from Global Distinguished Professors”
   Esteemed scholars, including Prof. Dr. Ralph Tyrrell Rockafellar, Prof. Dr. Vasile Berinde, and Prof. Dr. Didier Aussel, shared their experiences and insights on achieving global academic excellence.
2. Supporter Policy Speech – “Thailand’s Future on the Global Stage: The Policies and Role of TSRI in Developing Thai Researchers into Global Leaders”
   Delivered by Prof. Dr. Sompong Klaynongsruang, Director of the Thailand Science Research and Innovation Office (TSRI), this session outlined strategic policies for positioning Thai researchers on the global stage.
3. CaRe Listening – “CaRe Listening from Global Success Stories: Building a Platform for Researcher Excellence”
   Presented by Prof. Dr. Poom Kumam, this session spotlighted success stories from the CaRe network, illustrating how a global platform can enhance researcher excellence.
4. Supporter Share Insight – “Beyond Boundaries: The Role of Future Supporters in Elevating the CaRe Project”
   Dr.Pavadee Aungkavattana Deputy Director of PMU-B, shared insights into how future sponsorship can further the CaRe initiative.
5. Closing Remarks – “Global Synergy: Enhancing the CaRe Network through International Collaboration”
   Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bundit Fungtammasan, Advisor to the President for Research and Innovation at KMUTT, concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of global synergy and international collaboration in strengthening the CaRe network.

The CaRe Network is an international interdisciplinary research initiative focused on designing and developing renewable energy technologies that reduce carbon emissions. The network employs a Value Creation Model to expand partnerships with international associations and organizations. This approach is instrumental in developing Thai researchers as pivotal leaders in global consortia. By leveraging expertise from a multidisciplinary advisory panel comprising global experts in mathematics, computational science, automotive engineering, renewable energy, and physics, the project aims to create a transformative impact on the global research landscape.