Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Presided Over the Opening Ceremony of the International Students Science Fair (ISSF 2025)

This year, the fair was conducted under the theme "Exploring a Visionary Future", integrating sustainability, humanity, and technology.

Dr. Worawarong Rakreungdet, Principal of Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, presented a commemorative program and a gift to Her Royal Highness. Police General Permpoon Chidchob, Minister of Education, delivered a report. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness presented the "ISSN Principal Lifetime Award" to two distinguished individuals for their significant contributions to initiating and supporting the fair, as well as their dedication to the International Science Schools Network (ISSN) and science education both nationally and internationally. The recipients were Dr. Thongchai Chiewpreecha, former Principal of Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, and Associate Professor Hiroshi Tanaka, former Principal of Ritsumeikan High School in Japan. Her Royal Highness also presented commemorative gifts to special lecturers.

Following the opening address, Her Royal Highness viewed an exhibition in her honor, presentations by ISSN schools, and students' academic and artistic projects. The ISSF is an annual event hosted rotationally by member countries of the ISSN, which comprises leading science schools focusing on STEM education worldwide. It provides a platform for high school scientists to showcase their research, fostering collaboration, creativity, and the application of diverse knowledge. The fair also emphasizes cultural exchange, fostering friendships and cooperation among students and educators, laying the foundation for future academic and professional collaborations.

Her Royal Highness attended a keynote lecture by Professor Akira Yoshino, the 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, on "The Future Society Engendered by Lithium-Ion Battery." The lecture highlighted advancements in lithium-ion batteries, their transformative role in electric vehicles, and their potential applications in future technologies such as AI and 5G. The discussion extended to the role of electric vehicles in creating environmentally friendly societies and integrating renewable energy through battery systems.

Another keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Yifang Wang, Director of the Institute of High Energy Physics, China, on "The JUNO Neutrino Experiment." The JUNO project, a state-of-the-art neutrino observatory using liquid scintillator technology, contributes to particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. With over 700 members from 72 institutions across 17 countries, including Thailand, the project exemplifies international collaboration.

Additionally, students from Mahidol Wittayanusorn School presented their research project titled "The Breakthrough Idea in Designing a Novel Peptide Drug for Cancer from Specific Amino Acid Sequences that Determine the Specificity of Antibody and Antigen." The presentation team included Mr. Peeradon Saejueng, Mr. Chaidit Limkanjanachoti, and Ms. Warada Chongjirawongsa. Her Royal Highness also enjoyed a performance by The 1st MWIT Symphony Orchestra, featuring the pieces "Melody of Sri Trang" and "Yam Yen."

The ISSF 2025, hosted by Mahidol Wittayanusorn School under the auspices of the International Science Schools Network (ISSN), is being held from January 26-31 under the theme "The 20th Chapter: Exploring a Visionary Future in Sustainability, Humanity, and Technology." This milestone marks the 20th anniversary of the ISSF and celebrates the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness's 70th birthday. The event gathers over 200 participants from 43 schools worldwide, including 145 participants from 27 international schools and 74 participants from 16 schools in Thailand. The fair continues to foster global collaboration in STEM education while promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and lasting partnerships among young scientists and educational leaders.