Newton STFC-NARIT Capacity Building for Thai Radio Astronomy Phase 2
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Hertfordshire
Department Name: School of Physics, Astronomy and Maths
Abstract
Thailand is planning a major investment in radio astronomy, with the development of a new world-class radio telescope (the Thai National Radio Telescope). This facility is a strategic priority for Thai research as radio astronomy incorporates many key skills of value to a developing knowledge economy (engineering, electronics, information technology, computational and communications technology). However the project comes with significant human capacity and skills development challenges in that currently Thailand has few radio astronomers or engineers who can design, construct and operate the telescope. Our project is designed to address these challenges using the UK's long heritage and highly developed skills in radio astronomy. The UK has a leadership role in the world's next generation radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array, and so places a high strategic priority on the global development of radio astronomy and the training of future generations of radio astronomers who will exploit this long-term project.
We will partner with the Thai astronomical and technical community to transfer specific technical knowledge of radio astronomy instrumentation and to also bolster the Thai astronomical skill base. We will carry out a joint programme programme of training, outreach, and bilateral exchanges to strengthen the Thai radio astronomy community and develop skilled human capital via training in radio astronomy, required computer skills and instrumentation. Our programme will not only help to develop the skills that Thailand needs for the Thai National Radio Telescope but will also have impact on the wider economy through the increased uptake of graduates in Science Technology Engineering and Medicine (STEM), and upskilling of current graduates and postgraduates in electronics, information & communications technology and advanced data processing.
We will partner with the Thai astronomical and technical community to transfer specific technical knowledge of radio astronomy instrumentation and to also bolster the Thai astronomical skill base. We will carry out a joint programme programme of training, outreach, and bilateral exchanges to strengthen the Thai radio astronomy community and develop skilled human capital via training in radio astronomy, required computer skills and instrumentation. Our programme will not only help to develop the skills that Thailand needs for the Thai National Radio Telescope but will also have impact on the wider economy through the increased uptake of graduates in Science Technology Engineering and Medicine (STEM), and upskilling of current graduates and postgraduates in electronics, information & communications technology and advanced data processing.
Planned Impact
The ultimate goal of this proposal is to drive economic impact in Thailand through technological skills transfer and the development of highly skilled STEM graduates and undergraduates. Astronomy has a long tradition of inspiring generations of students to take up science and technology studies. The fundamental questions of the Universe that are posed by astronomy encourage students to develop an inquisitive mindset and wide-ranging problem solving skills, combined with training in presentation, investigation, numeracy, analysis and computation. Following their studies many astronomy students then go on to apply these high level skills to other areas of the wider knowledge-based economy. This is particularly true of radio astronomy, where technological developments in radio interferometry were applied to solve the problems of wireless communication between computers, ultimately resulting in WiFi.
This proposal has significant scope for further impact due to its multi-level approach, including extensive technical skills transfer in economically relevant sectors, bilateral exchanges of skilled staff, upskilling of current graduate and postgraduate students, and the broad outreach to Thai school students through the regional planetarium network. Our project will cement the current UK-Thai cooperation in radio astronomy and assist the successful development of the world-class Thai National Radio Telescope and its full scientific exploitation. As a result we will provide a strong pull-through factor to increase STEM education in Thailand and the depth of international cooperation in the UK. Both of these are strategic priorities for each country.
This proposal has significant scope for further impact due to its multi-level approach, including extensive technical skills transfer in economically relevant sectors, bilateral exchanges of skilled staff, upskilling of current graduate and postgraduate students, and the broad outreach to Thai school students through the regional planetarium network. Our project will cement the current UK-Thai cooperation in radio astronomy and assist the successful development of the world-class Thai National Radio Telescope and its full scientific exploitation. As a result we will provide a strong pull-through factor to increase STEM education in Thailand and the depth of international cooperation in the UK. Both of these are strategic priorities for each country.
Title | The Radio Sky |
Description | A 15 minute animated planetarium show to be shown in Thailand's national network of science discovery centres with the aim of expanding knowledge of radio astronomy. The Radio Sky shows the public what the sky looks like in radio wavelengths focusing on science areas that are important to Thailand. The aim of the planetarium show is to encourage Thai schoolchildren to study STEM subjects by using radio astronomy to showcase the range of STEM careers that are possible. |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Impact | No impact have arisen yet as due to Covid the rollout of the show has been unavoidably delayed. We expect future impacts when operations and school visits regain full capacity. |
Description | In spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic, this project has resulted in the joint design and production of a radio astronomy planetarium presentation, to be shown in Thailand. It will form a key part of engaging the wider public in the planned national investments in radio astronomy. |
Exploitation Route | With planetarium shows potentially a suitable starting point for outreach and engagement activities in other countries, the outcome of this project includes navigating the interplay of host country and external academic/scientific staff as well as the production company. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
Description | 1. While limited because of the pandemic, which severely curtailed the originally foreseen exchange activities, the production of the radio astronomy planetarium presentation provides a lasting starting point to inspire the next generation of (radio) astronomers in Thailand. This societal impact will increasingly be followed by economic impact as a contribution to turning the Thai economy into a knowledge economy. 2. This project has addressed several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): a) Quality Education (SDG 4): The project has contributed to promoting quality education by providing educational programmes through the planetarium show. These programmes target students, educators, and the general public, aiming to enhance understanding and appreciation of science, particularly astronomy. Beneficiaries: Students attending school visits, educators participating in workshops, and the general public attending planetarium shows. b) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): The exchange component of the project, though severely limited because of the pandemic, has established the foundation for the beginning of a transfer of advanced observational astronomy technologies to the host country, Thailand, contributing to innovation and infrastructure development in the field of astronomy. Beneficiaries: Local scientists, engineers, and institutions involved in scientific research and technology development. c) Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The planetarium show contributes to promoting sustainable cities and communities by fostering a sense of community engagement and cultural exchange through science education and public outreach activities. Beneficiaries: Residents of the host city or community, including students, families, and tourists. d) Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The project involved partnerships between UK scientific and educational institutions to implement the planetarium show and exchange activities effectively. Beneficiaries: Scientific and educational organisations and the general public. 3. While limited in its interactivity because of the pandemic, the project has actively encouraged the participation of individuals of all genders in its activities. Outreach activities targeting schools, community groups, and marginalized populations can promote awareness of astronomy and science careers among individuals of all genders. |
First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
Description | Development through Radio Astronomy Global Network |
Amount | £344,896 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/R002878/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 12/2019 |
Description | Cpacity Building for Thai Radio Astronomy |
Organisation | National Astronomical Research Institute Of Thailand |
Country | Thailand |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Leading capacity building project between UK and Thailand. Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Coordinating exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Collaborator Contribution | Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Carrying out exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Impact | No outputs have resulted from this programme yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Cpacity Building for Thai Radio Astronomy |
Organisation | Thailand's National Electronics and Computer Technology Center |
Country | Thailand |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Leading capacity building project between UK and Thailand. Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Coordinating exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Collaborator Contribution | Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Carrying out exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Impact | No outputs have resulted from this programme yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Cpacity Building for Thai Radio Astronomy |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Department | School of Physics and Astronomy |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Leading capacity building project between UK and Thailand. Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Coordinating exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Collaborator Contribution | Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Carrying out exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Impact | No outputs have resulted from this programme yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Cpacity Building for Thai Radio Astronomy |
Organisation | University of Manchester |
Department | School of Physics and Astronomy Manchester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Leading capacity building project between UK and Thailand. Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Coordinating exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Collaborator Contribution | Delivering research training in radio astronomy within Thailand. Carrying out exchange programme between UK and Thai academics |
Impact | No outputs have resulted from this programme yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Thai Radio Astronomy Summer School 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | We held the 2nd NARIT-STFC radio summer school on June 17 - 28, 2019 at the Kantary Hills Hotel, Chiang Mai Thailand. The total participants were 53 (30 students + 23 NARIT staffs). The 23 NARIT staff joined only the first session. The summer school consisted of two sessions for two weeks (17-21 June 2019 and 24-28 June 2019). The students and staff were overwhelmingly positive about the summer school and pre- and post-testing of participants showed that 98% of students improved their comprehension of radio astronomy during the school. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Visit of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to JBCA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | The grant supported the PI to visit and present to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand during her visit to JBCA. The princess and her entourage (approx 10 people) attended a presentation on the STFC-NARIT capacity building project, which sparked questions afterwards. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/thai-princess-visits-jodrell-bank-observatory/ |