The recipients are Professor Piyasarn Praserttham, from the chemical engineering department of Chulalongkorn University's Engineering Faculty and Professor Somchai Wong-wiset, from the mechanical engineering department of the Engineering Faculty at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Thon Buri campus.

The citations said that Piyasarn was being recognised for 25 years of intensive research into petrochemicals, during which time he has succeeded in creating not only cheaper but also more effective chemical catalytic agents for use in petroleum distillation.

Somchai is recognised for his intensive studies on heat transfusion and fluidity between solid and liquid substances, leading to his development of improved coolants for use in air conditioners, various cooling systems and refrigerators.

The coolants reduce power consumption but increase efficiency.

The Technology Foundation also presented New Generation Scientist awards to five other lecturers: Assistant Professor Joongnai Panpranote, from Chulalongkorn University's Engineering Faculty; Associate Professor Chanop Chotechuang, of Chulalongkorn Universitry's Medical Faculty; Assistant Professor Phaungrat Phairoh, from the Physics Department at Suranaree University of  Technology; Dr Wisit Thong-bunkerd, of Mahidol University's Siriraj Medical School; and Assistant Professor Aphinaphas Rujiwat, of Chiang Mai University's Science Faculty.