Department of Science service (DSS)

The Department of Science Service is one of organizations under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Its origin dates back to 1891, when it was set up as a small unit in the Royal Department of Mines and Geology. In 1902, the unit was then promoted to the Assay Office under the Ministry of Royal treasury. In 1918, the Assay Office did legally reform to govern all scientific activities under the new name “Sala Yaktat The Government Laboratory” under the administration of the Department of Commerce and Statistical Forecasting. In 1933, the Laboratory became the DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE and twelve years later was transferred to the Ministry of Industry. In 1979, the Department of Science was renamed DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE SERVICE under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy and later in 1992 it was named the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

In 2002, the Department is prescribed in the Science and Technology ministerial regulation to have the power and duty in supervising, promoting, researching and developing in Science and Technology including acting as a reference laboratory in order to build up the efficiency of production, competitiveness and sustainable development of the country.

Functions :
1. To develop capability of laboratories by providing assessment and accreditation services for biological, chemical and physical laboratories to comply with international standards.
2. To improve potential of personnel for those laboratories by setting up educational management systems and technical training programs in science and technology in order to increase the knowledge and skill of laboratory staff in both government and private sectors.
3. To develop scientific and technological information center by collecting, organizing and providing scientific and technological information and applying information technology to modernize the center.
4. To research and develop community technologies and to transfer the technologies to public concerned.
5. To perform as an impartial laboratory in science and technology by providing testing service and analysis of raw materials and products in the fields of physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, mechanics and engineering and biological science. The environmental analysis of pollutant as well as instrumental and equipment calibration are included.
6. To perform other activities, which are prescribed by law or are designated by the Ministry or the Cabinet.

Organization Structure :
1. Office of the Secretary
2. Bureau of Community Technology
3. Bureau of Laboratory Accreditation
4. Bureau of Laboratory Personnel Development
5. Bureau of Science and Technology Information
6. Chemistry Program
7. Physics and Engineering Program
8. Biological Science Program Department of Science Service (DSS)