On 16 July 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), Walailak University, held the 6th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of RIIE, chaired the meeting on behalf of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Heads of research centers from the University’s academic schools joined the meeting.
First, RIIE introduced the draft Science, Research and Innovation (STI) Plan 2028–2032. The plan aims to align the University’s research strategy with Thailand’s national research and innovation priorities. The committee also discussed ways to increase research quality and encourage research that creates practical benefits for society.
Next, the committee nominated representatives for the AI Governance Council. The nominees came from three academic clusters: Science and Technology, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities. The council will guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research and support effective AI governance across the University.
The committee also reviewed the nine-month research performance of each school and college. These updates will help the University plan future research funding and strengthen research performance.
Finally, the Digital Innovation Center introduced the Walailak University Research Support System (WU-RSS). The team demonstrated the system for research center directors and invited participants to share their feedback. The University will use these suggestions to improve the system before its planned launch during the 2026 fiscal year.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On July 3, 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, participated in a royal blessing ceremony to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, the Princess Krom Phra Sri Sawangkhawat Worakatthiyarajanari. The ceremony was held to express loyalty and profound gratitude for Her Royal Highness’s gracious benevolence.
The delegation was led by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, together with the institute’s staff. The ceremony was held at the Natural History Museum, Walailak University Botanic Park.
The participation in this ceremony reflected the institute’s commitment to demonstrating loyalty, honoring the royal institution, and expressing appreciation for Her Royal Highness’s dedication and contributions to the advancement of science, research, healthcare, and education in Thailand.
Long Live Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak.
With deepest respect and humble homage, The Acting Director and Staff of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, sincerely thanks all participants for their cooperation and for providing photographs of the ceremony.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On Monday, 22 June 2026, from 09.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized the 5th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026. On behalf of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, chaired the meeting, with heads of research centers from various schools participating.
The meeting focused on monitoring research progress and reviewing the eight-month research performance of each school and college. Discussions also emphasized encouraging academic units to pursue more research grants and strengthen international collaborations in order to enhance research capacity and expand global partnerships.
The initiative reflects Walailak University’s commitment to advancing research excellence, fostering international cooperation, and increasing opportunities for researchers to compete successfully at the global level.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On 19 June 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation of Walailak University, led representatives from the Upper Southern Higher Education Network to participate in the academic conference, “Higher Education Empowering Local Communities for a Sustainable Future of Education,” held at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok.
Event Highlights:
Panel discussion on “Classroom to Career: From Learning to Employment – Universities as Mentors in Developing Future Human Capital.”
Knowledge-sharing and presentations on the achievements of the nine regional higher education networks.
Exhibition showcasing the initiatives, innovations, and accomplishments of the regional higher education networks.
The conference served as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among higher education institutions, exchanging best practices, and reinforcing the role of universities in driving local development and promoting sustainable education for the future.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
