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Category: Top news

News about research or outstanding research activities.

Walailak University Holds the 7th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026

On 24 August 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, held the 7th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026. The meeting was chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Phongkorrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, with Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, and heads of research centers from the university’s schools in attendance.

During the meeting, the Vice President for Research and Innovation outlined Walailak University’s Research Direction for 2028–2032, a five-year strategic framework based on the concept of “Nature Positive.” The direction focuses on research that contributes positively to the restoration of nature and ecosystems. It also emphasizes integrating the expertise of researchers across different schools to promote collaborative research and establish distinctive strengths and a clear research identity for Walailak University.

In addition, the Vice President discussed strategies for applying for research funding from international funding sources and opportunities for research grants related to security technology. These approaches aim to expand researchers’ access to external funding opportunities and increase the university’s potential to secure research support in the coming years.

The meeting also included an update on Walailak Research Day 2026 (WRD 2026), which is scheduled to take place on 15 September 2026 at the Phattrathammaporn Conference Room, Walailak University Hospital Medical Center. The event will provide a platform for the university’s Centers of Excellence to showcase their research achievements. It will also feature exhibitions of research projects supported by internal funding and the Fundamental Fund (FF), together with an awards ceremony recognizing faculty members with outstanding research achievements in various fields.

Furthermore, the committee reviewed the initial implementation of the Walailak University Research Report System (WURRS). As the system is currently in its initial phase, improvements are still being made to the system and its data-display functions. Heads of research centers and researchers participated in reviewing the information, reporting system issues, and providing recommendations. Their feedback will be used by the responsible units to improve the system’s accuracy, functionality, and responsiveness to users’ needs.

The meeting underscored Walailak University’s continued commitment to strengthening its research ecosystem, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding access to research funding, and enhancing research management systems to support the university’s long-term research development and excellence.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅 August 24, 2026

August 24, 2026
Walailak University Hosts Progress Review and Site Visit for Education Quality Development Projects

On 10 August 2026, Walailak University, the host institution of the Upper Southern Higher Education Network, in collaboration with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), organized a meeting to review progress reports and conduct site visits for the Education Quality Development and Local Development Project through Higher Education Institutions as Mentors for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting was held at the Marlin Hotel, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province.

The meeting was attended by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phattanaphong Wanchanuek, representative of MHESI; Ms. Nadda Jehyorade, Director of the Driving and Development of STI Group 1; Dr. Nithima Naktong, representative of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC); as well as representatives of the Chairs of the Upper Central, Lower Central, and Lower Southern Higher Education Networks, who participated as experts in reviewing project progress and conducting site visits.

On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, and Secretary of the Executive Committee for the Education Quality Development and Local Development Project through Higher Education Institutions as Mentors, Upper Southern Higher Education Network, welcomed the participants.

During the meeting, the panel of experts listened to a report on the progress of the Education Quality Development and Local Development Project through Higher Education Institutions as Mentors under the Upper Southern Higher Education Network. The experts also provided recommendations and suggestions to support the continued implementation and improvement of the projects.

In the afternoon, the panel conducted a site visit to the project “Development of Educational Board Games to Enhance Teachers’ Learning Design Competencies” at Patcharakitiyapha 3 Surat Thani School. Dr. Jirawan Thepchinda from Suratthani Rajabhat University, the project leader, presented the project’s implementation and provided information on its progress.

The project received a warm welcome from the school’s administrators, teachers, and students. During the site visit, participating teachers and students demonstrated the educational board games developed by the teachers for use in Mathematics classes for Grade 12 (Matthayom 6) students. The activity demonstrated how educational board games can be integrated into classroom instruction to enhance learning design and support students’ learning experiences.

The site visit reflected the Upper Southern Higher Education Network’s commitment to advancing education quality and promoting tangible local development through collaboration between higher education institutions, schools, teachers, and local communities. The initiative also highlights the important role of higher education institutions as mentors in supporting schools and strengthening educational development in local areas.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅 August 10, 2026

August 10, 2026
Walailak University Holds the 6th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026

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

📅 July 16, 2026

July 16, 2026
Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Participates in Royal Blessing Ceremony to Commemorate the Birthday Anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak

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

📅 July 03, 2026

July 3, 2026
Walailak University Holds the 5th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026

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

📅June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026
Upper Southern Higher Education Network Joins Forces to Empower Local Communities for a Sustainable Future of Education
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

📅June 19, 2026
June 19, 2026
Walailak University Invites Proposals for New Research Centers (2027)

Walailak University, through the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), is inviting proposals for the establishment of new Research Centers (RCs). This initiative aims to promote collaboration among researchers with shared interests and expertise, strengthen academic capacity, and foster the creation of high-quality knowledge and innovations at both national and international levels.

Walailak University provides operational support for CoEs and RCs, including activities such as research agenda development, preliminary studies, research networking, securing external funding, dissemination of research outputs, and the organization of international academic conferences.

Currently, the University hosts 12 Centers of Excellence and 12 Research Centers, which play a significant role in driving research and innovation that contribute to national and societal development. More information about existing centers is available at: https://riie.wu.ac.th/?page_id=211

Through this call for proposals, RIIE seeks to provide opportunities for faculty members with specialized research interests and strong research potential to establish new Research Centers that align with the University’s strategic directions and national priorities. The initiative is expected to generate high-impact research, promote innovation, and strengthen sustainable academic collaborations.

Interested applicants can find detailed information, eligibility criteria, and application procedures in the official announcement issued by the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), Walailak University. For further inquiries, please contact RIIE, Walailak University.

June 15, 2026
Walailak University Holds the 4th Research Steering Committee Meeting

On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, from 09.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized the 4th Walailak University Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026. The meeting was chaired by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, together with Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, and heads of research centers from various schools within the university.

The meeting focused on reviewing the seven-month research performance progress for the fiscal year 2026, as well as discussing strategic approaches to actively promote and support applications for international research grants. Emphasis was placed on strengthening international research collaborations and enhancing the capabilities of research teams to increase their competitiveness on the global stage.

This meeting reflects Walailak University’s commitment to advancing research excellence, expanding international research networks, and producing impactful research outcomes that contribute to sustainable national development.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅May 20, 2026

May 20, 2026
ARDA and Walailak University Sign MOU to Advance Agricultural Research and Innovation

On 7 May 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, hosted the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Promoting and Supporting Research Grants for Agricultural Research and Human Resource Development in Agriculture” between Walailak University and the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) (ARDA). The collaboration aims to strengthen education, research, and innovation in agriculture, as well as promote the utilization of research outcomes to enhance agricultural capacity, support farmers, and elevate industrial development for the benefit of both organizations and the country.

The MOU was officially signed by Dr. Taweesak Tanadechopol, Director of ARDA, and Prof.Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof.Dr. Vissanu Meeyoo, Deputy Director of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), who highlighted the importance of integrating the roles of universities and research-supporting agencies in driving research toward practical implementation at the regional level.

The MOU will remain in effect for a period of three years (2026–2029). Both organizations expressed confidence that this partnership will serve as an important mechanism for creating agricultural knowledge, technology, and innovation that will contribute to farmers, industrial sectors, and the sustainable development of the country.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅May 07, 2026

May 7, 2026
Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence Hosts Special Lecture on Funding Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers

The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence organized a special lecture entitled “Funding for Early-Career Researchers: Policies and Grant Support for Young Faculty Development” on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Meeting Room 1, 2nd Floor, Research Building, Walailak University. The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence.

The lecture was honored by the participation of Mr. Ekapong Musikacharoen, Director of Research and Innovation Fund Management Division 3, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), who served as the keynote speaker. The session provided valuable insights into research funding policies, strategic directions, application criteria, and proposal development techniques for grants aimed at enhancing the potential of early-career researchers and young faculty members.

The activity was designed to prepare faculty members and researchers for developing high-quality research proposals aligned with the strategic priorities of funding agencies. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in discussions, exchange experiences, and receive direct guidance and recommendations from the speaker, which will contribute significantly to the improvement of their research plans and grant proposals.

A total of 38 researchers from 13 schools participated in the event, reflecting the strong commitment and growing enthusiasm among Walailak University researchers to strengthen their research capabilities and enhance competitiveness in securing external research funding. The activity also supports the university’s mission to drive impactful and sustainable research that contributes effectively to national development.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026