Category: Top news

News about research or outstanding research activities.

NRCT Organizes 4th Research Integrity Training to Promote Ethical Research and Responsible AI Use

On October 16, 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), in collaboration with the Research Quality and Ethics Development Division of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Walailak University, organized the 4th Research Integrity Training at Phattharathammaphorn Meeting Room, 9th Floor, Building B, Walailak University Hospital, and via online platforms. The training aimed to strengthen knowledge, understanding, and awareness of research integrity among research personnel at all levels, fostering a culture of transparency, honesty, and accountability to support the sustainable improvement of research quality in Thailand.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Prama Sastraruji, Research System Advisor at the NRCT, and Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the NSTDA.

The welcome address was delivered by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University. The training featured distinguished experts in research integrity, including Professor Emeritus Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong of the NSTDA; Associate Professor Dr. Songpan Jermprayong of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University; Professor Dr. Tirayut Vilaivan of the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University; Professor Dr. Prasit Palittapongarnpim of the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University; and Dr. Panarat Panasjutabool of the Research Standards Division and the Institute for the Development of Animal Care and Use for Scientific Purposes, NRCT. The speakers shared their expertise on various aspects of research integrity and responsible research practices.

The event provided an important platform for disseminating knowledge on research integrity and addressing emerging challenges, particularly the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research. It also promoted access to research knowledge and expertise among universities across different regions of Thailand, supporting the development of research systems and ethical practices aligned with international standards. Through discussions and question-and-answer sessions, participants had opportunities to exchange perspectives, share recommendations, and learn about good practices directly from the experts.

A total of 2,200 participants registered for the onsite and online training. Participants included executives from various organizations, lecturers, researchers, research assistants, research support personnel, university students, and members of the public interested in research integrity.

The training reaffirmed the importance of research integrity as a foundation for credible, transparent, and responsible research. It also highlighted the need to strengthen ethical awareness and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies to ensure that research maintains high standards of quality, accountability, and public trust.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅October 16, 2026

October 16, 2026
Walailak University Holds the 8th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026

On Monday, October 5, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence at Walailak University held the 8th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026 at Moklan Meeting Room. The meeting was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, and heads of research centers from the University’s schools and colleges in attendance.

During the meeting, the Vice President for Research and Innovation presented an overview of the University’s research performance for fiscal year 2026. He also outlined strategies for developing distinctive and competitive research proposals that align with the priorities and directions of funding agencies. These strategies aim to enhance opportunities for securing research funding from both domestic and international sources, while promoting the development of high-potential research into high-quality research outputs with significant outcomes and impact.

In addition, heads of research centers from the University’s schools and colleges presented their research performance, as well as challenges and obstacles encountered during fiscal year 2026. They also highlighted promising research projects and research areas with the potential to strengthen the research capabilities and distinctive strengths of their respective schools and colleges.

The presentations and discussions provided an important foundation for integrating knowledge and expertise across disciplines, developing collaborative research topics, and aligning research initiatives more effectively with the priorities and needs of funding agencies. This collaborative approach will support the development of high-quality, impactful research and further strengthen Walailak University’s research excellence at both national and international levels.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅October 5, 2026

October 5, 2026

Walailak University Announces Top 25 Researchers with the Most Scopus-Indexed Publications

Walailak University proudly congratulates the Top 25 researchers with the highest number of publications indexed in Scopus during the 2022–2026 publication period.

This achievement reflects the researchers’ dedication to producing high-quality research and their continued contributions to the international academic community through scholarly publications.

Top 25 Researchers

Rank	Researcher	Scopus-Indexed Publications
1	Assoc.Prof. Veeranoot Nissapatorn	102
2	Assoc.Prof. Dr.Phongpichit Channuie	90
3	Prof. Dr. Manat Chaijan	79
4	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Worawan Panpipat	78
5	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Chuchard Punsawad	74
6	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Budi Waluyo	73
7	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Watcharapong Mitsuwan	63
8	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Mark Bedoya Ulla	52
9	Prof. Dr. Jitbanjong Tangpong	47
10	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tuempong Wongtawan	46
11	Asst.Prof. Long Kim	44
12	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Moragot Chatatikun	43
13	Asst.Prof. Dr. Shubham Pathak	43
14	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Chitnarong Sirisathitkul	41
15	Prof.Dr. Charuai Suwanbamrung	40
16	Dr. Talha Anwar	40
17	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Mudtorlep Nisoa	38
18	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nuttawit Wattanasakulpong	37
19	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Thanet Khomphet	36
20	Asst.Prof. Dr. Supabhorn Yimthiang	36
21	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Narumol Matan	35
22	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp	35
23	Asst.Prof. Weeratian Tawanwongsri	35
24	Assoc.Prof. Dr. Pakorn Ditthakit	34
25	Asst.Prof. Dr. Nopadol Precha	34

Celebrating Research Excellence

Walailak University extends its sincere congratulations to all 25 outstanding researchers on their achievements in producing and disseminating scholarly publications indexed in Scopus.

Their accomplishments demonstrate the University’s commitment to research excellence, knowledge creation, and international academic engagement, while highlighting the potential of Walailak University researchers to contribute impactful knowledge to the global academic community.

Data and rankings as of 1 September 2026, based on information from the Scopus database.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅September 15, 2026

September 15, 2026

Walailak University to Host Walailak Research Day 2026 (WRD 2026)
Walailak University is set to host Walailak Research Day 2026 (WRD 2026) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Phattharathammaporn Conference Room, 9th Floor, Building B, Walailak University Medical Center.

The event serves as a key platform for showcasing high-potential research and innovation, promoting knowledge exchange, strengthening research networks, and advancing research toward practical applications and real-world impact. It also provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding researchers whose achievements have contributed significantly to the advancement of research at Walailak University.

Exhibition Sessions

The event will feature four exhibition sessions highlighting research and innovation across different areas:
- Research Excellence Showcase — Featuring outstanding research from Walailak University’s Centers of Excellence and Research Centers.
- Fundamental Fund Highlights — Showcasing research supported by the Fundamental Fund (FF) with strong potential for further development and utilization.
- Emerging Researchers Zone — Presenting outstanding research achievements by emerging researchers at Walailak University.
- Innovation by Science Park WU — Showcasing innovative research and technologies with potential for commercialization and practical application.
Research Excellence Honors 2026

A highlight of WRD 2026 will be the Research Excellence Honors 2026, which celebrates and recognizes researchers for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the university’s research development.

The awards include:
- External Research Funding Excellence Award 2026
- THE Publication Award 2026
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact Excellence Award 2026
Unlocking Research Success

WRD 2026 will also provide opportunities for researchers and participants to exchange experiences and insights on key aspects of research development, including research publication, research funding opportunities, and strategies for enhancing research impact.

Walailak Research Day 2026 represents an important platform for discovering new knowledge, connecting researchers and partners, and transforming research and innovation into sustainable impact.

Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence

📅September 08, 2026
September 9, 2026
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

Category: Top news

Top 25 Researchers

Celebrating Research Excellence

Exhibition Sessions

Research Excellence Honors 2026

Unlocking Research Success