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
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
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
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized the Research Capacity Development Program on Academic Writing and Research Publication, Module 5: Submission & Response to Reviewers, on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, from 09.00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m. at Meeting Room 1, Research Building, Walailak University. The opening ceremony and welcome remarks were delivered by Asst.Prof.Dr. Saowaluk Krainara.
The module featured a special lecture entitled “Writing an Effective Cover Letter and Responding to Reviewer Comments Professionally” delivered by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Chitnarong Sirisathitkul, who also serves as Editor of the Thai Physics Journal.
In addition, participants received consultation and guidance on preparing their final manuscripts before submission from three mentors representing different academic disciplines:
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Chitnarong Sirisathitkul — Science and Technology
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Watcharapong Mitsuwan — Health Sciences
Asst.Prof.Dr. Thanaphas Dejpawuttikul — Social Sciences
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence would like to express its sincere appreciation to all speakers, mentors, and participants for contributing to a productive learning environment and valuable exchange of experiences throughout the program, from Module 1 to Module 5.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
Walailak University successfully hosted the 5th Walailak Research Convention 2026 (WRC 2026) from March 25–28, 2026, at Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, in celebration of the University’s 34th anniversary. The event brought together a large number of researchers, academics, and international partners, reinforcing its role as a significant global academic platform. This year’s convention was held under the theme “Global Higher Education Synergy in Driving Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability,” highlighting the role of higher education institutions in fostering global collaboration to achieve carbon neutrality and long-term sustainability.
The Opening Ceremony took place on March 26, 2026, at Bussarakam Hall, Princess Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Walailak University. The event was presided over by Dr. Punpermsak Aruni, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Thailand, who also delivered a keynote address on the role of Thai higher education in the global research landscape. A highlight of the event included a keynote speech by Professor Anthony Gerard O’Donnell from Murdoch University, Australia, titled “The Future of Sustainable Innovation: Co-Creating AI for a Net-Zero Global Economy.” The convention also featured an international panel discussion on “The 2030 Agenda: Leveraging AI for a Sustainable Future,” with experts from Brazil, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Thailand. Throughout the convention, more than 15 parallel sessions and symposia were organized, covering key disciplines such as medical technology, materials and nanotechnology, artificial intelligence for sustainability, public health, environmental science, and socio-economic development. Researchers from over 17 countries participated in the event.
Beyond being a platform for academic exchange, WRC 2026 played a crucial role in strengthening international research networks and fostering an innovation ecosystem that supports technology transfer, startup development, and regional economic growth. Walailak University remains committed to advancing high-quality research, expanding global partnerships, and driving impactful innovation toward a sustainable future.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On Monday, March 23, 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence at Walailak University organized a special lecture on “Enhancing Cultural Capital toward a Creative Economy City.” The event aimed to promote the integration of cultural capital into economic development and strengthen the role of creative industries in society.
The lecture was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Pollavat Prapattong, Head of the Institute for Mekong River Basin Civilisation, Art, and Culture, Mae Fah Luang University. He shared valuable insights on strategies for transforming cultural capital into economic value, emphasizing its potential to drive sustainable development at both local and national levels.
During the event, 10 research proposals were presented by researchers to receive constructive feedback from the guest speaker. This session helped improve the quality and feasibility of the proposals, align them with the cultural capital-creative economy concept, and increase their potential for future funding support.
On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation Excellence, delivered the welcoming remarks and officially opened the event.
This activity is part of the “Research Network for Research Program and Proposal Development (Network for Research)” project. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines through the establishment of research networks within the organization. It also supports the development of integrated research topics that respond to societal needs and align with external funding priorities.
Promoting cultural capital to creative economy is considered a key strategy in enhancing research capacity and driving sustainable development, particularly in today’s knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence 📅 March 23, 2026
Walailak University officially announced its readiness to host the 5th Walailak Research Convention 2026 (WRC 2026) alongside Walailak Investor Day 2026 in celebration of the university’s 34th anniversary. The events will take place from 25–28 March 2026 at Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
The press conference was held on 13 March 2026 at Khao Luang Conference Room, Cooperative Education Building, led by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, together with Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitphan Rongwong, Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation Excellence, and Assistant Professor Dr. Anurak Thungthong, Director of the Science and Technology Park.
Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, emphasized the university’s strong commitment to research excellence and the development of a robust research ecosystem. This has led to significant improvements in global rankings, including the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and THE Impact Rankings, as well as a continuous increase in international research publications.
Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, highlighted that the event aligns with the “Reinventing University” initiative, aiming to elevate the university to an internationally recognized research institution. The convention will feature participation from global experts and researchers to exchange knowledge on sustainability and future technologies.
Associate Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation Excellence, emphasized that WRC 2026 serves as a key mechanism to integrate collaboration among Centers of Excellence, research centers, and academic schools within the university, aiming to elevate the conference to international standards.
This year, a significant number of centers are actively organizing various academic activities, including international conferences, symposia, and special sessions. These activities highlight the university’s research strengths across multiple disciplines such as medical technology, artificial intelligence, nanomaterials, public health, and sustainability.
Furthermore, the convention focuses on enhancing the quality of research at the international level by promoting global dissemination, fostering international research collaborations, and supporting the translation of research outcomes into practical applications, both academically and commercially.
In parallel, Walailak Investor Day 2026, organized by the Walailak University Science and Technology Park, will be held under the theme: “Synergy of Innovation: Powering Regional Growth.” The event is designed to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners, promoting the commercialization of research outputs. Key activities include keynote sessions, business matching, spin-off company launches, innovation showcases, and partnership agreements.
Together, these events reflect Walailak University’s role as a leading hub for research and innovation, fostering collaboration that drives economic growth, societal development, and global sustainability.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
📢 The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence held a policy briefing session
Guidelines on Supporting International Co-Publication with Overseas Scholars
On 10 February 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence organized a briefing to promote and support research publication in collaboration with international scholars. The initiative aligns with Walailak University’s development direction toward becoming a world-class research-intensive university.
According to the 2026 World University Rankings, Walailak University ranked in the 1201–1500 band globally and 6th in Thailand, with a notable strength in Research Quality ✨
The event was honored by distinguished speakers:
🔹 Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President — delivered the policy address 🔹 Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation — provided guidance and answered questions 🔹 Asst. Prof. Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the International Affairs Center — presented funding opportunities supporting international co-publication 🔹 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute — presented AI tools for identifying research collaborators and publication support strategies
A total of 66 researchers from 13 schools attended the event, reflecting strong engagement and commitment among faculty members to elevate research output to the international stage 🌏
On Saturday, 31 January 2026, the Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion toward Excellence, in collaboration with the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Thailand (FERCIT), organized the Human Research Ethics Training Program (Thai-language Course) at Bhattarathamaporn Conference Room, 9th Floor, Building B, Walailak University Medical Center Hospital.
The objective of this training program was to enhance participants’ understanding of the principles and criteria for ethical review of research involving human subjects, including risk and benefit assessment for research participants, the informed consent process, ethical considerations in various types of research, good clinical and research practices, and standard operating procedures of human research ethics committees. The program aimed to improve the quality of academic research and ensure compliance with international standards on human research ethics. The training was attended by more than 120 participants, including faculty members, researchers, students, and university personnel.
The distinguished speakers from the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Thailand (FERCIT) were as follows:
Dr. Anothai Phokathikorn (Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University)
Colonel Associate Professor Dr. Nithipan Suksumegh (Phramongkutklao College of Medicine)
Colonel Associate Professor Dr. Naiyarat Prasongsuk (Phramongkutklao College of Medicine)
Assistant Professor Dr. Nithikun Aksorn (Navamindradhiraj University)
On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion toward Excellence, graciously presided over and delivered the opening remarks for the training program.
Following the training, participants were required to complete a post-test and a short satisfaction survey, the results of which will be used to further develop and improve future training programs. Participants who achieved a post-test score of no less than 80 percent were awarded a certificate of completion.
The Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion toward Excellence is committed to supporting faculty members, researchers, students, and personnel in becoming competent, responsible, and ethically grounded researchers, in alignment with international standards of research ethics.
Walailak University, through the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), cordially invites researchers, academics, students, and interested participants to attend The 5th Walailak Research Convention 2026 (WRC 2026), taking place on March 25–28, 2026, at Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
The conference theme is: “Global Higher Education Synergy in Driving Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability.”
WRC 2026 serves as an international platform for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and innovation networking aimed at advancing carbon neutrality and sustainability goals through global higher education synergy and emerging technologies.
Official Opening Ceremony
• Date: March 26, 2026
• Venue: Bussarakham Meeting Room, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Walailak University
• Live broadcast via Facebook: Walailak Channel
Conference Highlights Include:
• Opening Ceremony Address by national executive leadership
• Keynote Speech by an internationally recognized scholar
• International Panel Discussion:
“The 2030 Agenda: Leveraging AI for a Sustainable Future”
