On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence hosted the Walailak University Research Steering Committee Meeting, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, presided over the meeting. Also in attendance was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, along with committee members comprising research center heads from all schools.
This meeting marked the first session of fiscal year 2026, during which the research performance outcomes from the previous year were reviewed and summarized. The committee discussed Walailak University’s research operational plan to set directions and goals for the fiscal year 2026 and drive research excellence.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence organized a meeting for the contract signing and briefing on the Fundamental Research Grants for Fiscal Year 2026 on 8 October 2025, from 3:00–4:30 p.m.
The meeting was chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Siwit Phongsaransilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, who presided over the event and provided policy guidance on research advancement in line with the direction of the Office of the National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO). On this occasion, the Vice President for Research and Innovation presented an overview of national research and innovation policies and explained how these policies are integrated with Walailak University’s strategy for driving fundamental research grants to achieve the University’s goals and to respond to the country’s development direction. He also signed the research grant contracts on behalf of Walailak University. For Fiscal Year 2026, a total of 39 research projects have been allocated funding under the Fundamental Research Grant scheme. During the meeting, Associate Professor Dr. Siwit Phongsaransilp formally signed the research project implementation contracts representing the University.
In addition, Mr. Jaran Patchimphet, General Administration Officer of the Research and Innovation Institute Promotion for Excellence, provided clarification on grant administration procedures, monitoring and evaluation processes, and the submission of research outputs related to the Fundamental Research Grants. This briefing aimed to ensure that principal investigators clearly understand the requirements, enabling effective and transparent grant management in compliance with relevant regulations, and ensuring that research outputs are delivered in full accordance with the performance agreements between Walailak University and NXPO.
The meeting reflects Walailak University’s commitment to strengthening research management systems, supporting researchers throughout the project lifecycle, and enhancing the impact of fundamental research in alignment with national and institutional strategies.
Walailak University is pleased to announce the upcoming Walailak Research Day 2025 (WRD 2025), which will take place on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, from 08.30 to 16.30 hrs. at the Atrium, School of Architecture and Design Building, Walailak University.
This annual event will showcase high-quality research and innovations, serving as a platform for researchers, faculty members, students, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, foster academic collaboration, and drive impactful research for a sustainable future.
🔹 Event Highlights Opening Ceremony & Keynote Speech Delivered by Professor Vissanu Meeyoo, Ph.D., Vice President, Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO).
Insight Talk (15.30 – 16.30 hrs.) “Unlocking the Keys to Research Success: Funding & Publication” Featuring distinguished speakers from Walailak University:
Research Excellence Showcase – Outstanding research from Centers of Excellence and Research Centers
Fundamental Fund Highlights – Research supported by the Fundamental Fund (FF)
Emerging Researchers Zone – Research from early-career researchers and new faculty development programs
Innovation by Science Park WU – Commercial-ready research and innovations from Walailak University Science Park
Additionally, the Passion Zone will provide a unique space for young researchers to engage, network, and gain inspiration from senior researchers, further strengthening academic collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
On August 31 – September 1, 2025, Walailak University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President, together with the Walailak University Science and Technology Park and the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, participated in RU Connext #2: “Connecting Thai Research to Real Applications” (Southern Region). The event was hosted at the Southern Science Park, Songkhla Province, and organized by the National Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee (NSRI) in collaboration with the Southern Higher Education Network.
The conference aimed to promote knowledge exchange and the translation of research and innovation into real-world applications across economic, social, regional, and policy dimensions. It also served as a platform for showcasing high-potential research from universities across Southern Thailand.
At the event, Walailak University presented its comprehensive approach to advancing research and innovation towards practical utilization. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp highlighted the university’s role as a “Research Hub for Society and Innovation-Based Economy,” committed to generating positive impacts at both regional and national levels.
In addition, the Walailak University Science and Technology Park showcased various research prototypes and innovations in the exhibition, emphasizing their potential for commercialization and societal benefit.
Walailak University’s participation in RU Connext #2 underscores its strong commitment and capability in driving research and innovation into practice, while reinforcing collaboration among universities in the network to elevate Thai research to international standards.
On August 26, 2025, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence participated in WU Innovation Day 2025, held at Hua Tapan Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Chulabhorn Medical Center Building, Walailak University.
The Center assigned Ms. Thanaporn Meepop and Ms. Kanita Khwankhong, General Administrative Officers from the Human Research Ethics Committee Office, to present their innovation titled “Ec-Tracking: A Monitoring System for Human Research Ethics Approval Applications.” This system was developed to enhance efficiency in monitoring and verifying the status of research projects, ensuring transparency, reducing redundancy, and expediting the review process.
WU Innovation Day 2025 serves as a platform for Walailak University’s faculties, centers, institutes, divisions, and offices to showcase exhibitions and innovations, as well as workflow improvement initiatives. These outcomes reflect the creativity and collaborative brainstorming efforts of staff members, with an emphasis on the university’s policy direction: “Reducing procedures, saving time, and minimizing costs.”
On 19 March 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University, together with the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), Walailak University, organized a seminar on “Household Waste Management and the Feasibility of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Technology: Towards a Low-Carbon Nakhon Si Thammarat” at the Grand Fortune Hotel, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The event aimed to translate research outcomes into practical applications for local administrative organizations (LAOs), which play a vital role in waste management in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The seminar was financially supported by the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research, and Innovation (PMU-C), TSRI.
The seminar was honored by Mr. Wittaya Khiaorod, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, who presided over the opening ceremony. Ms. Warin Chinwong, Chief Executive of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Administrative Organization, also attended the event.
The first session featured experts from the School of Public Health, Walailak University, presenting approaches to household waste management towards achieving a low-carbon city. In the second session, speakers from diverse disciplines discussed “The Feasibility of Applying Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Technology for Waste Management in Local Administrative Organizations.” The presentations were delivered by experts from:
School of Accountancy and Finance, Walailak University
School of Multilingual Studies and General Education, Walailak University
On 18 August 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Saowalak Krainara, Deputy Director of the Institute of Research and Innovation for Excellence (IRIE), Walailak University, together with IRIE staff, participated in the National Science Day Celebration and the tribute ceremony to the “Father of Science in Thailand” at Meeting Room 4, 2nd Floor, Walailak University Science and Technology Park Building. The event was organized by the School of Science, Walailak University.
The ceremony was held in commemoration of the great scientific vision and contributions of King Mongkut (King Rama IV), who has been honored as the “Father of Science in Thailand.” It also aimed to promote public awareness of the vital role of science and technology in driving national development across all dimensions.
From 29–31 July 2025, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), Walailak University, hosted the activity “72 Hours for Grants 2026”, aimed at strengthening research proposal development for funding opportunities from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) (ARDA). The event took place at the Phattharadhammaporn Conference Room, Walailak University Medical Center Building, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongskorrangsin, Vice President of Walailak University, presiding over the opening ceremony.
The program was designed to equip faculty members with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop high-quality research proposals aligned with the funding frameworks and strategic goals of NRCT and ARDA, thereby increasing their chances of success in securing national research funding.
Walailak University was honored to welcome distinguished experts who provided valuable guidance and feedback to participating researchers, including:
Ms. Sunanta Sompong, Expert, NRCT and ARDA
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narong Sompong, Expert, NRCT and ARDA
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tussanee Limthuran, Expert, NRCT and ARDA
Mr. Thongchai Pongwichai, Advisor to 10 Ministries of Transport and NRCT Expert
The activity attracted 55 faculty members from 16 schools of the university, who benefited from intensive coaching, constructive feedback, and practical insights. The initiative is expected to foster strong, competitive research proposals that contribute significantly to national research and innovation development.
Representing the Upper Southern Thailand Research Network, Walailak University, under the leadership of Assoc.Prof.Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President and Chair of the Network, delegated Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Research and Innovation for Excellence Institute and Secretary of the Network, to participate in the National Forum on Enhancing the Research Management Capacity of Thailand’s Nine Research Networks.
This event, held on July 24–25, 2025 at The Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, was supported by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
On this occasion, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong served as a panelist representing the Upper Southern Region in a discussion titled: “Strengthening Research Management Capacity within Thailand’s Regional Research Networks”, alongside representatives from the other three regions of Thailand.
Additionally, two representatives from the region presented their successful research initiatives: Assoc.Prof.Dr. Mudtorlep Nisoa, Lecturer from the School of Science, Walailak University, and Ms. Janpen Chidchuea, President of the Palm Oil Farmer Community Enterprise, Tha Saba Subdistrict, Trang Province. They showcased the outcomes of their project titled: “Development of a Prototype Factory for Natural Red Palm Oil and Value-Added Product Innovation”, which received funding under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Research and Development Program, supported by MHESI.
This collaboration reflects Walailak University’s strong commitment to driving practical, impactful research that contributes to sustainable
On July 23, 2025, Associate Professor Dr. Chuchart Phansawad, Chairperson of the Human Research Ethics Committee at Walailak University, was assigned by Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University, to attend the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Multi-Institutional Human Research Ethics Review. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the 2025 Annual Meeting organized by the Foundation for the Promotion of Human Research Ethics in Thailand (FPHRET), at the Mandarin C Meeting Room, 1st Floor, Mandarin Hotel, Bangkok.
This MOU, which includes 50 partnering institutions across the country, aims to establish a collaborative national system for human research ethics review. The agreement is set for a five-year term and is supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and the Foundation for the Promotion of Human Research Ethics in Thailand (FPHRET), both of which serve as advisors and facilitators of this initiative.
Walailak University’s participation in this collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and credibility of its human research practices in accordance with national ethical standards. It also strengthens the university’s commitment to ethical research, while fostering national-level collaboration to ensure sustainable protection mechanisms for research participants.
