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WU Research and Innovation Excellence Center Presents Innovation at WU Innovation Day 2025

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.”

August 27, 2025

Seminar on “Household Waste Management and the Feasibility of Refuse-Derived Fuel Technology: Towards a Low-Carbon Nakhon Si Thammarat”

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

August 22, 2025

IRIE Joins National Science Day to Honor the “Father of Science in Thailand”

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.

Photo by/ CLM Walailak University

August 18, 2025

Walailak University Organizes “72 Hours for Grants 2026” to Enhance Research Proposal Development for NRCT and ARDA Funding

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.

August 1, 2025

Walailak University Participates in a Forum Highlighting the Strength of the Upper Southern Research Network at The Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai

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

July 25, 2025

Walailak University Signs MOU on Multi-Institutional Human Research Ethics Review and Participates in the 2025 Annual Meeting

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.

July 23, 2025

Burapha University Visits Walailak University to Study a Leapfrogging Research and Innovation Management Model

On July 15, 2025, a delegation of 34 administrators and staff members from Burapha University, led by Associate Professor Dr. Jittima Charoenpanich, Vice President for Research and Innovation, visited Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat to explore effective strategies for research and innovation management. Walailak University is recognized as a national model in driving leapfrogging development in research systems, spearheaded by the Center for Research and Innovation for Excellence (CRIE), which plays a key role in strategic planning, developing research support systems, and generating impactful results for local and national development.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University, and Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rodwong, Director of CRIE, at Khao Luang Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Cooperative Education Building. The visit featured a special lecture on integrated research management, capacity building for researchers, and strategies to drive innovation toward tangible utilization at both regional and national levels.

During the knowledge exchange session, Associate Professor Dr. Jittima Charoenpanich shared,

“Burapha University has traveled from the Eastern region to the South to build academic alliances. We chose Walailak University because it is a Global University and a role model in leapfrogging management, especially in research quality, currently ranked 5th in the country. We are here to learn from their approach and bring those insights back to Burapha.”

The visit provided opportunities for both institutions to exchange ideas and best practices on key topics such as:

Development of research and innovation management systems
Strategies for promoting publications and securing research grants
Support systems and digital tools
Motivation and recognition mechanisms for researchers
Capacity building for operational and executive-level personnel

This activity marks a significant step in strengthening the research and innovation network between the two institutions and lays the foundation for collaborative knowledge development, management practices, and advancement of Thai research to the global stage.

July 15, 2025

Walailak University’s Research Institute Launches “SPRING CLINIC” to Ignite the Research Potential of Emerging Scholars

On June 27, 2025, the Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion toward Excellence, Walailak University, organized an introductory event for the SPRING CLINIC (Supporting Publication and Research Initiative for Growth) at Moklan Meeting Room, Professor Dr. Wijit Srisa-arn Building. The objective of the event was to enhance the capabilities of early-career researchers, particularly in the areas of research funding applications and academic publishing.

Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Phongsakornrungslip, Vice President of Walailak University, presided over the opening ceremony, delivering a welcome speech and outlining the importance of research in driving the university toward becoming a leading academic institution at both national and international levels.

Following the opening, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rorwong, Acting Director of the Institute, introduced the SPRING CLINIC initiative, detailing its objectives, criteria, and service procedures. He also presented the program’s mentoring system, which provides structured support through research funding advisors and publication mentors to guide young researchers toward success.

A highlight of the event was the sharing session, where experienced faculty members who have excelled in securing research grants and publishing scholarly works shared their valuable insights. The guest speakers included:

Associate Professor Dr. Nirundorn Matan, School of Engineering and Resources
Associate Professor Dr. Cholticha Ramyasmit, School of Allied Health Sciences
Associate Professor Dr. Worawan Phanpipat, School of Agricultural Technology
Associate Professor Dr. Nattawit Wattanasakulphong, School of Engineering and Resources

The SPRING CLINIC initiative marks a significant step toward nurturing and empowering the next generation of researchers in a systematic and strategic manner, aligning with the university’s mission to promote impactful research for sustainable societal and national development.

Photo/Report by:Rawiwan Putthong

June 27, 2025

Workshop on “Leveraging Generative AI to Enhance Research Manuscripts for Scopus Journals within 30 Hours”

On June 9–10, 2025, the Committee for Promoting the Utilization of AI in Research, in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized a workshop on “Leveraging Generative AI to Enhance Research Manuscripts for Scopus Journals within 30 Hours” at Seava Beach, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a welcome speech.

The workshop featured various sessions, including:

Conceptual lectures on Generative AI, applications of ChatGPT and AI chatbots, and ethical considerations
Hands-on practice using ChatGPT to draft and enhance manuscripts, with a focus on prompt engineering
Knowledge sharing on utilizing ChatGPT and Perplexity to refine manuscripts
Guidance on selecting Q1 journals for Scopus publication
Practical exercises on revising manuscripts with ChatGPT and other AI tools
Final submission of manuscripts to Scopus-indexed journals

The training was honored by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nichanan Kittipattanabovorn, Assistant to the President, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitphan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, who served as guest speakers. The program attracted 29 participants from 13 schools and 1 college, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for harnessing AI technology to elevate research quality towards international standards.

June 11, 2025

Invitation to the International Academic Conference “Walailak Research Convention 2025” (WRC 2025)

Walailak University cordially invites all interested individuals to participate in the Walailak Research Convention 2025 (WRC 2025).

Theme: “The Roles of Higher Education in Driving Sustainability and Blue Carbon”
Date: March 27-28, 2025
Venue: Phattharathammaphorn Conference Room, 9th Floor, Building B, Medical Center Hospital, Walailak University, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

Join this prestigious international academic forum, where knowledge on sustainability and the crucial role of higher education will be shared. Engage in insightful discussions and exchange experiences with experts, researchers, and education professionals from around the world.

Don’t miss out!
For more details and registration, visit:
🔗 www.wrc.wu.ac.th

Let’s shape the future of research and education for a sustainable world!

Walailak University: We Make Change Happen

June 1, 2025

Category: Top news

Invitation to the International Academic Conference “Walailak Research Convention 2025” (WRC 2025)