On May 26–28, 2025, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitphan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation for Excellence, together with Assistant Professor Dr. Saowaluk Kainara, Acting Deputy Director of the Institute, and the heads of the research centers affiliated with the researchers, were assigned by the Vice President (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Phongsakrankul) to provide guidance, recommendations, and progress monitoring to researchers from the School of Health Sciences who presented their research proposals to apply for the New Researcher Development Scheme. They also monitored the progress of research projects that were already in progress, with required progress reports scheduled at 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month intervals.
The activities took place in Meeting Room 3, Research Building, Walailak University, and covered the following:
– New Researcher Development Scheme from the School of Health Sciences: 7 new grants and 5 ongoing grants being monitored.
– New Researcher Development Scheme from the School of Social Sciences: 5 new grants and 2 ongoing grants being monitored.
– New Researcher Development Scheme from the School of Science and Technology: 5 new grants and 5 ongoing grants being monitored.
Category: Top news
News about research or outstanding research activities.
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The Institute for Research and Innovation for Excellence, Walailak University, organized an event for research proposal presentations and progress monitoring for the New Researcher Development Scheme 2/2025
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RIIE, Walailak University, Organizes Research Proposal Workshop to Meet NRCT Standards
On May 19–20, 2025, the Research and Innovation Institute for Excellence (RIIE), Walailak University, organized the “Research Proposal Development Workshop” at the Spark Meeting Room, Academic Building 1, and the Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-arn Room. The event aimed to support researchers within the university in developing high-quality research proposals aligned with the criteria of major funding agencies.
The workshop was officially opened by Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University, who delivered a welcome speech and emphasized the university’s commitment to research excellence.
Key activities included:
✅ A keynote lecture on “Guidelines for Developing Research Proposals”
✅ Research idea presentations by participating faculty to a panel of experts, who provided in-depth feedback and suggestions for improvement. The expert panel consisted of:
🔸 Associate Professor Dr. Narong Sompong
🔸 Ms. Sunanta SompongThe two-day event welcomed a total of 109 participants from various schools, joining both onsite and online sessions.
Faculty members from 10 schools presented a total of 20 research project proposals during the workshop.
📌 This activity represents a key mechanism in enhancing the quality of research at Walailak University and fostering successful research funding applications from external agencies.
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Walailak University Organizes the Training Program on Human Research Ethics for Fiscal Year 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), in collaboration with the Forum for Ethical Review Committee in Thailand (FERCIT), organized the “Human Research Ethics Training Course (Thai Session)” at the Si Thammarat Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Architecture and Design Building, Walailak University. The training was officially opened by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Charun Bunyakan, Vice President of Walailak University.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charun emphasized the importance of this training in alignment with the university’s policy to become a high-quality research university. He noted that research involving human participants requires special attention to the rights, safety, and well-being of volunteers. Therefore, the university mandates that all researchers conducting human-related studies must complete human research ethics training before submitting their proposals for approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee. He also stressed that today’s training plays a key role in guiding researchers to adhere to international principles that protect the dignity, rights, safety, and welfare of human subjects. In addition, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, delivered the welcoming speech and also participated in the training.
The objective of this training was to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the principles and criteria of ethical review in human research, including risk-benefit assessment, the informed consent process, ethical considerations in various types of studies, good research practices, and standardized operations of the ethics committee. This knowledge is essential for improving the quality of research to meet international ethical standards.
More than 214 participants joined the event, including faculty members, researchers, students, and staff from both within and outside the university.
The speakers were distinguished experts from FERCIT and leading medical institutions, including:
• Dr. Anothai Pocathikorn (Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University)
• Col. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nithipun Suksumek (Phramongkutklao College of Medicine)
• Col. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naiyarat Prasongsook (Phramongkutklao College of Medicine)
• Dr. Piti Chalongviriyalert (Medical Service Department)At the end of the training, participants were required to complete an online post-test and a short satisfaction survey. Those who achieved a score of at least 80% on the post-test would receive a certificate of completion. The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence is committed to promoting ethical research practices by equipping faculty, researchers, students, and staff with the knowledge and responsibility required to conduct research with integrity.
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Walailak University Hosts Songkran Festival to Honor and Seek Blessings from the Elderly
On April 9, 2025, Walailak University, through the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, in collaboration with the Center for Academic Services, Village No. 6 of Hua Taphan Sub-district, Village No. 8 of Thaiburi Sub-district, Tha Sala District, Walailak Pattana Community Health Promoting Hospital, and various university units, jointly organized the traditional Songkran Festival under the theme “Pouring Water and Seeking Blessings from the Elderly” at the main hall of the School of Architecture and Design.
The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, who delivered New Year’s blessings. The ceremony was attended by university executives, faculty members, staff, students, honorable guests, community leaders, and many elderly participants.
As part of the celebration, respected elderly members from surrounding communities who have long contributed to society were invited to receive blessings through the traditional Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony. The program also included a Buddhist ceremony, water-pouring ritual for Buddha images, cultural performances by Chumchonmai School, retro-style circle dance, and lively drum performances. In addition, awards were presented to the “Healthy Elderly of the Year” and the “Best Dancing Elderly of the Year.” Food stalls from various university units were also provided, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Representatives from the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence also joined the event, highlighting Walailak University’s commitment to preserving Thai cultural heritage while strengthening community engagement.
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Walailak University Hosts WRC 2025 on “The Roles of Higher Education in Driving Sustainability and Blue Carbon”
On March 27, 2025, Walailak University, led by the Institute for Research and Innovation Development, organized the international academic conference Walailak Research Convention 2025 (WRC 2025) under the theme “The Roles of Higher Education in Driving Sustainability and Blue Carbon” at Thaiburi Meeting Room, Walailak University.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Surachai Satitkunarat, Director of the Office of the Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), while Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, welcomed participants. The conference brought together over 50 scholars and researchers from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, France, the United Kingdom, China, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Australia, Turkey, Bangladesh, South Korea, Brunei, and Thailand, to exchange knowledge and ideas.
Highlights of WRC 2025 included:
Keynote Lecture: “The Role of Higher Education in Sustainability & Blue Carbon”
Special Panel Discussion: “Higher Education and Global Sustainability” featuring distinguished academics from top universities such as the University of Malaya (Malaysia), Birmingham City University (UK), Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (Japan), and Walailak University (Thailand).
Special Session: “Reinventing University” and collaborations on Sustainability and Blue Carbon research, chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University.
The conference also featured over ten parallel sessions covering key research topics, including:
✅ Sustainability & Blue Carbon
✅ Green & Blue Innovation
✅ Disaster Management
✅ Food & Health ScienceWRC 2025 was held to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of Walailak University. The event provided a public platform for presenting research, exchanging knowledge, and fostering national and international research collaborations.
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Workshop on “Using SPSS for Research”
On 12 March 2025, the Institute of Research and Innovation for Excellence (IRIE), Walailak University, organized a workshop on “Statistics for Research Using SPSS” at ST207 LabCom, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong (ST) Building, Walailak University.
The objective of this workshop was to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of data analysis and statistical interpretation using SPSS, as well as to equip them with the skills to effectively apply these methods in their research.
The training was honored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanida Limmuan, lecturer from the School of Science, who served as the speaker. A total of 52 participants attended the workshop.
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Research Promotion Activity: “Techniques for Writing Social Science Research Articles – Developing Research with ChatGPT”
On 27 February 2025, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (IRIE), Walailak University, organized a research promotion activity on “Techniques for Writing Social Science Research Articles: Developing Research with ChatGPT” at Hua Taphan Meeting Room, 3rd Floor, Chulabhorn Hospital Building, Walailak University Medical Center.
The event was honored by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanaphat Detphawutikhun, Acting Associate Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, who delivered a lecture on “Inspiration and Techniques for Writing Social Science Research Articles,” providing valuable insights to enhance the research capacity of faculty and researchers.
In addition, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nichnan Kittipattanabovorn, Assistant to the President, gave a lecture on “Generative AI and the Use of ChatGPT in Research.” Her talk highlighted concepts of Generative AI, practical approaches to using ChatGPT, ethical considerations in AI utilization, as well as demonstrations of effective prompt writing to support the research process.
This activity aimed to encourage faculty members and researchers to exchange experiences in academic writing, while also exploring the integration of AI tools to enhance the quality and impact of research publications.
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Walailak University Holds the 2nd Meeting of the Research Steering Committee for Fiscal Year 2025
On Friday, 21 February 2025, from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized the 2nd Meeting of the Research Steering Committee. The meeting was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University.
During the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rorngwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, presented upcoming activities to support the publication of research articles by Walailak University faculty members. These initiatives aim to provide guidance and encouragement for lecturers to further develop their academic works for future publications.
The meeting also followed up on the progress of external research grant applications and the advancement of individual research grants awarded to faculty members across schools. Research center heads and representatives from each school and college reported their plans to promote research activities and external grant applications. The session provided an opportunity to exchange information and strategies, fostering integration and strengthening collaborative mechanisms among schools within the university.
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Highlights from Day 2 Highlights: Walailak International Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink
Highlights from Day 2 Highlights: Walailak International Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink
Date: January 13, 2025Venue: Chor Pradu Meeting Room, Walailak University HospitalThe second day of the Walailak International Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink, conducted under the Reinventing University 2567 Project, focused on Seagrass Carbon Sink Ecosystems. This initiative underscores the importance of research-driven solutions for blue carbon ecosystems and international collaboration for sustainable development.This workshop was enriched by the participation of our network universities, including Burapha University and Suranaree University of Technology, as well as distinguished international partners.Morning HighlightsParticipants gained valuable insights from leading experts:• Seagrass species in Thailand and Taiwan by Dr. Pei-Luen Lu• Introduction to Seagrass Carbon Budget by Professor Dr. Hsing-Juh Lin• Carbon Pools in Seagrass by Dr. Pei-Luen Lu• Carbon Fluxes in Seagrass by Dr. Chao-Wen LinSpecial SessionsThe morning concluded with a Welcome Remarks and Congratulatory Address delivered by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University.This was followed by the MOU Signing Ceremony between Walailak University and its esteemed international partners, National Chung Hsing University and National Sun Yat-Sen University, to strengthen collaborative research efforts. A Returning Speech by Dr. Pei-Luen Lu from National Taitung University added further significance to this milestone.Afternoon ActivitiesThe day ended with a CAMPUS TOUR PROGRAMS Walailak University’sThis workshop reflects Walailak University’s commitment to fostering research excellence and building partnerships that lead to impactful solutions for global environmental challenges.Stay tuned for updates as we continue to explore innovative strategies for conserving mangroves and seagrasses under the Reinventing University 2567 Project.
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink 
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The Institute for Research and Innovation for Excellence, Walailak University, organized an event for research proposal presentations and progress monitoring for the New Researcher Development Scheme.
On January 13–15 and 17, 2025, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitphan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation for Excellence, together with Assistant Professor Dr. Saowaluk Kainara, Acting Deputy Director of the Institute, and heads of the research centers affiliated with the researchers, were assigned by the Vice President (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Phongsakrankul) to provide guidance, recommendations, and progress monitoring to researchers from the School of Health Sciences who presented their research proposals to apply for the New Researcher Development Scheme. They also monitored the progress of research projects that had already commenced, with required progress reports scheduled at 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month intervals.
The activities took place in Meeting Room 3, Research Building, Walailak University, and covered the following:
– New Researcher Development Scheme from the School of Health Sciences: 7 new grants and 7 ongoing grants being monitored.
– New Researcher Development Scheme from the School of Social Sciences: 11 new grants and 7 ongoing grants being monitored.
– New Researcher Development Scheme from the School of Science and Technology: 7 new grants and 11 ongoing grants being monitored.
