สถาบันส่งเสริมการวิจัยและนวัตกรรมสู่ความเป็นเลิศ มหาวิทยาลัยวลัยลักษณ์

Category: Top news

News about research or outstanding research activities.

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

    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

    LINE_ALBUM_Spring Clinic 2025_250730_1
    LINE_ALBUM_Spring Clinic 2025_250730_7
    Spring Clinic-P2
  • Workshop on “Leveraging Generative AI to Enhance Research Manuscripts for Scopus Journals within 30 Hours”

    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.

    อบรมการใช้ Generative Ai ช่วยพัมนาต้นฉบับบทความวิจัยส่งวารสารในฐานข้อมูล Scopus
    อบรมการใช้ Generative Ai ช่วยพัมนาต้นฉบับบทความวิจัยส่งวารสารในฐานข้อมูล Scopus
    อบรมการใช้ Generative Ai ช่วยพัมนาต้นฉบับบทความวิจัยส่งวารสารในฐานข้อมูล Scopus
  • Invitation to the International Academic Conference “Walailak Research Convention 2025” (WRC 2025)

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

  • 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

    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.

  • RIIE, Walailak University, Organizes Research Proposal Workshop to Meet NRCT Standards

    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 Sompong

    The 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.
  • Walailak University Organizes the Training Program on Human Research Ethics for Fiscal Year 2025

    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.

    Walailak University Organizes the Training Program on Human Research Ethics
    Training Program on Human Research Ethics 2025
  • Walailak University Hosts Songkran Festival to Honor and Seek Blessings from the Elderly

    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.

  • Walailak University Hosts WRC 2025 on “The Roles of Higher Education in Driving Sustainability and Blue Carbon”

    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 Science

    WRC 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.
  • Workshop on “Using SPSS for Research”

    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.
  • Research Promotion Activity: “Techniques for Writing Social Science Research Articles – Developing Research with ChatGPT”

    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.