Walailak University Hosts the 5th Walailak Research Convention 2026 (WRC 2026), Strengthening Global Research Collaboration for Sustainable Development

Written by

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.