On 19 June 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation of Walailak University, led representatives from the Upper Southern Higher Education Network to participate in the academic conference, “Higher Education Empowering Local Communities for a Sustainable Future of Education,” held at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok.
Event Highlights:
Panel discussion on “Classroom to Career: From Learning to Employment – Universities as Mentors in Developing Future Human Capital.”
Knowledge-sharing and presentations on the achievements of the nine regional higher education networks.
Exhibition showcasing the initiatives, innovations, and accomplishments of the regional higher education networks.
The conference served as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among higher education institutions, exchanging best practices, and reinforcing the role of universities in driving local development and promoting sustainable education for the future.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
Walailak University, through the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), is inviting proposals for the establishment of new Research Centers (RCs). This initiative aims to promote collaboration among researchers with shared interests and expertise, strengthen academic capacity, and foster the creation of high-quality knowledge and innovations at both national and international levels.
Walailak University provides operational support for CoEs and RCs, including activities such as research agenda development, preliminary studies, research networking, securing external funding, dissemination of research outputs, and the organization of international academic conferences.
Currently, the University hosts 12 Centers of Excellence and 12 Research Centers, which play a significant role in driving research and innovation that contribute to national and societal development. More information about existing centers is available at: https://riie.wu.ac.th/?page_id=211
Through this call for proposals, RIIE seeks to provide opportunities for faculty members with specialized research interests and strong research potential to establish new Research Centers that align with the University’s strategic directions and national priorities. The initiative is expected to generate high-impact research, promote innovation, and strengthen sustainable academic collaborations.
Interested applicants can find detailed information, eligibility criteria, and application procedures in the official announcement issued by the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), Walailak University. For further inquiries, please contact RIIE, Walailak University.
On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, from 09.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized the 4th Walailak University Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026. The meeting was chaired by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, together with Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, and heads of research centers from various schools within the university.
The meeting focused on reviewing the seven-month research performance progress for the fiscal year 2026, as well as discussing strategic approaches to actively promote and support applications for international research grants. Emphasis was placed on strengthening international research collaborations and enhancing the capabilities of research teams to increase their competitiveness on the global stage.
This meeting reflects Walailak University’s commitment to advancing research excellence, expanding international research networks, and producing impactful research outcomes that contribute to sustainable national development.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On 7 May 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, hosted the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Promoting and Supporting Research Grants for Agricultural Research and Human Resource Development in Agriculture” between Walailak University and the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) (ARDA). The collaboration aims to strengthen education, research, and innovation in agriculture, as well as promote the utilization of research outcomes to enhance agricultural capacity, support farmers, and elevate industrial development for the benefit of both organizations and the country.
The MOU was officially signed by Dr. Taweesak Tanadechopol, Director of ARDA, and Prof.Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof.Dr. Vissanu Meeyoo, Deputy Director of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), who highlighted the importance of integrating the roles of universities and research-supporting agencies in driving research toward practical implementation at the regional level.
The MOU will remain in effect for a period of three years (2026–2029). Both organizations expressed confidence that this partnership will serve as an important mechanism for creating agricultural knowledge, technology, and innovation that will contribute to farmers, industrial sectors, and the sustainable development of the country.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence organized a special lecture entitled “Funding for Early-Career Researchers: Policies and Grant Support for Young Faculty Development” on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Meeting Room 1, 2nd Floor, Research Building, Walailak University. The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence.
The lecture was honored by the participation of Mr. Ekapong Musikacharoen, Director of Research and Innovation Fund Management Division 3, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), who served as the keynote speaker. The session provided valuable insights into research funding policies, strategic directions, application criteria, and proposal development techniques for grants aimed at enhancing the potential of early-career researchers and young faculty members.
The activity was designed to prepare faculty members and researchers for developing high-quality research proposals aligned with the strategic priorities of funding agencies. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in discussions, exchange experiences, and receive direct guidance and recommendations from the speaker, which will contribute significantly to the improvement of their research plans and grant proposals.
A total of 38 researchers from 13 schools participated in the event, reflecting the strong commitment and growing enthusiasm among Walailak University researchers to strengthen their research capabilities and enhance competitiveness in securing external research funding. The activity also supports the university’s mission to drive impactful and sustainable research that contributes effectively to national development.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized the Research Capacity Development Program on Academic Writing and Research Publication, Module 5: Submission & Response to Reviewers, on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, from 09.00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m. at Meeting Room 1, Research Building, Walailak University. The opening ceremony and welcome remarks were delivered by Asst.Prof.Dr. Saowaluk Krainara.
The module featured a special lecture entitled “Writing an Effective Cover Letter and Responding to Reviewer Comments Professionally” delivered by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Chitnarong Sirisathitkul, who also serves as Editor of the Thai Physics Journal.
In addition, participants received consultation and guidance on preparing their final manuscripts before submission from three mentors representing different academic disciplines:
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Chitnarong Sirisathitkul — Science and Technology
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Watcharapong Mitsuwan — Health Sciences
Asst.Prof.Dr. Thanaphas Dejpawuttikul — Social Sciences
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence would like to express its sincere appreciation to all speakers, mentors, and participants for contributing to a productive learning environment and valuable exchange of experiences throughout the program, from Module 1 to Module 5.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On Monday, March 23, 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence at Walailak University organized a special lecture on “Enhancing Cultural Capital toward a Creative Economy City.” The event aimed to promote the integration of cultural capital into economic development and strengthen the role of creative industries in society.
The lecture was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Pollavat Prapattong, Head of the Institute for Mekong River Basin Civilisation, Art, and Culture, Mae Fah Luang University. He shared valuable insights on strategies for transforming cultural capital into economic value, emphasizing its potential to drive sustainable development at both local and national levels.
During the event, 10 research proposals were presented by researchers to receive constructive feedback from the guest speaker. This session helped improve the quality and feasibility of the proposals, align them with the cultural capital-creative economy concept, and increase their potential for future funding support.
On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation Excellence, delivered the welcoming remarks and officially opened the event.
This activity is part of the “Research Network for Research Program and Proposal Development (Network for Research)” project. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines through the establishment of research networks within the organization. It also supports the development of integrated research topics that respond to societal needs and align with external funding priorities.
Promoting cultural capital to creative economy is considered a key strategy in enhancing research capacity and driving sustainable development, particularly in today’s knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence 📅 March 23, 2026
On Saturday, 31 January 2026, the Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion toward Excellence, in collaboration with the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Thailand (FERCIT), organized the Human Research Ethics Training Program (Thai-language Course) at Bhattarathamaporn Conference Room, 9th Floor, Building B, Walailak University Medical Center Hospital.
The objective of this training program was to enhance participants’ understanding of the principles and criteria for ethical review of research involving human subjects, including risk and benefit assessment for research participants, the informed consent process, ethical considerations in various types of research, good clinical and research practices, and standard operating procedures of human research ethics committees. The program aimed to improve the quality of academic research and ensure compliance with international standards on human research ethics. The training was attended by more than 120 participants, including faculty members, researchers, students, and university personnel.
The distinguished speakers from the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Thailand (FERCIT) were as follows:
Dr. Anothai Phokathikorn (Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University)
Colonel Associate Professor Dr. Nithipan Suksumegh (Phramongkutklao College of Medicine)
Colonel Associate Professor Dr. Naiyarat Prasongsuk (Phramongkutklao College of Medicine)
Assistant Professor Dr. Nithikun Aksorn (Navamindradhiraj University)
On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion toward Excellence, graciously presided over and delivered the opening remarks for the training program.
Following the training, participants were required to complete a post-test and a short satisfaction survey, the results of which will be used to further develop and improve future training programs. Participants who achieved a post-test score of no less than 80 percent were awarded a certificate of completion.
The Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion toward Excellence is committed to supporting faculty members, researchers, students, and personnel in becoming competent, responsible, and ethically grounded researchers, in alignment with international standards of research ethics.
Walailak University, through the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), cordially invites researchers, academics, students, and interested participants to attend The 5th Walailak Research Convention 2026 (WRC 2026), taking place on March 25–28, 2026, at Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
The conference theme is: “Global Higher Education Synergy in Driving Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability.”
WRC 2026 serves as an international platform for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and innovation networking aimed at advancing carbon neutrality and sustainability goals through global higher education synergy and emerging technologies.
Official Opening Ceremony
• Date: March 26, 2026
• Venue: Bussarakham Meeting Room, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Walailak University
• Live broadcast via Facebook: Walailak Channel
Conference Highlights Include:
• Opening Ceremony Address by national executive leadership
• Keynote Speech by an internationally recognized scholar
• International Panel Discussion:
“The 2030 Agenda: Leveraging AI for a Sustainable Future”
On December 19, 2025, Walailak University, serving as the host institution of the Upper Southern Higher Education Network, organized the “U-School Mentoring Reading & Showcase” event to present and share outcomes from the Education Quality Development and Local Development Project — mentored by higher education institutions — along with reading promotion competition activities for fiscal year 2025.
The event stemmed from the Upper Southern Higher Education Network receiving support from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (OPS-MHESI) to implement two key projects
The Education Quality Development and Local Development Project, mentored by higher education institutions under the Higher Education Development Network, fiscal year 2025
The Education Quality Development and Local Development Project, mentored by higher education institutions — Reading Promotion Activities, fiscal year 2025
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Keerati Kaewsamrit, Director of the Higher Education Driving and Development Division. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation of Walailak University, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Project Management Committee of the Upper Southern Higher Education Network, delivered the welcome address. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, serving as Secretary of the Project Management Committee, presented the project report.
The event featured key activities that reflected the tangible outcomes of the projects. It drew considerable interest from executives and representatives of OPS-MHESI, including Ms. Nadda Cheyode, Director of the HSRI Driving and Development Group 1, as well as representatives from the Upper and Lower Central Higher Education Networks, project management committee members, faculty from network institutions, teachers, and students — with approximately 150 participants in total.
The “U-School Mentoring Reading & Showcase” served not only as a platform for presenting academic work and project achievements, but also as an opportunity to strengthen collaborative networks among higher education institutions, schools, and communities, with the shared goal of sustainably elevating educational quality and nurturing a reading culture at the local level.
December 19, 2025