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Today, Walailak Research Convention 2024, an annual international research conference hosted by Walailak University, has commenced to celebrate the university's 32nd anniversary. The event, themed "Roles of Higher Education in the Turbulent World," took place at the Pattarathammaporn Chamber, Walailak University Hospital.

The convention opened with a welcoming video from President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, highlighting the university's commitment to advancing research and delivering high-quality education as a Global and Frontier Research University, as categorized by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). He provided updates on the university's recent achievements, including its rankings in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 at 1201+, and the recent achievement of the 2023 Excellence Award for Internationally High-caliber Research from MHESI.     

                                                                         

Following the president’s address, Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President of Walailak University, extended a warm welcome to researchers from around the globe, such as the USA, Japan, New Zealand, Finland, Poland, Russia, Palestine, Malaysia, and South Korea, as well as staff, students, and the public, who joined via live streaming on the Walailak Channel Facebook page.

“We are deeply committed to impactful research at both local and global levels, playing significant roles in enhancing the quality of education, transferring research and technology, fostering innovation, and providing academic services aimed at improving the quality of the environment and people’s quality of life,” said VP Surin Maisrikrod.

                                                                               

Associate Professor Dr. Pattamawadee Pochanukul, President of Thailand, Science, Research, and Innovation (TSRI), delivered the opening remarks and keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research in generating new knowledge, particularly during turbulent times when universities play a crucial role in developing a highly skilled workforce. She also stressed the significance of lifelong learning in addressing societal challenges such as an aging society, declining youth enrollment, changing attitudes towards education, and advancements in digital technology and online learning.

Professor Chris Rudd OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Head of Campus, James Cook University Singapore, underscored the role of educational leaders in promoting truth, and transparency, and creating activities that support openness, internationalism, and freedom of speech.

In his address, Associate Professor Dr. Pongpan Kaewtatip, Vice President of TSRI, outlined TSRI's 2023-2027 plan for Thai universities, focusing on promoting carbon neutrality and enhancing the quality of life for Thai people. He encouraged researchers to look at the broader societal picture and maximize their potential to create positive impacts on society.

During the panel discussion, Mr. Sarin KC, Technical Advisor at the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), emphasized the importance of research in informing decision-making processes and provided examples of how policies can influence public health outcomes.

Throughout the three-day event, scheduled from 27 – 29 March 2024, Walailak University's centers of excellence and research centers also host parallel sessions. For further details, please visit https://wrc.wu.ac.th/2024/programme/.