On 5 February 2026, the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University (KKU), welcomed Professor Abbas Valadkhani from the School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology (Melbourne, Australia), as a Visiting Scholar. His visit aims to significantly advance research development and accelerate publications in top-tier international journals, particularly those in the Q1 quartile, while solidifying academic cooperation between the two institutions.
The Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, organised this Visiting Scholar Programme with Professor Abbas Valadkhani with the objectives of elevating the quality and capacity of research among its faculty members and researchers, promoting the publication of research findings in high-impact international journals (Q1), establishing academic collaborative networks with leading global educational institutions, and developing personnel expertise in international research. Ultimately, this leads to the sustainable establishment of the Faculty as an internationally recognised research organisation.
Associate Professor Suthin Wianwiwat, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, remarked, “On behalf of the Faculty of Economics, I warmly welcome Professor Abbas Valadkhani into the Faculty of Economics family at Khon Kaen University. Collaborating with a world-class academic who possesses high-quality, internationally recognised research output is an invaluable opportunity for our faculty members and researchers. They will learn, exchange experiences, and develop their research skills toward global standards. Having a Visiting Scholar with extensive experience and a strong Q1 publication record will substantially enhance the Faculty’s research and publication capabilities, making us more robust and competitive on the global stage.”
The Dean further stated, “This visit is focused not only on developing research and publications but also on laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation between the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, and Swinburne University of Technology, a leading Australian university. We anticipate that this partnership will lead to researcher and student exchanges, joint academic activities, and collaborative research projects that create positive economic and social impacts at the regional level. I urge all faculty members and researchers to benefit optimally from this opportunity.”
Professor Abbas Valadkhani is an internationally acclaimed economics scholar with 118 publications indexed in Scopus and an H-index of 19. This record reflects the consistent quality of his research, which is widely cited in global academic circles. His work spans various fields, including econometrics, financial economics, energy economics, and applied economics, with numerous publications in prestigious international journals.
Professor Abbas Valadkhani, the academic from Swinburne University of Technology, expressed his delight: “I am extremely pleased and honoured to visit the Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University as a Visiting Scholar. This collaboration presents an excellent opportunity to work closely with talented researchers and contribute to elevating the quality of research and international publications.”
“I intend to share my experience in academic writing, research design, and publication strategies, particularly focusing on pushing manuscripts for publication in Q1 journals. I am confident that through this cooperation, we can develop high-quality research outputs and establish a sustainable academic partnership between our institutions, ultimately benefiting the academic community and society at large.”
The visit highlights cooperation across several dimensions: developing and planning collaborative research manuscripts aimed at Q1 publications, wherein Professor Valadkhani will work with faculty and researchers on high-quality research design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation according to international standards; providing academic consultation on research design, academic writing, and submission strategies through seminars, workshops, and one-on-one consultations; and establishing a networking framework and cooperative agreement between the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, and Swinburne University of Technology for future joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative academic activities.
The Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, is confident that this collaboration with Professor Abbas Valadkhani will significantly strengthen the Faculty’s research and publication capabilities, leading to concrete and sustainable institutional cooperation outcomes in the long term. The Faculty aims to increase the number of Q1 publications, enhance its international collaborative network, and cement its reputation as a centre of excellence for economics research in the region.
Interested faculty members, researchers, and stakeholders are invited to follow the activities and outcomes of this Visiting Scholar Programme via the Faculty of Economics’ communication channels. Those interested in participating in activities or seeking consultation from Professor Valadkhani may contact the Research and Academic Service Division, Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University.
