KKU Welcomes Senior Executives from King Prajadhipok’s Institute to Study Cellular Therapy Center and Advance Medical Innovation

23 February 2026
09:52

On 19 February 2029, Khon Kaen University, led by Professor Thidarut Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, and Assistant Professor Wiyada Punjaruk, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Cellular Therapy Center, welcomed a delegation of executives and faculty from the Advanced Certificate Course in Public Economics Management for Executives, Class 24 (PEM 24) of King Prajadhipok’s Institute. The delegation of over 60 participants, led by Dr. Bank Ngamarunchot, a course lecturer, and Mrs. Thanitta Sukawattana, Director of the Office of Human Capital Training and Development, visited KKU to study the production processes and management of the Cellular Therapy Center. The meeting was held at the Sarasin Room on the second floor of the Sirikunakorn Building.

Professor Thidarut Boonmars delivered a welcoming address and presented an overview of Khon Kaen University’s role in driving research and innovation toward practical application. She emphasised the integration of science, technology, and management to create economic value while sustainably enhancing public health and well-being.

Following this, Assistant Professor Wiyada Punjaruk, Director of the Cellular Therapy Center, gave a lecture on the concepts and vision behind the development of cellular therapy technology. Her presentation covered production processes adhering to strict safety standards, as well as the centre’s management strategies across academic, research, and medical service dimensions. The session included a Q&A segment, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas between the visiting delegation and the university’s experts.

After the lectures, the executives toured the operational facilities of the Cellular Therapy Center on the 8th floor of the HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Memorial Building. They also observed presentations on medical research and innovation on the 7th floor of the same building. The delegation showed keen interest and engaged in constructive discussions, reflecting Khon Kaen University’s potential as a regional hub for knowledge and innovation in health technology.

The Cellular Therapy Center at Khon Kaen University is dedicated to developing advanced medical innovations to enhance healthcare and add value to university research. The centre currently offers Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments under rigorous safety standards, with applications in managing early-stage knee osteoarthritis, treating chronic wounds, and promoting hair and skin rejuvenation. This work demonstrates the concrete translation of academic knowledge into tangible benefits.

This study visit marks another significant step in building a collaborative network between academic institutions and national leadership development agencies. It aims to jointly leverage knowledge in medical innovation and management to sustainably advance the nation’s public health and economic systems. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), underscoring KKU’s role as a key driver of national development through systematic, knowledge-based collaboration.