The collaborative site visit aims to elevate national research management, foster industrial knowledge transfer, and advance sustainable socioeconomic development.

Khon Kaen University, through its Research and Innovation Affairs division, welcomed the Science, Research and Innovation Support Monitoring and Evaluation Committee during their site visit to monitor research and innovation initiatives. These initiatives are funded under the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) and managed by the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMUB). The visit took place between 5 and 6 June 2026 at the Northeast Regional Science Park, Khon Kaen University (KKU).

The delegation was led by Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert, Chairman of the Science, Research and Innovation Support Monitoring and Evaluation Committee; Associate Professor Weerapong Pairsuwan, Ph.D., Chairman of the Sub-committee for PMUB; Siriporn Pittayasophon, Ph.D., Vice President of the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO); Asst. Prof. Poolsak Koseeyaporn, Ph.D., Vice President of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI); and Nirawat Thammajak, Ph.D., Director of PMUB. Executives and personnel from PMUB, TSRI, and NXPO also attended to review the progress of the university’s research and innovation achievements.

Professor Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation, representing the President of Khon Kaen University, delivered the welcoming remarks and presented an overview of the university’s research and innovation performance supported by PMUB. The Vice President emphasised that the site visit served as a vital platform for policy makers, funding bodies, higher education institutions, and researchers to exchange knowledge, monitor progress, and gather strategic recommendations. This collective effort aims to enhance national research and innovation management to effectively respond to socioeconomic and local development needs, while building strong partnerships to drive research deployment for long-term national impact.

Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert stated that the primary objective of the visit was to learn from and co-develop the national science, research, and innovation system alongside local organisations. The evaluation model focuses on Developmental Evaluation (DE), which ensures adaptability to changing dynamics and fosters collaboration with institutions capable of generating new innovations. This approach provides systemic feedback necessary to elevate national competitiveness and foster sustainable local development.

Nirawat Thammajak, Ph.D., explained that under the new structure of PMUC, PMUB is dedicated to driving future industries by funding research across six key technology groups in Thailand. The Director noted that Khon Kaen University serves as a cornerstone with its exceptional readiness in frontier research, high-performance human resource development, and industrial collaboration, all of which are instrumental in enhancing the nation’s future competitive advantages.

During the session, KKU researchers presented six prominent research projects supported by PMUB:

• Frontier Researcher Development Project in Nanomaterials to Meet Industrial Research Demands, presented by Professor Supree Pinitsoontorn, Ph.D.

• Development of Plant-Based Food Ingredients for Body and Brain Health Promotion through Precision Nutrition, presented by Professor Sakda Daduang, Ph.D.

• Development of Prototype Technology to Enhance Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Efficiency, presented by Associate Professor Nonglak Meethong, Ph.D.

• Design and Development of Catalytic Materials for High-Efficiency Hydrogen Production, presented by Associate Professor Kaewta Jetsrisuparb, Ph.D.

• High-Performance Human Resource Development for the Future Bio-Based Industry, led by Assistant Professor Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Ph.D., and presented by co-researchers Marisa Attapong, Ph.D., and M.L. Manida Suksawat, Ph.D.

• Research and Development Project for Elevating Thai Screenwriting to the Global Market, presented by Associate Professor Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D.

Additionally, the committee visited KKU’s core research and innovation infrastructures, including the Battery and New Energy Factory, the Biohythane Pilot Plant, and the Food Pilot Plant. These facilities serve as critical engines supporting technological development and knowledge transfer to both industry and local communities. Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Sustainable Society, extended a warm welcome at the facilities, alongside Associate Professor Nonglak Meethong, Ph.D., Director of the Battery and New Energy Factory; Assistant Professor Phensri Plangklang, representing Professor Alissara Reungsang, Ph.D., Director of the Biohythane Pilot Plant; and Ms. Kittima Triratanasirichai, Manager of the Food Pilot Plant.

This institutional visit represents a significant milestone in fostering dialogue across all levels of the research ecosystem. By aligning national policies with academic execution, the collaboration guarantees tangible implementation of innovation, strengthening national competency, driving creative and bio-based economies, and securing sustainable growth for the university and Thai society.