KKU and University of Leicester, UK, Discuss Advancing Academic and Research Collaboration

22 July 2025
09:34

On July 21, 2025, Khon Kaen University (KKU) warmly welcomed a delegation from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, led by Professor Sarina Wakefield, Dean of International, College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. The academic discussion and collaboration meeting was held at Kalpapruek 7, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building.
The KKU delegation was headed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, and included:Asst. Prof. Sirimonbhorn Thipsingh, Dean of International College, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orathai Piayura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laochankham, Dean of the College of Local Administration, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongsutti Phuensane, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy. The meeting also welcomed administrators and representatives from the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Education, and the College of Graduate Management.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs expressed her pleasure at hosting the University of Leicester delegation and emphasized the strong relationship between the two institutions, which began with a KKU executive visit to the UK in March this year. She praised the University of Leicester’s academic excellence highlighting its Gold rating in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and world-class research in medicine, business, and space science which aligns with KKU’s mission of generating a positive international impact.

On the same occasion, Professor Sarina Wakefield conveyed her appreciation for the opportunity to further strengthen ties with KKU. She commended the university’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, medicine, public health, and sustainable development.

Several collaborative initiatives were proposed during the meeting to strengthen academic ties between Khon Kaen University and the University of Leicester. These included the development of a Summer School Program, in which lecturers from the University of Leicester would be invited to teach at KKU, as well as a co-hosted Webinar Series focusing on international relations and political science. An International Immersive Program was also proposed, designed for international students with an interest in Thailand’s bureaucratic system and international organizations. Additional proposals involved the creation of joint or dual degree programs, collaborative research projects between faculty members, and the development of international curricula in finance and business. The University of Leicester was also invited to participate in key academic events at KKU, such as the Open House and regional field-based activities. Furthermore, the meeting included discussions on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thailand’s National Science Museum Organization, aimed at promoting the integration of scientific knowledge into society in a sustainable and impactful way.