KKU Welcomes Science, Research and Innovation Support Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Showcasing Six Outstanding Research Projects to Drive High-Performance Workforce and Global Competitiveness

9 June 2026
11:21

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 Monitoring and Evaluation Committee during a site visit to review research and innovation initiatives funded under the Programme Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) and managed by the Programme Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMUB). The visit took place on 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 under PMUB. The Vice President noted that the site visit provided an opportunity for policy makers, funding bodies, higher education institutions, and researchers to exchange knowledge, monitor progress, and gather strategic recommendations — with the collective aim of enhancing national research and innovation management to respond to socioeconomic and local development needs and building partnerships to support 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 funds research across six key technology groups in Thailand with the aim of advancing future industries. He noted that Khon Kaen University brings particular strength in frontier research, high-performance human resource development, and industrial collaboration, all of which contribute to the nation’s future competitive position.

Six research projects supported by PMUB were presented during the session:

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 visit supports dialogue across the research and policy community. By aligning national policies with academic execution, the collaboration enables concrete implementation of innovation, building national capability, supporting creative and bio-based industries, and contributing to sustainable growth for the university and Thai society.