The university highlighted the integration of science, technology, and innovation to drive national development and long-term environmental sustainability.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) has strengthened its standing in socially engaged research and innovation by presenting its waste management and circular economy initiatives at a major national academic forum. On 26 June 2026, Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability of Khon Kaen University, spoke as a guest panellist in a panel discussion titled “National solutions in times of crisis: driving the country with science and technology”.
The discussion was part of the Thailand Research Expo 2026, held at the World Ballroom, 23rd Floor, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok. The event was organised by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) in collaboration with research networks nationwide. It provided a platform for exchanging knowledge and presenting practical research findings, applying science, technology, and innovation to national challenges across economic, social, environmental, and climate change dimensions.
During the panel, Prof. Boonmars outlined sustainable approaches to applying science, technology, and innovation in waste management. She described the university’s experience developing knowledge and technologies that turn waste into valuable resources, including adding value to leftover materials, promoting the circular economy, and putting research into practice through collaborations with the public sector, private sector, and local communities to generate economic benefits whilst reducing environmental impact.
The forum also drew contributions from executives, researchers, and experts from leading universities and research organisations across Thailand. Participants exchanged perspectives on the role of science and technology in building resilience against a range of crises, and outlined strategies to align academic research with national demands in order to create sustainable and positive impacts on society.
KKU’s active participation in this national event reflects its standing as a leading research institution committed to creating knowledge and innovation for national problem-solving. By translating laboratory research into societal value, the university continues to support an innovation-based economy, strengthen environmental management, and improve public well-being, work that reflects its broader mission to deliver meaningful social contributions both nationally and internationally.
These initiatives also reflect KKU’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by using science and innovation as drivers of structural change: SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through advanced research and technology development; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by upgrading waste and environmental management systems; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through resource valuation and waste reduction; SDG 13 (Climate Action) via innovations that mitigate environmental impacts; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through multi-sectoral collaborations aimed at national advancement.
