The Graduate School at Khon Kaen University is driving forward significant change, joining forces with faculty members from interdisciplinary programmes to organise a workshop entitled “Interdisciplinary Research Performance Driving Project” at the Nattapong Grand Hotel, Nong Bua Lamphu Province, from 18–19 July 2026. The event was attended by 33 participants, including Graduate School administrators, programme chairs, lecturers, and staff, under the theme “New Us New Isan: Future Starts Together”. It aims to integrate knowledge across disciplines in order to set research directions and elevate the quality of graduate studies, keeping pace with future challenges. Currently, the Graduate School oversees seven interdisciplinary programmes, covering four master’s degrees and three doctoral degrees in fields such as Biomedical Sciences, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Music Therapy, and Medical Bioinformatics for Industry (MBIx). This project was organised to create a central space for exchanging ideas and developing joint research problems, aligning with the current research funding trends that prioritise integrated project proposals.
Activities on 18 July 2026 began with the opening ceremony by Prof. Dr. Kiatichai Faksri, Acting Dean of the Graduate School, who outlined the objectives and strategies for interdisciplinary programmes. This was followed by a lecture on programme promotion and mental health recovery for learners by Dr. Wittika Tangchan, Acting Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Educational Innovation, alongside team-building activities across programmes. On 19 July 2026, Prof. Dr. Kiatichai Faksri led a seminar on driving research performance, followed by a lecture on promoting internationalisation from Asst. Prof. Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Acting Associate Dean for Integrative Research and Graduate Studies Affairs. This included a knowledge exchange session on “Setting research questions that align with user needs” and “Adjusting curricula: Learning Paradigm and AUN-QA” by Dr. Wittika Tangchan.
This collaboration extends beyond educational planning, building a learning and research ecosystem that connects knowledge from all fields to produce graduates, research, and innovations that create a positive impact on society. It also supports Khon Kaen University’s strategy to become a leading research university that generates value and sustainable development for the region, the country, and the global community.
New Us New Isan: Future Starts Together — Because the future of Isan and society… starts from the co-creation of all disciplines
Photos: Navabhorn Nuseng, Pongsakorn Bouloy
News: Sittera Samosorn
