Khon Kaen University Welcomes Deputy Prime Minister and MHESI Minister to Inspect Flagship Innovations, Reinforcing Research Translation Capabilities to Drive National Development

15 September 2026
13:34

The official visit highlights Khon Kaen University’s capacity to translate advanced research into real-world applications across battery technology, pharmaceuticals, and cellular therapy to boost national competitiveness.

On 11 September 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU) welcomed Professor Yodchanan Wongsawat, Ph.D., Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, led the welcome alongside university executives. The visit was an official inspection of KKU’s flagship research and innovations, and a platform to exchange perspectives on advancing science, research, technology, and innovation to address national development challenges.

A primary highlight of the visit was the Lithium-ion Battery Factory and Next-Generation Energy Center (KKUVOLT). The facility underscores KKU’s capabilities in researching, developing, and advancing battery technologies and energy storage systems to support the global energy transition and industrial demands. During the session, delegates discussed strategies to transition lab-scale research into commercial production, emphasising public-private-academic partnerships to strengthen Thailand’s technological capacity.

The delegation then visited the laboratories of Lily Pharma Co., Ltd., to observe pharmaceutical research and development processes. The showcase highlighted the application of health sciences knowledge in developing commercially viable products, demonstrating the strong connection between university research and the industrial sector to add economic value to domestic intellectual property.

In addition, the delegation inspected the Cellular Therapy Center at Khon Kaen University, a crucial infrastructure for advanced medical technology. The center focuses on translating research in cellular therapy and immunotherapy into future clinical applications, strengthening the nation’s advanced medical industry and public health system.

This inspection highlights KKU’s integrated approach to research and innovation – spanning knowledge generation, research, technology development, and practical deployment. KKU remains committed to translating academic expertise into practical solutions for national challenges in energy, healthcare, and high-value industries.

Driving research into practical implementation relies heavily on multi-sector collaboration among universities, government agencies, and industry partners to align knowledge, infrastructure, funding, and market demand.

This initiative reinforces KKU’s role as a social-impact research university dedicated to cross-disciplinary integration and long-term economic growth. These operations also directly align with KKU’s vision to be “A World-Leading Research and Development University Dedicated to Society.”

The showcased advancements contribute directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Through pharmaceutical innovation and cellular therapy research.
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Through the development of battery technologies and energy storage systems.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By commercialising knowledge into high-value economic activities.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): Through the translation of advanced technology into practical application.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Through robust collaborations among academia, government, and industry to drive sustainable national impact.