Mae Fah Luang University reaffirmed its vision of becoming "A Leading University in ASEAN with International Recognition Striving for Well-being and Sustainable Future" by hosting the MFU Research Expo 2024 on 23 - 24 July 2024 at M-Square building.
This event, supported by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), was organised by the Research Administration Division of the Mae Fah Luang University Research and Innovation Institute to highlight the university's research prowess and its commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, emphasised the MFU Research Expo 2024’s role in showcasing research works of lecturers and researchers, and fostering a research-orientated culture within the university to produce quality research outcomes.
She highlighted Mae Fah Luang University’s dedication to cultivating "quality graduates" who become leaders who drive societal progress. The university's mission is to produce high-caliber human resources, develop academic excellence, research, and innovation. This focus helps society navigate disruptive changes and achieve sustainable development goals aligned with national development plans.
The MFU President further stated that the university has committed to harnessing innovations for educational, social, and commercial gains. Aligned with the policy of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to elevate Thai higher education, science, research, and innovation to global standards, MFU is equipped with 15 schools, numerous centers of excellence, world-class researchers, and many supporting units for research and innovation missions to drive impactful research and innovation for society.
Prof. Dr.Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President, said that Mae Fah Luang University currently boasts outstanding achievements in research and innovation development. The university was awarded the 2023 outstanding award for global and frontier research universities in developing human resources in research for the country from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. At present, there are over 4,400 publications in the Scopus database, with approximately 89,000 citations, and ongoing national and international collaborative research and innovation. As a result, Mae Fah Luang University has consistently ranked top in Thailand in the Young University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE), achieving the highest scores in citations and internationalization.
In terms of intellectual property, more than 300 works have been filed for protection, with 73 contracts established for social and commercial use. Approximately 90% of these are utilized in the health and beauty industry, aligning with the university's core expertise and excellence. The university aims to connect its research and innovation outcomes with the private sector for maximum utilisation. Currently, there are at least 2,500 SMEs utilizing various university services, while at least 10 large industrial sectors collaborate on research development to drive innovations.
Within the MFU Research Expo 2024, engaging panel discussions took place on "Lessons Learned from Driving Area-Based Research towards a Society of Well-being and Sustainable Future", "Directions for Driving Research and Innovation for Sustainability in the GMS Dimension", and “the process of obtaining various standard certifications for laboratories”, the highlight activity was the research and innovation exhibition contest. From a total of 45 research and innovation works submitted by all 15 schools, the university presented plaques of honour for outstanding research awards and honourable mentions in each cluster: health sciences, science and technology, and humanities and social sciences. Certificates of honour were also awarded to Schools that received outstanding research awards in each cluster.
Altogether, the MFU Research Expo 2024 is a platform for disseminating knowledge across various fields and creating a sustainable impact through showcasing the university's research and innovation achievements. The university anticipates that this annual event will propel research and innovation efforts towards societal benefit, with a focus on well-being and a sustainable future.