MFU Wins Bronze Award at Thailand Research Expo 2026

Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) has earned national recognition by winning the Bronze Award in the Thailand Research Expo 2026. The annual research exhibition and competition was held from 22 - 26 June 2026 at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld, Bangkok. The award was presented on 26 June, the final day of the event, by Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), during the closing ceremony.

The winning project, "Ethno-Ecological Wisdom for Sustainable Environment," was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan, a lecturer and a researcher from the Research Unit for Indigenous and Ethno-Ecological Wisdom for Sustainable Development (RIEW-SD) at the School of Liberal Arts. The project presented the core message that, “Thailand has not failed to extinguish forest fires, but has failed to understand fire.”

By integrating ethnic community wisdom with scientific knowledge under the concept of Indigenous Fire Stewardship, the research achieved a 67.2% reduction in hotspot incidents across more than 49,000 rai of land in 27 communities in Chiang Rai province, generating a Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 1:5.02.

This achievement reflects MFU's role in using knowledge and innovation as tools to improve the quality of life while conserving natural resources and the environment. It aligns with the university's vision of striving for "Well-being and a Sustainable Future", balancing people, communities, and nature through practical research that create a sustainable, positive impact on economics, society, and environment.

Over the five days of the exhibition, MFU's booth drew sustained interest from national-level executives, research agency representatives, academics, and network partners from diverse sectors. This impressive interest reflected MFU’s potential to produce research that meets national needs, exemplifying the integration of university knowledge into tangible regional development under the concept of “Research Synergy”. This concept focuses on fostering cooperation among researchers, communities, and networks to co-create sustainable change.

Notable visitors included:

• Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, along with ministry executives and representatives from Program Management Units (PMUs); 
• Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of NRCT, who exchanged views and offered recommendations on translating the research into policy-level applications; 
• Representatives from the Community Children Foundation (CCF) Under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who discussed potential collaboration on community development and quality of life initiatives.

Competing against entries from more than 127 organisations nationwide, MFU's Bronze Award highlights the university's capacity to produce high-quality research with tangible benefits for society, the environment, and local communities. This marks the university's fifth award trophy granted from the Thailand Research Expo and reaffirms its commitment to research and innovation that supports sustainable national development.

In addition, the NRCT presented MFU with a plaque of appreciation in recognition of the university's role in showcasing research and supporting the Thailand Research Expo 2026. This highlighs MFU’s ongoing contribution to advancing the country's research and innovation system through knowledge creation, public dissemination, and the practical application of research for sustainable national development.

Furthermore, on 25 June 2026, Prof. Dr. Saroat Rawdkuen, a lecturer and researcher at the School of Agro-Industry, received the 2026 Thailand Research Fund (TRF) Senior Research Scholar Grant during the launch ceremony for the "2026 NRCT Outstanding Research Professors and Senior Research Scholars". 

This distinguished grant is a prestigious research funding award given to the country's leading senior researchers, individuals of high potential whose work has earned recognition both nationally and internationally. Receiving this grant reflects the dedication, commitment, and expertise of Professor Dr. Saroat Rawdkuen in producing high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of agro-industry knowledge in Thailand.

During the event, Prof Dr. Saroat Rawdkuen presented the goals and anticipated benefits of his research project, "Novel Protein Sources for Animal Feed and Human Food for the Future." Conducted with his research team from the School of Agro-Industry in collaboration with partner institutions, the project focuses on developing sustainable alternative protein sources to meet future global food demands.

Mae Fah Luang University extends its warmest congratulations to Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan, Professor Dr. Saroat Rawdkuen, their research teams, and all community network partners. Their collaboration has driven research to recognised success, contributing lasting value to Thai research for the benefit of the nation and its people.