MFU Receives Outstanding Research Organization 2026 Award, Recognising Excellence in Research Management and Impact

Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) has received the Outstanding Research Organization 2026 Award from the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), recognising its excellence in strategic research management and its ability to translate research into tangible benefits and broader impact for society, the economy, and the environment.

MFU was named one of 11 outstanding research organisations nationwide, selected from more than 170 organisations and institutions that submitted funding proposals under Thailand’s Science, Research and Innovation system. The recognition highlights the University’s systematic approach to research management, researcher development, collaborative networks, and the translation of research and innovation into practical applications and impact for the nation. 

The award was presented at the Thailand Talent Summit 2026, held from 23–25 September 2026 at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), Chon Buri, under the theme “Fostering Thailand Future; Advancing Innovation and National Impact.” Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President, represented Mae Fah Luang University and received the award from Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. 

MFU has developed a systematic research management framework under the concept of “Fundamental Fund to Strategic Fund (FF to SF)”, connecting fundamental research with the development and application of high-potential research outcomes.

The framework supports the research journey from fundamental research and the identification of promising projects to prototype development, Proof of Concept (POC), further research and development, technology transfer, and scaling up for use by industry, government agencies, and communities. Through this approach, MFU aims to ensure that investment in research generates tangible value and contributes to economic, social, and environmental development.

The University also promotes the utilisation of research and innovation through intellectual property management, prototype development, partnerships with the private sector, and impact assessment using Social Return on Investment (SROI). These mechanisms enable MFU to monitor the outcomes of research investment and use evidence to continuously strengthen its research support system.

MFU further seeks to translate research into innovation and practical applications that address the needs of Chiang Rai and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), reinforcing its role in regional development and cross-border collaboration.

The effectiveness of MFU’s research management system is also reflected in its steadily improving Past Performance assessment scores. For fiscal year 2028 (B.E. 2571), the University achieved a score of 95.95, exceeding 95 points.

This progress reflects MFU’s continued efforts to strengthen research planning and project management, enhance researcher capacity, and align research investment with Thailand’s strategic research priorities.

The Outstanding Research Organization 2026 Award represents an important recognition of MFU’s commitment to building a strong research and innovation ecosystem—one that moves beyond knowledge creation to practical application and measurable impact for communities, society, the economy, and the environment, in line with the University’s vision of “Well-being and Sustainable Future.”