MFU School of Medicine Strengthens Academic and Research Ties with Kumamoto University Through Visiting Professors Programme

Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), through its School of Medicine, welcomed two visiting professors from Kumamoto University, Japan, Prof. Seiji Okada, MD, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Yuichiro Arima, MD, PhD, from 2 to 4 November 2026 under the Visiting Professors Programme. The three-day visit featured special lectures, research consultations, high-level meetings, and facility tours, all aimed at deepening cooperation between the two institutions in medical education and research.

The programme featured hybrid special lectures for faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers at MFU’s School of Medicine. Prof. Okada presented “Immunodeficient Mice in Disease Modeling and Translational Biomedical Research,” tracing the path from laboratory experimentation to clinical applications and drug development while emphasizing ethical standards in animal research. Assoc. Prof. Arima then delivered “Hepatic Ketogenesis Attenuates Cardiac Hypertrophy via Metabolic Reprogramming,” offering insights into physiology and metabolic systems that can inform cardiovascular therapies.

Both professors also reviewed research presentations and manuscripts from faculty and master’s degree students, providing technical feedback to help meet international thesis standards and prepare work for journal publication. In addition, delegates joined School of Medicine faculty for an “Open Session and Discussion of the Animal Model,” focusing on technical exchanges on animal models in biomedical and translational research. 

Moreover, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of MFU; Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit and Assoc. Prof.Dr. Darunee Wattanasiriwech, Vice Presidents; and Assoc. Prof. Preecha Soontranan,MD. Dean of the School of Medicine. The discussion focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in curriculum development, faculty and student exchanges, and joint research initiatives. 

Additionally, discussions were held with School of Medicine executive team, joined by representatives from the International Affairs Section, the Cancer and Immunology Research Center (CIRC), the Integrative Natural Therapeutics and Health Innovation Research Unit (INTHI), and the Graduate Programme in Paraclinical Sciences. Discussions centered on expanding institutional ties, including student exchanges, academic cooperation under the framework agreement, and joint research initiatives designed to build a sustainable collaborative network. The delegation also visited the MFU Medicinal Plant Innovation Center and explored potential future research partnerships in herbal innovation.

Driven by the MFU Visiting Professors Programme, this successful exchange established a powerful platform for cross-border collaboration between Thai and Japanese researchers. By synergising shared expertise in medical sciences, biomedical research, and herbal innovation, the initiative solidifies a strategic alliance between MFU and Kumamoto University. Ultimately, this partnership empowers both institutions to drive high-impact medical education, pioneer future research breakthroughs, and elevate their global scholarly presence.