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Walailak University and Its Role in Producing World-Class Research

 

Walailak University recently achieved an impressive increase in the percentage of its research publications in Scopus-indexed journals quartile 1 this year. According to the university's latest update on 13 February 2023, 75.5% of the university's research publications are in Scopus-indexed journals quartile 1, which is the second-highest in the country. This is a promising start to the year, considering that last year's percentage was 83.3%, which included journals from both quartiles 1 and 2.
 

      "If we look at the database for the year 2020, we had a total of around 365 research articles published in Scopus-indexed journals. However, in 2022, the number increased significantly to around 742 research articles. This indicates a doubling of our publications," said Professor Doctor Wanna Choorit, Vice President of Walailak University. 
 
     The Scopus database classifies the quality of research into four categories: Quartile 1, or the top 25%, which is considered the best quality, followed by Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. "Publishing articles in Scopus-indexed journals Quartile 1 signifies the best quality, and these research articles will be further cited and applied in various fields." 

     This significant improvement in the university's research demonstrates its dedication and commitment to producing high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge. Walailak University's research spans a range of disciplines, including science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and humanities. "The university has a policy to support all its lecturers to produce high-quality research, with grants available for all new lecturers and those who do not have an academic position yet, allowing them to start conducting research without having to wait for a long time to receive a grant from outside sources," added Professor Doctor Wanna.

     The quality of the university's research can be indicated by its Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI). An FWCI of 1 is considered as having world average impact. As of 2022, Walailak University has an FWCI of 1.34, which is higher than the world average. "This reflects the quality of our research and our ability to publish credible research," Professor Doctor Wanna pointed out. 
 
     Walailak University has established 25 centers of excellence, such as the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Disaster Management, the Center of Excellence in Marijuana, Hemp, and Kartom, the Center of Excellence in Health System and Medical Research, the Center of Excellence on Women and Social Security, and the Center of Excellence on Wood and Biomaterials. These centers of excellence are places where researchers with shared interests work together to drive the university's research efforts.

     The university's commitment to research has also led to significant breakthroughs in addressing problems. Recent research findings have tackled issues related to palm wood and rubber wood, which are significant in the upper south of Thailand. These findings include eliminating collapse in oil palm wood during the drying process and implementing AI in the cutting process of rubber wood. In addition, six of the university's scientists have been listed in Stanford University's World's Top 2 Percent Scientists 2022, indicating the caliber of researchers and research being produced at Walailak University.

     Research is one of the four areas measured by Times Higher Education, along with teaching, knowledge transfer, and international outlook, that contribute to Walailak University's entry into the World University Ranking 2023 for the first time at 1501+. The findings from research not only enhance teaching by providing students with cutting-edge knowledge but also contribute to addressing community and national issues. As a result, students can benefit from practical and relevant education that prepares them to make a positive impact in their future careers. Walailak University will continue to commit to producing research that will make a valuable contribution to society and contribute to the betterment of the world.

Article by Settaboot Onphakdee
Division of Corporate Communication


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