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Walailak University (WU) has officially partnered with the University of Bonn, a leading institution in Germany, to advance research in medicine and pharmacology. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 28 January 2025 at the Chorpradu Chamber of WU Hospital.

Representatives from the University of Bonn, led by Professor Dr. Bernd Weber, Dean of the Medical Faculty and Acting CEO of University Hospital Bonn (UKB), were warmly welcomed by WU President, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, along with university executives and faculty members.

The MoU aims to foster research collaboration through the exchange of faculty members, staff, and scientists, as well as collaborative postgraduate programs, with a particular focus on translational (phyto)medicine, (phyto)pharmacology, and synergy research. It was signed by WU President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Rector of the University of Bonn Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch, WU Vice President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Professor Dr. Bernd Weber; Assistant Professor Dr. Poonsit Hiransai, a lecturer from WU’s School of Allied Health Sciences; and PD Dr. rer. nat. Gudrun S. Ulrich-Merzenich, Head of the Synergy Research and Experimental Medicine Group at UKB.



Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong said, "Today marks the beginning of an official partnership between our two institutions, though our academic connection has been growing for years." He continued, “As we sign this MoU, we are not just formalizing a partnership; we are laying the foundation for future scholars, researchers, and students to work together in addressing global challenges. I am confident that this collaboration will lead to impactful research, innovative learning opportunities, and meaningful academic exchanges that will benefit both institutions and society at large."

WU and the University of Bonn have been working closely together for years to advance research. Associate Professor Dr. Mudtorlep Nisoa, a lecturer from WU School of Science, has collaborated with UKB and Mae Fah Luang University on research related to Microwave-based Drying and Extraction of Medicinal Plants for (Phyto)Pharmacology, (Phyto)Medicine, Food Supplements, and Cosmetics. Additionally, Assistant Professor Dr. Poonsit Hiransai from WU’s School of Allied Health Sciences has worked with UKB, Mae Fah Luang University, and Prince of Songkla University on research examining the synergistic effects of Thai medicinal formulas on immunomodulation, an innitiative under the Reinventing University program.

Professor Dr. Bernd Weber, speaking on behalf of the delegates, expressed his firm belief in the promising future of the collaboration. He also highlighted Germany's efforts to expand healthcare access in rural areas, explaining that the government is focused on developing affordable technologies not only for countries like Germany but also for those with fewer resources. “We have several research groups dedicated to creating affordable technologies and there is much we can learn from each other, and we can definitely learn from you.”

The University of Bonn, established in 1888, is currently ranked 89^th worldwide and 5^th in Germany, according to Times Higher Education. The university has approximately 31,500 students, including 6,500 doctoral students. While WU, founded in 1992, has around 12,615 students, including 180 doctoral students. It is currently ranked 1201-1500 globally and 6^th in Thailand.

 

 





News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication