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Researchers, professors, students, and the public gathered at the Thaiburi Building today for the opening ceremony of the Walailak Research Convention 2025, an annual global platform hosted by Walailak University. This convention provides scholars and researchers worldwide with an opportunity to share their latest findings and innovations. This year’s theme focuses on the role of higher education in driving sustainability and blue carbon research.

As nations worldwide grapple with pressing environmental issues such as climate change, they are also working together to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in pursuing global peace and prosperity. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, particularly by instilling knowledge, advancing research, and raising awareness among the public.

Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council of Thailand, delivered the keynote address, stating that sustainability and support for the SDGs are global megatrends. Higher education institutions are not merely centers of learning; they are catalysts for scientific discoveries, policy innovations, and technological advancements that can drive meaningful societal change.



“As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, Thailand is committed to leveraging higher education and research as key enablers of environmental conservation, sustainable economic growth, and social well-being,” said Dr. Surachai.

“Walailak University has emerged as a leader in blue carbon research, with its Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics pioneering groundbreaking studies and developing strategies for the long-term conservation and sustainable development of Thailand’s Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.”

During his address, Dr. Surachai also highlighted key goals set by the Policy Council for the period 2023 to 2027. These include using innovations to uplift the grassroots economy and reduce inequality, benefiting one million people; supporting the reduction of 10 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases; increasing the proportion of high-skilled labor to match developed economies; and advancing innovative businesses to stimulate the country’s economy.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, underscored the university’s significant contributions to blue carbon research. The Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics has been conducting research and developing a database on marine and coastal ecosystems, environmental management, and informatics. Additionally, the Center of Excellence for Tourism Business Management and Creative Economy has been integrating blue carbon knowledge into sustainable tourism practices in Thailand’s coastal regions.



Professor Dr. Sombat added that Walailak University has also built strong global research networks with institutions such as the University of Malaya (Malaysia), Birmingham City University (United Kingdom), Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (Japan), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysia) to advance blue carbon research and sustainability initiatives.

He emphasized that, beyond providing a platform for scholars and researchers to explore how their work can contribute to global well-being, the convention aligns with the university’s motto. 

“These are consistent with our Motto: "to work for the betterment of the local community and to be a significant player globally. And being a world-class university – although a newcomer – is part and parcel of that. We aim to participate actively – scholarly speaking – in a global community of researchers and to ensure our works remain policy-relevant,” he said. 

The event also featured a panel discussion on blue carbon and sustainability, with insights from distinguished experts including Prof. Ir. Dr. U. Johnson Alengaram (University of Malaya, Malaysia), Prof. Vikas Kumar (Birmingham City University, United Kingdom), Prof. Dr. Ikuo Hirono (Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Japan), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee (Walailak University, Thailand).

During the discussion, Prof. Vikas Kumar outlined key challenges related to blue carbon and environmental sustainability, including the degradation of blue carbon ecosystems, lack of awareness, restoration and conservation challenges, policy gaps, socioeconomic impacts, and the need for international coordination.

Prof. Ikuo Hirono discussed the expected global population growth to nine billion by 2050 and its impact on food security. He emphasized the importance of sustainable aquaculture in mitigating potential food shortages.



Prof. Ir. Dr. U. Johnson Alengaram presented research on sustainable construction materials, such as oil palm shells, byproducts from the iron industry, and residues from coal-operated power plants, as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cement. These materials not only support environmental sustainability but also enhance thermal comfort in housing construction.

Lastly, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee showcased Walailak University’s research, including the deployment of sensors at Racha Island to monitor marine biodiversity. Her research found that certain fish species disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the absence of feeding from tourists, while coral reefs experienced a positive recovery. She also discussed projects such as the restoration of blue swimming crabs, the significant impact of government policies on land use and land cover changes, and the use of drone mapping for mangrove monitoring.

Blue carbon refers to carbon sequestered in marine and coastal ecosystems through carbon sinks such as seagrass meadows, tidal marshes, and mangroves. Due to its unique underwater storage capabilities and faster carbon accumulation rates, carbon found in coastal soil can be thousands of years old. Unlike green carbon, which is captured in terrestrial ecosystems and increasingly threatened by deforestation and land-use changes, blue carbon offers a more stable and long-term sequestration solution. Both forms of carbon capture, however, are essential for ensuring a sustainable future.

The Walailak Research Convention 2025 not only serves as a platform for researchers to share knowledge but also strengthens global collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges. As Walailak University continues its commitment to impactful research, the convention underscores the vital role of higher education in shaping a more sustainable world.

Last year, the university's efforts in promoting the United Nations' SDGs placed it in a position between 101 to 200 among universities worldwide in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. As of 28 February 2025, the university holds the highest proportion of Scopus-indexed publications in Thailand, with 82.6% in Quartile 1 (Q1) journals and 95.4% in Quartile 1 and 2 (Q1 & Q2) combined. 















News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication