Research News

Walailak University, through the Functional Materials and Nanotechnology Center of Excellence (FuNTech), will host the 3^rd International Symposium on Sustainable Pathways: Green Synthesis for Functional Materials and Eco-Friendly Applications (SMA 2026) on 25–26 March 2026 at Room AD1307, Architecture and Design Building, as part of the Walailak Research Convention 2026.

The symposium will bring together leading researchers in microwave technology, functional materials, and smart materials for sustainability, further strengthening Walailak University’s role in advanced materials research and sustainable technological innovation.

SMA 2026 is organized around three themes reflecting both global sustainability priorities and the Center’s research strengths: (1) microwave and plasma heating and related technologies, (2) functional materials for energy applications and sustainability, and (3) smart materials for sensor, medical, and environmental applications. These themes align with national policy directions and Walailak University’s commitment to sustainability-driven research and innovation.

Associate Professor Dr. Sujittra Poorahong, Head of the Functional Materials and Nanotechnology Center of Excellence, noted that the symposium highlights energy-efficient microwave heating as an alternative to conventional processes, alongside advanced materials research spanning catalysis, solar cells, and electricity generation. The smart materials theme emphasizes practical applications, including sensors for environmental monitoring and point-of-care medical diagnostics.

The symposium is supported by the Reinventing University Project and the Hub of Knowledge in Microwave Heating, funded by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

SMA 2026 will feature plenary lectures, keynote lectures, and invited talks from distinguished experts in Thailand and abroad. 

Plenary speakers include Professor Dr. Sumate Chaiprapat from Prince of Songkla University, recipient of Thailand’s Outstanding Scientist Award, who will present on “Green Hydrothermal Demineralization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Carbonaceous Functional Fuels and Integrated Biogas Production”; and Professor Dr. Chesta Ruttanapun from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, also a recipient of the Outstanding Scientist Award, who will present on “The Small Pilot Plant for the Production of Graphene Quantum Dots for Industrial Market Scale and Their Innovations.”

International and national keynote and invited speakers represent leading institutions from South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.

SMA 2026 is open to students, researchers, university staff, and private organizations for poster presentations and exhibitions. Notably, students are exempt from the registration fee.

The deadline for poster submission and registration has been extended to 28 February 2026.

For more information and registration, please visit: https://www.funtechwu.com/sma2026







News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication