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Walailak University, through the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, is set to host Walailak Research Convention 2026 (WRC 2026) from 25-28 March 2026 as part of the University’s 34th anniversary celebrations. This year’s convention highlights the role of global higher education in driving carbon neutrality and sustainability, reaffirming the University’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
The convention builds upon the University’s strong momentum from previous years under the support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)’s Reinventing University initiative. The theme reflects an area in which Walailak University has already demonstrated clear and measurable achievements.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University, explained that the theme closely aligns with the University’s strategic direction and tangible outcomes.
“Walailak University has officially declared its goal to achieve carbon neutrality [by 2030]. We are able to both reduce emissions and significantly sequester carbon through our extensive green areas, solar rooftop and solar floating systems, and continuous green campus initiatives.”
Walailak University has been ranked the No. 1 Green University in Southern Thailand for six consecutive years and joint 82nd worldwide in the UI GreenMetric University Rankings 2025. In addition, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, which assesses universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, placed Walailak University 5th in Thailand and 93rd worldwide. These strengths are deeply embedded in the University’s research across science and technology, health sciences, and social sciences, where sustainability is addressed through interdisciplinary knowledge, technological innovation, and awareness-building.
WRC 2026 will welcome distinguished keynote speakers and panelists from around the world. The opening ceremony will take place on 26 March 2026 at the Bussarakham Meeting Room, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Walailak University, and will be broadcast live via Walailak Channel.
The Opening Ceremony Address will be delivered by Dr. Punpermsak Aruni, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the MHESI, on the topic The Roles of Higher Education in Driving Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability.
The Keynote Speech will be presented by Professor Anthony Gerard O’Donnell, Ph.D., from the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Murdoch University, Australia, on the topic The Future of Sustainable Innovation: Co-Creating AI for a Net-Zero Global Economy.
An international panel discussion titled The 2030 Agenda: Leveraging AI for a Sustainable Future will feature distinguished scholars: Prof. Andrew Macrae, Ph.D., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Prof. Oluwarotimi Williams Samuel, Ph.D., University of Derby, United Kingdom; Prof. Ricky Y. K. Chan, Ph.D., Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; and Assoc. Prof. Warit Jawjit, Ph.D., Walailak University, Thailand.
“This is not a regional conference. We are bringing together scholars from nearly every part of the world. Participants will gain new knowledge, new perspectives, and, most importantly, new international research networks,” said Dr. Siwarit.
Another highlight of WRC 2026 is the Walailak Investor Day, to be held in the afternoon following the morning opening sessions. Organized by the Walailak University Science and Technology Park, this session serves as a key mechanism linking research, innovation, and industry.
The event will bring together investors and business leaders, researchers and innovators, funding agencies, representatives from SMEs and major companies, and the Walailak University Holding Company. The aim is to create a platform where research, funding, and industry converge to strengthen business competitiveness and drive innovation, particularly in Southern Thailand.
Awards will also be presented to researchers, business partners, and funding agencies that have made significant contributions to research utilization and SME development.
“In the morning, participants will see the global research direction. In the afternoon, they will see how research can be translated into real business opportunities. This is where researchers, investors, businesses, and funding sources come together to form partnerships and move forward,” Dr. Siwarit added.
In addition, various Centers of Excellence at Walailak University will organize parallel sessions throughout the four-day event, showcasing diverse research strengths and specialized expertise across disciplines. Faculty members will gain new knowledge, students will receive globally relevant learning, and the private sector will find opportunities for innovation and growth — all within this convention.
For more details, visit https://wrc.wu.ac.th/2026
News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication
