ข่าวเด่น

University Council Chairman leads delegation to Portsmouth, UWE Bristol, and Dundee, expanding the WU TropicsX platform and launching new Double Degree partnerships.

Walailak University (WU) has strengthened its international partnerships in the United Kingdom following a delegation visit to three leading UK universities from 21–29 July 2026: the University of Portsmouth, the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), and the University of Dundee.

The delegation was led by Mr. Teerachai Chemnasiri, Chairman of the Walailak University Council, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimlapas Pongsakornrungsilp, Dean of the School of Management; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the Center for International Affairs. The visit had two goals: introducing WU TropicsX, WU's international research and innovation platform, to prospective partners; and expanding academic cooperation through Double Degree programs, short courses, and staff and student exchange.

WU TropicsX was developed by WU's Center for International Affairs in consultation with Vice President Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp and the leaders of its three research flagships: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasine, Vice President for Academic Affairs in Science and Technology and Acting Dean of the School of Science; Asst. Prof. Dr. Supabhorn Yimthiang, Dean of the School of Public Health; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimlapas Pongsakornrungsilp, Dean of the School of Management. The platform connects universities, government, and industry to advance large-scale collaborative research, science-based standards, and international funding for sustainable development in the tropics. Its name stands for four principles: eXploration, eXcellence, Innovation, and readiness for emerging challenges facing tropical regions. Council Chairman Teerachai Chemnasiri has agreed to advise on bringing private-sector partners into the platform.

 

At the University of Portsmouth, the delegation was welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Galbraith, together with Deputy Vice-Chancellors Professor Vikas Kumar and Professor Chris Chang, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Nigel Williams, and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Technology Djamel Aït-Boudaoud.

WU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and invited the university to join WU TropicsX's Blue Economy and Coastal Resilience Flagship as a Strategic Partner. The School of Management also opened discussions on a PhD Double Degree in Business with Portsmouth Business School.

 

At UWE Bristol, the delegation met with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Jo Midgley, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange Professor Darren Reynolds, Dean and Head of Engineering Professor Ramin Amali, Director of Engineering Research and Enterprise Professor Matthew Studley, and Director of Future Space Matt Freeman.

WU invited the university to join WU TropicsX's Community Transformation for Sustainable Futures Flagship. Both sides discussed Double Degree programmes in Digital Marketing and Tourism, as well as short courses and student exchange.

 

At the University of Dundee, the delegation was received by Vice-Principal for Global Engagement and Future Students Professor Kim Dale, along with Associate Vice-Principals for Research and Innovation Professor Anita Taylor and Professor Russell Petty, Head of the School of Medicine Professor Graham Rena, and Head of the Drug Discovery Unit Professor Ian Gilbert.

WU invited Dundee to join WU TropicsX's One Health for Tropical Health Security Flagship, laying the groundwork for joint research projects and international funding applications. The two sides also discussed further cooperation in medicine, global health, and drug discovery.