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Walailak University held Walailak Research Day 2026 (WRD 2026) on Tuesday, showcasing the institution's research and innovation output and honoring researchers for outstanding work, as part of a broader effort to push academic knowledge toward commercial, social, and policy applications.

The event, organized by the university's Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), was held at the Pattarathammaporn Chamber, Walailak University Hospital. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), presided over the opening ceremony. Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, delivered welcoming remarks, while Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the RIIE, presented an overview of the event.



In her opening address, Dr. Wiparat described Walailak University as one of Thailand's most capable higher education institutions, distinguished by research and innovation that addresses development needs at the local, national, and international levels. She said the event was more than a platform for presenting research — it reflected the success of the university's research system across multiple dimensions, from driving policy and strengthening its centers of excellence to nurturing the potential and achievements of individual researchers.



Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit said the university is working to raise its research to international standards while translating academic findings into practical use. He cited several high-quality, NRCT-backed projects, including an initiative to sustain road safety awareness among young children, a prototype for building a personalized "smart aging society," and a smart monitoring and forecasting system for drought and flooding in the Pa Phayom River Basin.



Associate Professor Dr. Wichitpan said WRD 2026 was designed to present high-quality research and innovation, honor researchers, and translate academic work into concrete, real-world impact. The event featured exhibits across three main areas: a Research Excellence Showcase presenting work from more than 24 university centers of excellence and research centers; Fundamental Fund Highlights, showcasing 36 projects funded for the 2026 fiscal year; and an Emerging Researchers Zone featuring 16 projects by early-career researchers. 

The event also included innovation exhibits from the Walailak University Science and Technology Park, alongside award presentations recognizing centers of excellence, research centers, and individual researchers for outstanding achievement.