SCImago Institutions Ranking (SIR), a world leading institutional ranking, just publicized the 2024 university ranking in which Khon Kaen University is ranked the first in these programs: Forestry, Physics and Astronomy, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anthropology, History, and Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. Moreover, Khon Kaen University is also ranked the fourth of Thailand leading universities.
Asst. Prof. Tala Thammaroj, M.D., Vice President for Administration, Khon Kaen University, revealed about this international ranking and the work outcomes KKU is proud of. In 2024, Khon Kaen University is ranked higher than last year, being the first in the country in six programs, and overall, there are 10 programs that are ranked the first to the third of the country. It is truly the progress of Khon Kaen University.
“In 2024, Khon Kaen University is placed the fourth in the list of Thailand universities. (https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?country=THA§or=Higher%20educ) The programs that are placed one of the top three in Thailand are Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Engineering. Besides, the following programs are outstanding in health sciences and science and technology:
First in the rank: Forestry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anthropology, History, and Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.
Second in the rank: Religious Studies, and Civil and Structural Engineering.
Third in the rank: Soil Science, and Literature and Literary Theory”.
Vice President for Administration explained about the principles behind the ranking of SCImago Institutions Ranking (SIR), that it is different from QS World University Ranking or Times Higher Education (THE), in which the publicized works are the principle aspect. SIR does not consider the reputation and the proportions are placed on research work (50%), innovation (30%), and social responsibility (20%).
“The announcement included a lot of details, from the university level, fields, level of expertise of each specific program. This indicates that the programs have publicized a great number of works when compared with other universities in Thailand. SCImago Institutions Ranking (SIR) drew data from the research website, innovation website, and websites of different journals, without asking for the information from the University. Therefore, certain programs that are ranked high such as Industrial and Manufacturing, means that the program has a lot of empirical work outcomes. This is considered a kind of stimulation or the program is the resource for knowledge exchange for other sub-programs to learn about the success.”
Asst. Prof. Tala said he was satisfied with the ranking this year, for all through the past 3-4 years, the staff, students, and lecturers, have been working in difficult situations because of the Covid 19 situation.
“During the past years, the teaching and learning and research were carried out with a lot of difficulties. However, everyone has undergone the situation. In addition, research conducted at outside sites could hardly be done. Monetary supports have also diminished, in order to spend on Covid situation. Therefore, we had to rely on ourselves, and thus, what we achieve now is truly from the collaboration of everyone.”
“I believe that the 2 important things enabling us to go through the difficult times and have come up with very good work outcomes are: 1) the philosophy of social dedication of Khon Kaen University that have been instilled in KKU personnel and students for a long time. Our research works also have high impact. Whenever there is the evaluation on social contribution, our university is scored relatively high.”
“Secondly, Khon Kaen University sees the importance in supporting researchers and research that is based on the social and community problems. This emphasizes the notable point of Khon Kaen University, for we are working to solve community problems,” ended the Vice President for Administration.
News: Rawiporn Saisaenthong