The Faculty of Science at Khon Kaen University made history on January 15, 2025, by hosting its first-ever “Faculty Fusion: Experiences Worth Sharing”. This groundbreaking event brought together over 150 researchers and faculty members to exchange ideas, share success stories, and inspire innovation at the national level. Held at the Wittayawiphas 1 Conference Room, the event showcased the Faculty’s commitment to driving research excellence and fostering collaboration.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Angkana Boonyued, Dean of the Faculty of Science, officially opened the event with an inspiring message:
“Faculty Fusion is a platform to spark inspiration in learning, working, researching, and developing ideas that align with the fast-changing modern world. It’s also an opportunity to modernize teaching methods, enhance academic services, and improve the transfer of research and knowledge to communities. This is the largest gathering of experienced researchers in our history, and I am deeply grateful to the five distinguished speakers who have shared their invaluable experiences today. I hope participants will take these insights and apply them to their work and studies to achieve even greater success.”
The event featured five renowned speakers, each a leader in their field, who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in research and innovation:
Prof. Dr. Prasit Thongbai: A professor in the Department of Physics and a trailblazer in dielectric material development. Prof. Dr. Prasit was recently honored with the prestigious National Outstanding Researcher Award for 2025. In his talk, “From Student to Scientist: A Journey to National Research Excellence”, he shared his inspiring journey from being a curious student to becoming a nationally recognized researcher. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and staying focused on creating meaningful research. “Success comes from patience, determination, and living in the present,” he told the audience.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nonglak Meethong: Known for her groundbreaking work in clean energy innovation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nonglak has transformed waste materials like rice husks and solar cell waste into sustainable energy solutions. Her talk, “Battery of Change: From Experiments to Enterprises”, chronicled her 15-year journey at KKU, from conducting experiments in the lab to commercializing her innovations. She left the audience with a powerful call to action: “Join the revolution to create a future where energy is abundant, affordable, and sustainable, one innovative step at a time.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukanya Ruangsuwan: An expert in curriculum development. Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukanya captivated the audience with her talk, “Overcoming Obstacles: A Successful OBE Curriculum Design Journey”. She highlighted the importance of preparing graduates to meet the challenges of the digital age. “Every curriculum improvement is an investment in the success of our students and the future of our nation,” she said, emphasizing the need for education to evolve alongside the demands of the modern world.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wattana Pattanagul: In his talk, “Teaching in the New Era: When the Good Old Days No Longer Work”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wattana, a professor in the Department of Biology, addressed the rapid changes in education. He stressed that teaching methods must adapt to meet the needs of today’s students, who are shaped by new technologies and shifting contexts. “A great teacher is one who continuously evolves and improves their teaching methods,” he said, encouraging educators to embrace change.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuntavun Riddech: A champion of community-driven research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuntavun shared her experiences in bridging the gap between science and society in her talk, “Breaking the Lab Walls: Can Communities and Scientists Work Hand-in-Hand?”. She highlighted how her work has helped increase household incomes, reduce expenses, and create knowledge that directly benefits communities. Her secret to success? “Teamwork, public-mindedness, and a genuine commitment to serving the community,” she said.
A Celebration of Excellence
The event concluded with a special moment as Asst. Prof. Dr. Angkana Boonyued presented flowers to Prof. Dr. Prasit Thongbai in recognition of his National Outstanding Researcher Award in Physical Sciences for 2025, awarded by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). The gesture symbolized the Faculty’s pride in its researchers and their contributions to the nation.
A Vision for the Future
Faculty Fusion was more than just a knowledge-sharing event—it marked a significant step toward establishing the Faculty of Science at Khon Kaen University as a regional hub for research and innovation. By fostering collaboration and inspiring new ideas, the Faculty aims to create a lasting positive impact on society and contribute to the sustainable development of Thailand.