MFU Organizes International Research Proposal Development Workshop to Advance Over 40 Tier 1/Q1 Publications Aligned with the SDGs
The School of Agro-Industry, in collaboration with the Research Administration Division, under the Research and Innovation Institute of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), has successfully organized the
"MFU Reinventing University Network Meeting 2025: BCG – High Value Agri-Food & Global Networking for High Value Creation of Foods & Agricultural Produces",
as part of the Reinventing University Program for Fiscal Year 2025. The event aims to strengthen international research collaboration and advance the university toward Global and Frontier Research in a sustainable manner.
This activity is part of three major initiatives:
High Valued Foods: Value Chain Management for a Sustainable World
BCG: High Value Agri-Food
Global Networking for High Value Creation of Foods & Agricultural Produces
The initiative is led by Professor Dr. Saroat Rawdkuen, Head of the Project from the School of Agro-Industry, Mae Fah Luang University — a globally recognized scholar ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University in Food Science for five consecutive years. The project focuses on fostering international research collaborations, developing competitive research proposals for international funding, and publishing high-impact research in Tier 1/Q1 journals.
Over the past three years, the project has resulted in more than 40 Tier 1/Q1 international publications, reflecting the academic strength of the network.
This success has also significantly enhanced the h-index and Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of researchers involved in the network.
In the fiscal year 2025, 27 institutions are participating, including:
14 Thai institutions, such as:
Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Mai University, Suranaree University of Technology, Kasetsart University, Prince of Songkla University, Maejo University, Khon Kaen University, Ubon Ratchathani University, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Burapha University, Chulalongkorn University, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University, Thammasat University, and NSTDA.
13 international institutions, including:
Zhejiang University and Hainan University (China), Can Tho University, Thai Nguyen University, Nong Lam University, Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Post-Harvest Technology (Vietnam), Royal University of Phnom Penh and National University of Battambang (Cambodia), Souphanouvong University (Laos), Université Lyon 1 (France), University of Copenhagen (Denmark), Kyungpook National University (South Korea), Massey University (New Zealand), and the Mekong Institute (Mekong–Republic of Korea).
The project directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 2 – End hunger through research on high-value food systems
SDG 9 – Promote innovation in agriculture and agri-industrial sectors
SDG 17 – Strengthen international academic partnerships for sustainable development
The workshop featured distinguished speakers, including:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarana Sommano, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattadech Choomplang, Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, Thammasat University
In addition, expert speakers shared global case studies and insights on international funding and collaboration opportunities:
Khun Thitapa Patanan, First Secretary, Division of Economic Relations and Cooperation, Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented on
"International Grants & Support to GMS: A Success Case Study"
Asst. Prof. Dr. Solida LONG, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
presented a case study on global opportunities for research and academic mobility.
Dr. Lê Đức Thông, Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Post-Harvest Technology, Vietnam
shared insights into accessing international research and education funding mechanisms.
Assoc. Prof. Wanli Zhang, Hainan University, Haikou, China
presented a case from a Chinese institutional perspective on international collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Di Wu and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jinhu Tian, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
shared their experience in cross-border research partnership development and successful grant acquisition strategies.
The event was formally opened by Professor Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, who emphasized the university’s commitment to promoting Thai research on the global stage and advancing MFU as a sustainable research excellence institution.
MFU is now recognized as one of Thailand’s leading institutions in Global and Frontier Research, with a strategic focus on nurturing talents for the global workforce and generating world-class knowledge and innovations aligned with national development priorities.
The event took place from 27–30 May 2025 at The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani, Phang Nga Province.
This project is financially supported by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
