Â鶹¹ú²ú students, along with students from Rajsima Wittayalai School, competed under the name HACKIN1DAY in theÌýfinal round of theÌýYouth ESG in Maritime Innovation Challenge 2026Ìýand won the First Prize in the university category. The competition was held on June 1-3, 2026, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The prize money was 10,000,000ÌýIDR.ÌýÌý

The is a regional competition that aims to empower young people from Southeast Asia to develop innovative solutions for the sustainability of the maritime sector and marine environment under the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and the Blue Ocean Strategy. The competition provides a platform forÌýyouthÌýto propose creative, practical solutions that generate value for society, the environment, and the economy.Ìý

Representing Thailand, Team HACKIN1DAY advanced to the final eight teams before securing a place among the top three finalists. The team ultimately won the championship in the final round, competing against two host-country teams from Indonesia. Their award-winning project, StarTrap (Plastic Microplastic Capture System), is a prototype innovation designed to capture microplastics in coastal environments and on the seabed. 

The concept behind StarTrap is to develop a low-cost microplastic capture system based on the principle of passive filtration, which relies on the natural flow of water rather than external power sources. Inspired by the structure of a starfish, the system features a multi-layered network of mesh and fibers designed to trap microplastic particles in coastal waters and on the seabed. The design also incorporates the potential integration of sensors to monitor and collect environmental data, supporting a more systematic, transparent, and data-driven approach to managing marine plastic pollution. 

The team comprised: 

This achievement reflects the potential of Thai youth to integrate knowledge from science, technology, engineering, and sustainability to develop innovative solutions to pressing regional marine environmental challenges. In particular, it addresses the issue of microplastic pollution, which has emerged as one of the most significant threats to coastal and marine ecosystems today. 

Students from(CUSAT) have made history by winning the 9th KiboCUBE Programme, a joint initiative by the and the . The official announcement was made on June 10, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, during the COPUOS 2026 Side Event. The team will now move forward with developing the CUSAT-1 satellite, scheduled for launch into space in 2028. 

CUSAT was established in June 2025 by just five engineering students from Â鶹¹ú²ú who had previously won the School Satellite 2024 competition organized by Thailand’s . 

CUSAT President Nuttawut Khumjaidee explained that the project originated from frustration with domestic satellite competitions, which focused only on concept presentations without offering the opportunity to launch an actual satellite. The team therefore sought an international competition capable of turning their dream into reality. Winners of the KiboCUBE Program receive support for launching their satellite into space. 

The team began preparing its proposal in June 2025, competing against applicants from more than 20 countries. They advanced to the final three teams before ultimately being selected as the winner. 

Many club members have been fascinated by space since childhood. While many people believe space exploration is beyond the reach of Thai students, the team refused to accept that assumption. 

Vice President Natthawat Samakkeetham said that the dream of building satellites became achievable once he entered Â鶹¹ú²ú and joined CUSAT. Team member Thee Mahasang joined simply because a friend invited him, despite having little prior interest in space. After participating in the project, however, he found it far more enjoyable than he had expected. 

CUSAT-1 is being developed by students from a wide range of disciplines, including: 

The international competition required a mission addressing not only engineering but also environmental and policy considerations. The team also includes two students from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), creating a cross-university collaboration that broadened the project’s expertise. 

Developing the project was far from easy. Natthawat explained that the biggest obstacle during the early concept design stage was recruiting members. Since the work consisted entirely of documentation rather than hands-on hardware development, it was difficult to attract volunteers, particularly during university breaks. 

Natthawat added that only 10 core members were responsible for producing more than 100 pages of technical documentation. 

Engineering challenges were equally demanding. CUSAT-1 is a 1U CubeSat, measuring only 10 × 10 × 10 centimeters, requiring every component to fit precisely within an extremely limited space. 

Thee, who was still a first-year student while working on the project, said the greatest challenge was acquiring highly specialized aerospace engineering knowledge and designing the satellite to satisfy multiple layers of safety standards required for spaceflight. 

Despite numerous challenges, each member expanded their knowledge well beyond what was taught in class. 

Natthawat, who leads the satellite communications system, explained that he had to master electromagnetic wave theory for signal transmission and processing before these subjects were even offered in the university curriculum. He relied on strong mathematical foundations, previous experience from Thailand’s Science Olympiad training program, and extensive self-study. 

Vice President Korn Srivarakul, who designed the satellite’s structure, explained that selecting materials for space applications is far more complex than for terrestrial engineering. Engineers must consider structural strength, heat dissipation, and the ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions. 

He emphasized the project’s defining challenge: “We only get one chance to send the satellite into space. There is no opportunity to go back and repair it.” Therefore, every design decision must be corrected from the outset. 

Natthawat believes safety was the team’s greatest strength. 

CUSAT-1 will be deployed from the through JAXA’s J-SSOD deployment system, where strict safety standards are paramount. The team benefited from advice provided by senior students experienced in satellite design, helping them meet these rigorous requirements. 

Natthawat added that their design documentation comprehensively addressed all required standards, including the safety of both the deployment system and astronauts aboard the ISS. 

Another distinguishing factor was the team’s age. While KiboCUBE has been running for nine years, CUSAT’s satellite was designed primarily by second- and third-year undergraduate students, making the achievement particularly remarkable. 

The project is supervised by: 

The advisors mainly assisted with university coordination and final reviews. The satellite design itself has been carried out entirely by the students. 

GISTDA has also supported the project by providing laboratory facilities, equipment, and consultations with professional satellite engineers regarding technical standards. 

Beyond technical knowledge, Nattawat said the most valuable outcome has been learning teamwork. 

The project required clearly defined responsibilities and close collaboration among students from different departments and faculties, providing invaluable experience in interdisciplinary cooperation. 

Between now and early 2028, the team will continue developing and assembling CUSAT-1 before delivering it to JAXA for approximately three months of safety and standards verification prior to launch. 

The satellite’s primary mission will be to: 

Although CUSAT-1’s camera will not match the resolution of GISTDA’s THEOS-1 or THEOS-2 satellites, its key advantage lies in its more frequent passes over Thailand, allowing near-daily monitoring—particularly valuable during emergencies such as floods. 

Another significant achievement is that several components of CUSAT-1 were developed domestically by the club, laying an important foundation for reducing Thailand’s future dependence on imported space technology. 

Natthawat reflected: “We never expected to win because, at that stage, everything existed only on paper. There was nothing tangible yet. But we decided to give it our absolute best because if we didn’t try, we’d never know whether we could succeed. The outcome exceeded all of our expectations.” 

The team’s success also demonstrates the capabilities of young Thai engineers on the international arena. 

Thee said that he once believed working in space required completing an undergraduate degree—or even pursuing graduate studies abroad. Now, he sees that barrier disappearing, as first- and second-year students have already proven they can accomplish such work. Some contributors to the project were still in high school. 

The CUSAT team concluded with an encouraging message: “We don’t want people to think space is too far beyond their reach. Winning this competition proves that Thai youth can succeed in space technology. You don’t have to wait until after graduation. We’ve already shown it’s possible. If you’re interested, just give it a try—it is well within the abilities of Thailand’s young people.” 

A research professor from Â鶹¹ú²ú has been awarded a High-Potential Research Group Grant at the launch ceremony for theÌý2026 High-Potential Researchers, held as part of the Thailand Research Expo 2026.ÌýThe event was organized by the and the Ìýon JuneÌý24,Ìý2026,Ìýat Lotus Suite 1–2, 22nd Floor,ÌýCentaraÌýGrand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.Ìý

Prof. Dr.ÌýRungsunÌýRerknimitr, Vice President of Â鶹¹ú²ú, together withÌýAsst. Prof. Dr.ÌýThititipÌýTippayamontri,ÌýDirector of the Â鶹¹ú²ú Innovation Hub,ÌýrepresentedÌýthe university in presenting flowers and congratulations toÌýProf. Dr.ÌýMongkolÌýSukwattanasinittÌýand his research team from the . The team received the High-Potential Research Group Grant for their project entitled, “From Fundamental Principles to Industrial Innovation: Molecular Discovery and Engineering of Chromogenic andÌýPhotoresponsiveÌýMaterials for Advanced Functional Applications.”Ìý

The research investigates the relationship between molecular structure and material properties to develop novel chromogenic and photoresponsive materials for a range of advanced applications, including the following: 

Speaking at the launch event, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Co-Chair of the High-Potential Research Group Grant Committee, explained that funded projects undergo rigorous evaluation based on multiple criteria, including research quality, team readiness, the clarity of the research plan, and the project’s potential for practical application. Receiving the grant represents not only financial support but also the trust and responsibility to produce research of significant value to the nation. The program provides an important opportunity to strengthen research teams, cultivate the next generation of researchers, and serve as a model for research with both national and international impact. 

Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), noted that the grant program focuses on building strong research groups, fostering teamwork, and continuously developing human resources—from students to experienced researchers. Its goal is to generate knowledge that creates meaningful impact and addresses the country’s needs across academic, economic, social, and urgent national challenges. 

Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), congratulated the grant recipients, stating that the award reflects the research teams’ outstanding capabilities and dedication. He emphasized that the program’s core mission is to develop people, build research teams, and advance technology, thereby strengthening Thailand’s scientific and technological capacity to drive sustainable national development.

Â鶹¹ú²ú extends its heartfelt congratulations toÌýMs.ÌýNattayaÌýDuangthim, a doctoral student in the Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Program, , , Â鶹¹ú²ú, for receiving theÌýGold Medal Award in the poster presentation categoryÌýat a national academic conference.Ìý

The award was presented during the conference held under the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Program (RGJ-Ph.D.) and the Research and Researchers for Industries (RRI) Program, organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and the as part of theÌý21st Thailand Research Expo 2026, held at theÌýCentaraÌýGrand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, from JuneÌý22 to 24,Ìý2026.Ìý

Ms.ÌýNattayaÌýis a recipient of both the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Scholarship (RGJ-Ph.D.) and the High-Potential Doctoral Student Scholarship under Â鶹¹ú²ú’s program. Her doctoral thesis advisor isÌýAssociate Professor Dr.ÌýSiripornÌýJitkaew.Ìý

This achievement reflects the strong research capabilities of students in the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, as well as their ability to communicate and present research effectively in English. It is another source of pride that enhances the reputation of both the faculty and Â鶹¹ú²ú at the national level.

Â鶹¹ú²ú extends its heartfelt congratulations toÌýProf. Dr.ÌýJoongjaiÌýPanpranotÌýof the andÌýProf. Dr.ÌýPattanapornÌýChatjuthamardÌýof the , who have been awarded the 2026 Senior Research Scholar Grant by the . The awards were presented during theÌý“2026 NRCT Distinguished Research Professor and Senior Research Scholar Launch Event,”Ìýheld at Lotus Suite 1–2 on the 22nd floor of theÌýCentaraÌýGrand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

At the event, Prof. Dr. Soottiporn Chittmittrapap, Advisor to the Committee on Research and Innovation Support for Research Career Development and Academic Research, congratulated the grant recipients and emphasized the importance of academic research in driving practical applications. He expressed hope that the grants would help researchers further develop their work into industrial applications and strengthen international collaboration. 

RepresentingÌýÂ鶹¹ú²ú,ÌýAsst. Prof. Dr.ÌýThititipÌýTippayamontri, Director of the Â鶹¹ú²ú Innovation Hub, presented bouquets and congratulated the university’s researchers who received theÌý2026 Senior Research Scholar Grants:Ìý

The Senior Research Scholar Grant Program supports leading and senior researchers with outstanding achievements recognized nationally and internationally. Recipients are expected to demonstrate high standards of research ethics, possess the leadership qualities needed to head research teams, and foster the development of both research groups and early-career researchers capable of producing high-quality research on a continuous basis. 

The program aims to generate new knowledge with significant academic impact or strong potential for practical application that benefits society and the nation. It also seeks to strengthen research networks, promote internationally recognized, high-quality research, and build the country’s long-term intellectual capacity. 

Source of information: .

Â鶹¹ú²ú extends its warmest congratulations to Associate Professor Phongsakorn Yimsawat of the on the occasion of his appointment as a Corresponding Member in the Architectural Arts Division, Thai Architecture Section, under the Office of Fine Arts of the .

The appointment is effective March 10, 2026. 
 

Â鶹¹ú²ú is the only Thai university ranked among the Top 10 leading universities in ASEAN in the , one of the world’s most prestigious higher education rankings. The official results were announced on June 18, 2026. In addition, Â鶹¹ú²ú has maintained its position as Thailand’s No. 1 university for the 18th consecutive year and is ranked 212th globally. The university is also placed within the world’s Top 100 for both Academic Reputation and Employment Outcomes. 

The QS World University Rankings 2027 evaluated more than 1,500 higher education institutions worldwide. Universities were assessed based on a range of indicators with different weightings, including: Academic Reputation (30%), Citations per Faculty (20%), Employer Reputation (15%), Employment Outcomes (5%), Faculty-to-Student Ratio (10%), International Faculty Ratio (5%), International Research Network (5%), International Student Ratio (5%), and Sustainability (5%). 

This year, Â鶹¹ú²ú achieved higher scores in Academic Reputation, Sustainability, International Research Network, and Faculty-to-Student Ratio. 

The QS WUR 2027 results are a source of pride for Â鶹¹ú²ú as a Thai institution with strong international recognition. The ranking reflects the university’s commitment to advancing academic excellence, promoting high-quality research, and producing graduates whose capabilities are recognized worldwide. 

For more information about the QS World University Rankings 2027, visit: 

Students and faculty members from the , Â鶹¹ú²ú, achieved national recognition byÌýwinning two awards at the DAT-Graduate Research Competition 2026, held during the 121st Academic Conference (1/2026) of the . The conference took place from June 17–19, 2026, atÌýCentaraÌýGrand at CentralWorld in Bangkok.Ìý

First Prize: Mr.ÌýManhÌýCuong HoangÌý

Research Title:ÌýMiR-223-3p-loaded Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles EnhanceÌýOdontogenesis and Immunomodulation in Dental PulpÌý
Advisor:ÌýAssoc. Prof. Dr.ÌýAnjaleeÌýVacharaksaÌý
Co-advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr.ÌýChalidaÌýNakalekhaÌýLimjeerajarusÌýÌý

First Runner-Up: Mr. Toan Van PhanÌý

Research Title:ÌýMachine Learning-Based Cytotoxicity Grading and Prediction in the Oral MucosaÌý
Advisor:ÌýJoao Nuno AndradeÌýRequichaÌýFerreiraÌý
Co-advisor: Jae-YolÌýLimÌý

This accomplishment reflects the high quality of research and the capabilities of emerging researchers from the Faculty of Dentistry at Â鶹¹ú²ú. It also highlights the strength of the faculty’s graduate education and research programs, which aim to generate new knowledge and innovations in dentistry that can contribute to the advancement of the profession and improve oral healthcare for the public in the future.

Â鶹¹ú²ú extends its warmest congratulations toÌýProfessor Dr. Suchada Sukrong, a faculty member in the , , and Director of the , on her appointment as a member ofÌýthe Senate Committee on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development.ÌýThe appointment was made under Senate Order No. 26/2569, dated June 12, 2026.Ìý

This committee was established to advance the Senate’s sustainable development agenda in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in addressing major challenges. Its responsibilities include: 

The committee aims to support sustainable development efforts through science, technology,Ìýinnovation,Ìýand evidence-based policy initiatives.

According to the , which assess universities’ contributions to sustainability and societal impact, Â鶹¹ú²úÌýhas been ranked 19th in the world,Ìýmarking a remarkable leap ofÌý25Ìýplaces fromÌý44thÌýglobally in 2025.ÌýChula is also the only Thai university to be placed in the global Top 20, the Top 10 in Asia, and the Top 5 in ASEAN, whileÌýmaintainingÌýits position as Thailand’s No. 1 university for sustainability for theÌýsecondÌýconsecutive year.Ìý

TheÌýTHEÌýSustainability Impact Ratings 2026Ìý(formerly known as theÌýTHEÌýImpact Rankings), announced on June 24, 2026, evaluatesÌýhow higher education institutions worldwide contribute to advancing sustainability and creating positive societal impactÌýinÌýaccordanceÌýwithÌýthe United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Ìý

This year’s improved ranking reflects Chula’s outstanding performance across several SDGs, particularly the following:Ìý

In addition to Â鶹¹ú²ú’s global ranking of 19th, several other Thai universities were placed in the world’s Top 100: 

The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 evaluated 1,646 universities from 116 countries, measuring performance across all 17 SDGs as well as overall sustainability impact. 

For more information on the rankings, visit the