�鶹���� students, along with students from Rajsima Wittayalai School, competed under the name HACKIN1DAY in the��final round of the��Youth ESG in Maritime Innovation Challenge 2026��and won the First Prize in the university category. The competition was held on June 1-3, 2026, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The prize money was 10,000,000��IDR.����

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 for��youth��to propose creative, practical solutions that generate value for society, the environment, and the economy.��

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. 

�鶹����, in collaboration with the , held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the development of education and research to promote and strengthen democracy, good governance, and peaceful means of conflict resolution on July 1, 2026, in Room 111, Maha Chulalongkorn Building.��

The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of �鶹����, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issara Sereewatthanawut, Secretary-General of the King Prajadhipok’s Institute, in the presence of executives, faculty members, and personnel from both institutions. 

This collaboration focuses on promoting academic cooperation, research, and the exchange of resources to enhance the quality of education and strengthen human resource capabilities. The partnership aims to cultivate empowered citizens who are well prepared to address social challenges and changes through constructive civic participation. 

The collaboration will be implemented through several concrete initiatives, including the joint development of academic programs at both the national and international levels, research to generate innovations that support public policy, and the exchange of experts to expand networks in governance, legislative affairs, and local development. 

Both institutions firmly believe that this partnership will serve as an important mechanism for translating leading academic knowledge into practical application. By doing so, it will enhance citizens’ capacity to respond to the country’s evolving needs and contribute to the sustainable, long-term development of Thai society. 

has organized the Chula Media Connect: From Research to Society program, offering international journalists the opportunity to visit research sites and experience the university’s innovations firsthand. The initiative demonstrates how knowledge generated within the university can be translated into practical applications that create meaningful value for individuals, communities, and society. 

Throughout June 2026, participants visited locations where �鶹����’s research is making a tangible impact across diverse fields—from agriculture and healthy food innovation to cultural heritage conservation. 

The first destination was the in Tropical Humid Areas in Saraburi Province, where journalists attended the Chula Dairy Expo and Conference 2026. They explored the application of Smart Farm technologies that are improving the efficiency of dairy farming in Thailand. The visit also included discussions with researchers and local dairy farmers who have adopted these innovations, providing firsthand insight into how academic research is successfully transferred to the agricultural sector. 

The next visit brought participants to GIN-D by Chula at , a project that transforms research into nutrition and food innovation into healthy menu offerings served at restaurants around the �鶹���� campus. Journalists learned about the project’s development from the faculty members behind the initiative before joining professional chefs to prepare Gaeng Kieng, a healthy Thai dish that illustrates how scientific knowledge can be translated from the laboratory to the dining table. Participants also had the opportunity to sample research-based menu items currently served through partnerships with local restaurants, demonstrating how food innovation can be effectively commercialized and integrated into everyday consumer life. 

The final activity took place at the and . Participants first explored Thailand’s biodiversity with university researchers before experiencing the Insight Wat Pho mobile application, a digital innovation designed to enhance learning at cultural heritage sites. Dressed in traditional Thai attire, they toured the temple grounds while using the application at various points of interest, illustrating how digital technology can bring history, art, and culture to life through an engaging and interactive experience. 

Although the three featured research initiatives address different fields, they all share the same underlying mission: applying academic knowledge to benefit society. Whether improving the livelihoods of dairy farmers, promoting healthier lifestyles through food innovation, or preserving and communicating cultural heritage through digital technology, each project demonstrates how research can create meaningful, real-world impact. 

More than simply a media engagement initiative, Chula Media Connect: From Research to Society serves as a platform that connects researchers, journalists, and the public. By enabling accurate, accessible, and compelling communication of research stories, the program helps inspire broader appreciation for the transformative power of knowledge and its ability to improve lives and communities.

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 �鶹���� 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 �鶹���� 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 �鶹���� has been awarded a High-Potential Research Group Grant at the launch ceremony for the��2026 High-Potential Researchers, held as part of the Thailand Research Expo 2026.��The event was organized by the and the ��on June��24,��2026,��at Lotus Suite 1–2, 22nd Floor,��Centara��Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.��

Prof. Dr.��Rungsun��Rerknimitr, Vice President of �鶹����, together with��Asst. Prof. Dr.��Thititip��Tippayamontri,��Director of the �鶹���� Innovation Hub,��represented��the university in presenting flowers and congratulations to��Prof. Dr.��Mongkol��Sukwattanasinitt��and 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 and��Photoresponsive��Materials for Advanced Functional Applications.”��

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.

�鶹���� extends its heartfelt congratulations to��Ms.��Nattaya��Duangthim, a doctoral student in the Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Program, , , �鶹����, for receiving the��Gold Medal Award in the poster presentation category��at a national academic conference.��

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 the��21st Thailand Research Expo 2026, held at the��Centara��Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, from June��22 to 24,��2026.��

Ms.��Nattaya��is a recipient of both the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Scholarship (RGJ-Ph.D.) and the High-Potential Doctoral Student Scholarship under �鶹����’s program. Her doctoral thesis advisor is��Associate Professor Dr.��Siriporn��Jitkaew.��

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 �鶹���� at the national level.

�鶹���� extends its heartfelt congratulations to��Prof. Dr.��Joongjai��Panpranot��of the and��Prof. Dr.��Pattanaporn��Chatjuthamard��of the , who have been awarded the 2026 Senior Research Scholar Grant by the . The awards were presented during the��“2026 NRCT Distinguished Research Professor and Senior Research Scholar Launch Event,”��held at Lotus Suite 1–2 on the 22nd floor of the��Centara��Grand & 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. 

Representing���鶹����,��Asst. Prof. Dr.��Thititip��Tippayamontri, Director of the �鶹���� Innovation Hub, presented bouquets and congratulated the university’s researchers who received the��2026 Senior Research Scholar Grants:��

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: .

The , �鶹����, in collaboration with the , organized the 34th Special CU-af Seminar 2026 under the theme “Cross-Disciplinary Research for Sustainable Impact,” together with the 2026 Asahi Glass Foundation Research Grant Award Ceremony, on June 29, 2026, at Room 105, Maha Chulalongkorn Building. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of �鶹����, delivered the welcome address, while Professor Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, Vice President of �鶹����, presented the opening remarks. 

On this occasion, Mr. Takuya Shimamura, President of the Asahi Glass Foundation, congratulated the faculty members and researchers receiving the 2026 Asahi Glass Foundation Research Grants. The approved grant recipients are: 

The seminar also featured a keynote lecture by Professor Dr. Hathaikarn Manuspiya from the College of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, �鶹����, entitled “Beyond Boundaries for Sustainable Impact: The Industrial Bio-waste Upcycling Platform as a Catalyst.” 

Following the keynote, 11 researchers who received research grants in the previous year presented their research findings. 

Following the seminar and award ceremony, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, Professor Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, and Mr. Takuya Shimamura, together with executives from �鶹���� and The Asahi Glass Foundation, attended a networking dinner at the Surawong Room, Baan Suriyasai Restaurant, Surawong Road, to strengthen collaboration between the university and the foundation. 

Source: 

�鶹����, through its , �鶹����, and the , in collaboration with the , organized��“A Regional Dialogue on Responsible AI in Justice: Opportunities, Risks, and Governance Frameworks”��on June��22,��2026,��at the conference hall on the 20th floor of the Chalerm Rajakumari 60th Birthday Anniversary Building (Chamchuri��10), �鶹����.��

The event was officially opened by 

The dialogue was organized to disseminate regional knowledge and research produced by UNDP to regulators, technology providers, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and development partners involved in the responsible use of artificial intelligence in justice systems across the Asia-Pacific region. 

The event also provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the opportunities, risks, and lessons learned from real-world applications of AI. Discussions brought together representatives from courts, ministries of justice, legal aid organizations, technology practitioners, researchers, and civil society groups. 

Experts from multiple countries participated in discussions on how to establish Good Governance frameworks for AI in judicial and justice processes, with the goal of ensuring that the adoption of AI is transparent, fair, accountable, and responsive to rapid technological developments.

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of �鶹����, in his capacity as Chairman of the , presided over the 3rd 2026 General Meeting of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) and the General Meeting of the CUPT Association. The meetings were hosted by Ubon Ratchathani University and held on June 20-21, 2026, at the 84th Anniversary Commemorative Building, Ubon Ratchathani University. 

Also attending the meetings were Asst. Prof. Dr. Pomthong Malakul Na Ayudhaya, Secretary-General of CUPT, and Prof. Dr. Kanaphon Chanhom, Vice President and Chair of the Personnel Administration and Legal Affairs Committee. 

The meetings were organized to discuss and establish strategic directions for advancing Thailand’s higher education sector, with a focus on improving the quality of education, research, and innovation in an effective and sustainable manner. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chutinan Prasitphuripreecha, President of Ubon Ratchathani University, delivered the welcome address on Sunday, June 21, 2026.