On 5 November 2025, the Faculty of Nursing at Khon Kaen University (KKU) held the 5th International Nursing and Health Sciences Conference (INHSC 2025) under the theme, “Digital Innovation and Global Health Challenges.” The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council.
The international conference aimed to serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge on digital innovation in healthcare systems, fostering international academic collaboration, and driving sustainable development in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event attracted over 400 international experts, academics, and researchers from educational institutions and health organisations, both domestic and international, who gathered at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel in Khon Kaen Province.
Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council, stated that the organisation of this conference represented a critical step in driving health innovation in the digital age, consonant with the University’s vision for achieving international academic excellence. INHSC 2025 brought together distinguished experts from around the globe, including Professor Dr. Wendy Moyle (Griffith University, Australia), Professor Dr. Don Nutbeam (University of Sydney, Australia), Professor Sally Chan (Tung Wah College, Hong Kong), and Assistant Professor Dr. Nada Lukkahatai (Johns Hopkins University, USA), alongside academics from Thailand, Japan, Singapore, China, and Indonesia. Their purpose was to exchange insights on the topic of “Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Nursing Education,” which will help elevate the quality of nursing and the Thai health system to international standards. Furthermore, the conference’s collaboration with over 30 partner institutions, locally and internationally, underscores the strength of the academic network that will lead to future collaborations and development.
Associate Professor Amphawan Thirnukool, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, explained that the content of the INHSC 2025 was designed to integrate learning, technological perspectives, and adaptation to the digital world. This approach ensures participants develop essential concepts and skills necessary for working in 21st-century healthcare. The conference directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting healthy lives and well-being for all through quality digital health innovations and service systems; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by developing the learning and skills of healthcare personnel in the digital era to enhance the quality of education and nursing in the 21st century; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation and modern health infrastructure tailored to address future public health challenges; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international academic collaboration to drive global sustainable development. The Dean concluded that this conference is not just an academic forum, but a collective effort to build a genuinely sustainable health system and connect global networks.
The event featured a diverse programme, including special lectures from distinguished experts, oral and poster research presentations, technology exhibitions, and networking workshops. It was co-hosted by more than 30 partner institutions (Co-hosts), both domestic and international, such as the Faculties of Nursing at Chiang Mai University, Mahidol University, Mahasarakham University, Thammasat University, and Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, alongside international institutions including Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiujiang University, Molde University College, and Eastern International University. The success of any health system relies on its healthcare personnel. Developing digital innovation and enhancing nursing potential will allow us to effectively cope with future public health challenges.
Ms. Pariyaporn Paripunna, a Master’s student at the Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, and a recipient of a distinguished presentation award, expressed that participating in the event allowed her to meet and exchange knowledge with researchers and practitioners from various countries. She gained insights into modern health innovation development and a deeper understanding of the role of nurses in the digital age. Furthermore, she found inspiration to further develop her research on “ThromboZero,” which focuses on nursing guidelines for preventing thromboembolism in major surgical patients. She intends to use the knowledge and experience gained from the conference to continuously improve patient care quality.
The three-day programme was scheduled from the 5th to the 7th of November 2025, at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel. Activities included keynote speeches by international experts, oral and poster research presentations, exhibitions of educational technology, workshops, and academic networking activities. The event also incorporated a cultural dimension through the “Sithan KKU Festival (Bun Somma Bucha Nak)” activity and concluded with the Poster & Oral Presentation Awards ceremony, honouring high-quality research and outstanding digital health innovation.
Distinguished Presentation Award Recipients (Poster & Oral Presentation Awards)
- The Efficacy of Digital Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (dMBCT) for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- By Ms. Anongluk Vongtree, Boromarajonani College of Nursing Sunpasitthiprasong
- UDRU Care Plus: A Digital Health Application for Supporting Student Mental Health
- By Asst. Prof. Dr. Achara Jinvong, Udon Thani Rajabhat University
- Effectiveness of an online psychosocial intervention on coping and well-being of carers of people living with dementia: A pilot randomised control trial
- By Dr. Amornrat Saito, Griffith University, Australia
- ThromboZero: Development of Nursing Practice Guidelines for the Prevention of Thromboembolism and Promotion of Venous Circulation in Patients Undergoing Major Surgery
- By Ms. Pariyaporn Paripunna, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University
