Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Science celebrates the success of its staff, students, and alumni who received prestigious National Research Awards 2026 from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, during the National Inventors’ Day 2026 event held on 8 January 2026 at BITEC Bangna Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The event was organised under the theme “Unlock Thailand: Power of Invention and Innovation”, recognising Thai researchers and inventors whose research, inventions, and innovations have made significant contributions to national development.
The National Research Awards 2026 were divided into four categories, encompassing a total of 185 awards:
- National Distinguished Researcher Awards: 15 Awards
- Research Project Awards: 57 Awards
- Thesis Awards: 51 Awards
- Invention Awards: 62 Awards
National Research Award: National Distinguished Researcher Award for the Fiscal Year 2026
Physical Sciences and Mathematics
- Professor Supree Pinijsoontorn, Ph.D.
National Research Award: Thesis Awards for the Fiscal Year 2026
Outstanding Level – Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Assistant Professor Oraphap Thamwattana, Ph.D.
- Thesis Title: An investigation into the development of a high-performance and safe lithium metal anode free battery
- Completed Studies at: Seoul National University
- Advisor: Professor Kisuk Kang
Good Level – Physical Sciences and Mathematics
1. Dr. Natthapong Cheuewangkhum
- Thesis Title: The study of ohmic heating, sugarcane bagasse ash addition, and early stage mechanism on fly ash geopolymers
- Completed Studies at: Khon Kaen University
- Advisor: Professor Supree Pinijsoontorn, Ph.D.
2. Dr. Suwiwat Saeng-orn (Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences)
- Thesis Title: Application of Bio-derived Solvent of Cyrene and Non-Peroxide Forming of Hindered Ether Solvents for Carbon-carbon Coupling Reactions
- Completed Studies at: Khon Kaen University
- Advisor: Associate Professor Dr. Andrew Hunt
NRCT Quality Achievement Award
Research Project Awards (Physical Sciences and Mathematics)
Associate Professor Sriprajuck Krongsuk, Ph.D. and Team
- Project Title: Innovative Design of Nanomaterials: Niosomes for Drug Delivery and CO2 Nanobubbles Combined with Surfactants for Enhancing Plant Growth
Associate Professor Thanapong Intharah , Ph.D. and Team
- Project Title: Development of Differential Dynamic Microscopy Measuring Instrument for Hypercoagulation and Viscosity Assessment and the Instrument Performance Improvement Via Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Professor Ekabhan Swatsitang, Ph.D. and Team
- Project Title: Development and Application of Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmentally Friendly Clean Energy Storage Devices
Research Project Awards (Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Associate Professor Chomsri Siriwong, Ph.D. and Team
- Project Title: Sustainable Development of Composite Materials from Modified Natural Rubber and Nanocellulose Fibers for Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Applications in Energy and Bio-based Packaging
Thesis Awards – NRCT Quality Achievement (Physical Sciences and Mathematics)
Dr. Kaniknan Srijivangsa
- Thesis Title: Dielectric Properties Of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Polymer Nanocomposites Filled With Gold-Based Hybrid Materials
- Advisor: Professor Prasit Thongbai, Ph.D.
Dr. Dunlawich Palaphon
- Thesis Title: Fabrication and Properties of Flexible and Bulk Ag2Se Thermoelectric Materials
- Advisor: Professor Supree Pinijsoontorn, Ph.D.
Dr. Nappakorn Thanamool
- Thesis Title: DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF (Ln³⁺, Nb⁵⁺/Ta⁵⁺/Sb⁵⁺) CO-DOPED TiO₂ CERAMICS: (Ln = Tb, Lu and Y)
- Advisor: Professor Prasit Thongbai, Ph.D.
