Associate Professor Dr. Chadamas Sakonsinsiri, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, represented Thailand in the Life Sciences field at the Scientist Invitation Program 2025 (SIP2025), held in Seoul, South Korea, from July 14-25, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea and INITHiNK, the program brought together scientists from APEC member economies to strengthen trainee capabilities through specialized training, expand research networks, and foster international collaboration.
Associate Professor Dr. Chadamas participated alongside two other Thai delegates, Dr. Pummarin Khamdahsag (Chulalongkorn University) and Associate Professor Dr. Chatchawan Jantasuriyarat (Kasetsart University), as well as participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Peru, and the Philippines. Together, they engaged in lectures, laboratory visits, and networking activities that laid a strong foundation for future collaborative research.
Scientist Invitation Program 2025 to Korea (SIP2025)
On August 7, 2025, the Social Work Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University organized the “Inspiring Volunteerism” project to recognize and promote good deeds among its staff and students. The event featured a special seminar titled “Creating Inspiration,” where participants shared their experiences and insights on the joy of giving. This created a positive and heartwarming atmosphere for everyone involved.
The event also included various activities, such as “Healthy Streets” booths to promote health alongside good deeds, and a charity food stall as part of the merit-making activities.
A key highlight of the day was the award ceremony, where certificates of appreciation and the “Heartfelt Service” awards were presented to student volunteers, staff, and both internal and external organizations dedicated to public service. This year, Ms. Pawinee Khamlar, an International Relations Officer from the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communications, was selected by the Srinagarind Hospital volunteer network to receive the prestigious “Heartfelt Service” award. Her dedication serves as an excellent example of contributing to society.
This project reflects the commitment of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University to fostering a culture of giving and volunteerism, a quality that is just as crucial as medical expertise. The presentation of the “Heartfelt Service” award to an exemplary staff member not only honors individual dedication but also inspires the entire community to continue contributing to the well-being of society.
The Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University (KKU) was honored to host Professor Robert Carroll, a globally renowned expert in kidney transplantation from the University of South Australia and Senior Consultant at Royal Adelaide Hospital. On February 3, 2025, Professor Carroll delivered an insightful lecture on “Managing Blood Group Incompatible Kidney Transplantation: Crossing HLA Antibodies and Managing HLA Labs”, shedding light on one of the most challenging aspects of organ transplantation.
Held at the Clinical Simulation Training Center, Princess Galyani Vadhana Memorial Building, the event brought together leading nephrologists, transplant surgeons, hematologists, and blood bank specialists from across Thailand, making it a milestone in advancing transplant medicine in the region.
Breaking Barriers in Kidney Transplantation
Professor Carroll’s lecture addressed the complexities of blood group-incompatible kidney transplantation, a frontier that has revolutionized the field. He shared insights into HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) antibody management, a crucial factor in preventing transplant rejection. Among the cutting-edge techniques discussed were Virtual Crossmatching, which enhances compatibility assessments, and the detection of non-HLA antibodies, which play a significant role in transplant rejection.
Highlighting breakthrough approaches to tackling antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and post-transplant complications such as BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), Professor Carroll’s session was a masterclass in the evolving landscape of transplant immunology. His insights provided attendees with innovative strategies to optimize patient outcomes and improve the longevity of transplanted organs.
A Warm Welcome and Strengthened International Collaboration
Prior to the lecture, Professor Carroll and Dr. Twarath Sutabutr, a distinguished Khon Kaen University Council Member, were warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The event was graced by key university leaders, including:
Associate Professor Sirirat Anutrakulchai, Vice Dean for Research and Innovation
Associate Professor Daris Theerakulpisut, Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
Assistant Professor Chinadol Wanitpongpun, Director of the Central Blood Bank
Assistant Professor Wiyada Punjaruk, Director of the Cellular Therapy Center
During the welcoming ceremony, tokens of appreciation were exchanged, symbolizing the commitment to fostering academic and medical collaboration between institutions. Discussions centered on joint research, faculty exchange programs, and future collaborative transplantation projects between Khon Kaen University and the University of South Australia.
Exploring KKU’s World-Class Medical Facilities
Following the lecture, Professor Carroll and Dr. Twarath toured Khon Kaen University’s specialized medical units, gaining firsthand insight into Thailand’s growing expertise in transplantation medicine. Their tour included:
Nephrology and Dialysis Unit – A hub for cutting-edge renal care and transplantation follow-up
Cellular Therapy Center – Pioneering stem cell research and regenerative medicine
Central Blood Bank – A key facility supporting transfusion and transplantation services
The visit underscored KKU’s commitment to medical innovation and international collaboration, positioning Thailand as a growing hub for advanced transplantation and hematology.
Towards a Future of Transplantation Excellence
Professor Carroll’s visit to Khon Kaen University marks a significant step in elevating Thailand’s role in the global transplantation community. By embracing international expertise and fostering research-driven innovations, KKU continues to pave the way for groundbreaking medical advancements.
As Thailand continues to strengthen its medical capabilities, collaborations like this will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of kidney transplantation and improving patient outcomes worldwide. With the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University emerging as a regional leader in transplant medicine, it may not be long before Thailand becomes Southeast Asia’s premier center for organ transplantation.
ศาสตราจารย์ Robert Carroll ร่วมบรรยายสุดพิเศษที่คณะแพทยศาสตร์ มข. เปิดมุมมองใหม่ในการปลูกถ่ายไตข้ามหมู่เลือด
คณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น (มข.) ได้รับเกียรติจาก ศาสตราจารย์ Robert Carroll ผู้เชี่ยวชาญระดับโลกด้านการปลูกถ่ายไตจาก University of South Australia และที่ปรึกษาอาวุโสจากโรงพยาบาล Royal Adelaide มาเป็นวิทยากรพิเศษในหัวข้อ “Managing blood group incompatible kidney transplantation: Crossing HLA antibodies and managing HLA labs” (การบริหารจัดการการปลูกถ่ายไตข้ามหมู่เลือด การจัดการแอนติบอดี HLA และห้องปฏิบัติการ HLA) เมื่อวันที่ 3 กุมภาพันธ์ 2568 ณ ห้องประชุม ชั้น 5 อาคารสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทราบรมราชชนนี
Khon Kaen, Thailand – The 4th ASEAN Head & Neck Dissection Course, hosted by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine and the ASEAN Head & Neck Network, is currently underway in Thailand from November 6-8, 2024. This high-profile workshop serves as a critical training ground for head and neck surgeons across Southeast Asia, focusing on advanced dissection techniques with hands-on practice using fresh frozen cadavers.
International experts, including Prof. Sheng-po Hao from Taiwan, Assoc. Prof. Marlinda Adham from Indonesia, Dr. Alexander van Bemmel from the Netherlands, and Dr. Baris Karakullukcu from Turkey, are leading the workshop, covering complex surgical procedures such as Thyroidectomy, Laryngectomy, Parotidectomy, Neck Dissection, and Maxillectomy. Participants are also trained in Local & Regional Flaps Reconstruction techniques, essential for reconstructive surgery in head and neck cancer patients.
The course features specialized demonstrations, including Conservation Laryngectomy and Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM), allowing participants to observe and learn techniques that prioritize tissue preservation and surgical precision. An additional hands-on workshop on Ultrasonography of the Thyroid and Cervical Lymph Nodes equips participants with diagnostic skills crucial for accurate patient assessment and treatment planning.
In the final sessions, faculty members engage participants in case presentations and panel discussions, focusing on non-technical skills such as communication and decision-making, which are essential in head and neck surgery. This comprehensive works
hop not only builds technical expertise but also fosters a collaborative network of head and neck surgeons across the ASEAN region, promoting high standards of surgical care and professional development.
การประชุมเชิงปฏิบัติการ ASEAN Head & Neck Dissection Course ครั้งที่ 4 ที่ประเทศไทย
Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University, was a featured speaker at the 65th Anniversary Celebration International Forum organized by the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. The forum, held from October 24-25, 2024, focused on the theme “Global Health Challenges and Solutions: A Collaborative Approach” and brought together international experts and healthcare professionals to address pressing global health issues.
Assoc. Prof. Makarawate presented on the topic “Best Practices in Preventive Care,” sharing insights into innovative approaches and effective strategies to enhance preventive healthcare. His presentation highlighted how preventive care can play a critical role in managing health challenges on a global scale, aligning with the forum’s collaborative focus.
The event underscored the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in advancing global health solutions, with participants from various countries contributing perspectives and strategies to tackle healthcare challenges collectively.
คณบดีคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น ได้รับเกียรติให้เป็นวิทยากรในงานThe 65th Anniversary Celebration International Forum มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่
รศ. นพ. ภัทรพงษ์ มกรเวส คณบดีคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น ได้รับเกียรติให้เป็นวิทยากรหลักบรรยายในหัวข้อ “Best Practices in Preventive Care” ในงานประชุม The 65th Anniversary Celebration International Forum ซึ่งจัดขึ้นโดยคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ งานประชุมนี้จัดขึ้นระหว่างวันที่ 24-25 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2567 ภายใต้หัวข้อ “Global Health Challenges and Solutions: A Collaborative Approach” โดยรวบรวมผู้เชี่ยวชาญและบุคลากรทางการแพทย์จากนานาชาติเพื่อหารือเกี่ยวกับประเด็นสำคัญด้านสุขภาพระดับโลก
Khon Kaen, Thailand – Mr. Nutt Trakarnthai, a medical student from the Cho-Kalaphruek Excellent Research Project for Medical Students (CERPMS) cohort 2, and his advisor, Asst. Prof. Charupong Saengboonmee from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, have won the prestigious first-place award in the international Factor X Video Competition at the Biomolecular Horizons 2024 conference.
This renowned event was co-organized by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) and the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB). It took place from September 22-26, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia.
Their winning entry demonstrated groundbreaking insights into biochemical research, showcasing innovative approaches that impressed an international panel of judges. The competition was part of a broader event that gathered leading scientists and researchers from around the world to discuss advances in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Khon Kaen University celebrates this achievement as a significant milestone, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence in research and its international reputation.
On September 20, 2024, the British Council Thailand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, extended a warm welcome to the Honourable Catherine West, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs, for a bilateral meeting in order to advance and support scientific collaboration between researchers from Thailand and the UK, highlighting the strong partnership in higher education and research between the two nations.
A research team from Khon Kaen University (KKU) had the privilege of presenting their collaborative project with Imperial College London. The team included Assistant Professor Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin from the Faculty of Medicine and Chairperson of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, Dr. M.L. Manida Suksawat from the International College and member and assistant secretary of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, and Mr. Theerayut Bubpamala, a graduate student in the Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program at the Faculty of Medicine, KKU.
The project, titled “Personal Health AI for Phenomic Medicine Open Data Infrastructure for Research, Development and Innovation in Thailand,” is a joint effort with Associate Professor Dr. Jia Li and a team of experts from multiple fields such as phenomics, data science, and artificial intelligence at Imperial College London. Imperial College, recognized as the second-best university globally by the QS World University Rankings, stands as a world-renowned institution of academic excellence.
This collaborative project highlights the increasing significance of AI and phenomic medicine in advancing healthcare and scientific research in Thailand, representing a key milestone in fostering international academic collaboration.
The Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, extends its congratulations to Assist. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, PhD, from the Department of Systems Biosciences and Computational Medicine, who also serves as Chairman of the Committee to Drive Research and Academic Services at the Phynomics Phenome Center, on the occasion of being one of six researchers worldwide to receive the “2024 Metabolomics Society L.M.I.C. Travel Award” at the 20th Annual International Conference of the Metabolomics Society: Metabolomics 2024 in Osaka, Japan. The research by Assist. Prof. Phetcharaburanin and his team was selected for an oral presentation on the topic “Metabolome-microbiome Dynamics Following Cholangiocarcinoma-derived Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Oral Bile Reinfusion in Wistar Rat” by the Metabolomics Society.
This research utilizes the technique of human fecal microbiota transplantation into experimental animals combined with metabolomics and microbiomics approaches. The aim is to study the function and mechanisms of gut microbiota from Cholangiocarcinoma patients on the host’s gut health. This investigation seeks to provide functional insights at the molecular level into the gut microbiota of Cholangiocarcinoma patients and to examine the effects of oral bile reinfusion on gut microenvironment recovery. This foundational molecular evidence will be valuable for medical personnel caring for Cholangiocarcinoma patients and serve as a significant knowledge base for researchers and innovators in developing future medical advancements.
The international conference was attended by over 800 participants from universities and research institutions worldwide. It aims to provide a platform for metabolomics researchers to meet and present their work through oral and poster presentations. The conference also seeks to build a robust network of metabolomics research and engage in academic discussions on world-class research in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. The research topics at the conference are divided into various themes, including Technology Advances; Computational Metabolomics, Statistics, and Bioinformatics; Metabolomics in Health and Disease; Metabolomics of Food, Plants, and Environment and Microbes.
On April 23, 2024, MD-KKU representatives led by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Assoc. Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Dr. Nantaporn Wongsurawat, Assistant for Academic Affairs, welcomed delegations from Institute of International Education (IIE) under the International Academic Partnership Thailand (IAPP Thailand). A total of 20 representatives from US embassies and universities met at the Sarasin Meeting Room, 2nd floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Nawarat Wara-Aswapati, PhD, Vice President for International Affairs, welcomed the delegations with a warm welcome speech on partnership and collaboration. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to our campus and we look forward to productive discussion, connection and friendship, as well as many more collaborations to come,” she said.
US delegations and KKU deans discussed and exchanged their vision for academic partnerships.
Courtney Temple, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, one of the representatives from USA institutions suggested international exchange and collaboration, stating: “If we have chances to collaborate, we will definitely have a beautiful world because we have learned from each other.”
As for MD KKU, we are looking forward to further collaboration with US institutions since we believe that fostering such partnerships will lead to mutual growth and innovation.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai
A MD-KKU delegation recently attended a workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in Sydney, Australia with delegations from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), Chulalongkorn University, and the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. The workshop ran between July 18 and 21, 2023.
The MD-KKU delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs together with Prof. Kwanchanok Yimtae, MD, Director of Academic Clinical Research Office (ACRO), Assoc. Prof. Pakaphan Kiatchoosakun, MD, Head of Pediatrics Department, and Dr. Nichtima Chayaopas, Department of Otorhinolaryngology. They also visited Macquarie University and the Shepherd Centre.
A workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening hosted by Australian Hearing Hub (AHH)
The workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening was hosted by the Australian Hearing Hub (AHH) with many speakers sharing their experiences. Lecture sessions covered AHH background and its collaboration with private and public sectors to develop newborn hearing screening systems for better access to effective treatment and family support systems to optimize the daily lives of children with hearing loss. In group discussions, delegates discussed progress, obstacles, and possible solutions for newborn hearing problems in Thailand, and brainstormed approaches to solve problems, provide medical services, and increase human capital especially audiologists.
Lecture Session
Group Discussion Session
The MD-KKU delegation also visited Macquarie University in Sydney, a leader in developing private-public collaborations in education, research, and medical service. The delegation also met the chief executive of the Macquarie University to discuss strategies and collaborations at national and international levels to support children with hearing loss.
MD-KKU delegation visits Macquarie University and meets the chief executive.
The delegation also visited the Shepherd Centre in Sydney. For more than 50 years, the Centre has cared for children with hearing loss and their families. It is supported by private and public sectors as well as donors for facilities and activities like developmental surveillance, hearing aids, auditory skill and language practices, preparation for the real world, counseling, and health care delivery.
A visit to the Shepherd Centre
The workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening was beneficial for KKU to improve its capacity for treatment of children with hearing loss. Improvements in rapid screening, language and communication development, and social skills enhancement should empower children to have productive and fulfilled lives.
