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Promoting interdisciplinary research across science disciplines

Serving Thailand’s societal needs has been Thammasat University’s guiding principle throughout its history, and presently it states its main strategic objective is to become “the University of the People, the Research University and the International University”.
The Centers of Excellence (CoE) form an ecosystem in which research collaborations can be established to help facilitate the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches that are needed when tackling social issues such as sustainability and healthcare.

Thammasat University annually sets out the criteria, qualifications, and availability of research grants and awards, which are announced once a year in November for all disciplines with the focus on multidisciplinary research and international collaboration in science disciplines. Our articles in THE Research Hub could be the evidences.
Benefiting society with interdisciplinary and international collaboration
Thammasat University promotes multidisciplinary research to foster impactful research

This information is disseminated through the university’s research funds website at Thammasat University Research Division – Research Funds circulated memos to all departments, and meetings organized by the Research Administration Office of Thammasat University. On November 7, 2023, a meeting was held to explain the research funds, supports, awards and the allocation of the research funds. For the fiscal year 2024, the budget managed by the Research Division is 15 million baht, of which more than 50% is allocated for research among science disciplines. During this meeting, there was an exchange of information among research department managers, research executives, and research coordination officers regarding the available research funds and support awards for the upcoming fiscal year. This exchange aimed to enhance understanding of the criteria, guidelines, processes, and timelines for different types of research funding and promote the support system available year-on-year.

Applications for research funding are open annually, with interested individuals able to apply by the 20th of each month, followed by announcements of successful applicants every two months. The Research Administration Office disseminates information about successful applicants through departmental channels and the university’s website. Additionally, an online system called FAST TRACK is available for submitting research project proposals. Furthermore, information about research funding and upcoming national/international academic conferences organized by various units is shared through the Thammasat University Research Division’s Facebook page and the Research Administration Office of Thammasat University.

Among science disciplines, there are several research funds, grants, and awards allocated each year.

Grants:

  • Grant to support oversea research and innovation collaboration, focusing on international research collaboration
  • Funds to support research on sustainability development goals (SDGs) for Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, and Faculty of Sciences & Technology
  • Grants to promote new researchers
  • Grants to develop research potential (Fast Track)

Research Support Awards Program:

  • Award for Supporting Academic Publication and Creative Work Dissemination – Research Article Publication Category
  • Award for Supporting Academic Publication and Creative Work Dissemination – Graduate Research Article Publication Category
  • Award for Supporting Academic Publication and Creative Work Dissemination – Academic Article Publication Category
  • Award for Supporting Academic Publication and Creative Work Dissemination – Creative Work Dissemination Award Category
  • Award for Supporting Intellectual Property Registered Works
  • Outstanding Research Work Award
  • Outstanding New Generation Researcher Award – Departmental Level
  • Outstanding Thesis Award – Thammasat University

Promoting Research Dissemination Program:

  • Support Fund for Article Translation or Language Editing
  • Sponsorship for International Academic Conference Organization
  • Grant for Showcasing Academic Works, Creative Works, and Innovative Inventions Abroad

Moreover, Thammasat University is actively encouraging and disseminating the research endeavors of faculty members and staff to elevate to the international research university level. This initiative includes striving for university-level journals to be indexed in the Scopus database with a target of 5 editions and promoting them through the respective journal websites (Science & Technology Asia, Thammasat Review journals, LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, and Thailand and The World Economy).

TU-RAC (Thammasat University Research and Consultancy Institute) is an independent agency who provides services related to research management and administers research works conducted under Thammasat University.

TU-RAC promotes engagement by actively publicizing news and inviting project proposals across various domains to the research community at Thammasat University. This outreach is facilitated through online platforms such as the TU-RAC website, Facebook, Line Official, and Line research groups. Moreover, TU-RAC provides avenues for researchers to showcase their work, including the Social Research and Development Journal (JMARD) and the “NOW AND BEYOND” column by TU-RAC, published in both the Bangkok Business Newspaper and online platforms.

Additionally, TU-RAC fosters collaboration by organizing workshops where researchers collaborate to develop research topics in diverse areas. Furthermore, TU-RAC takes proactive measures by mobilizing university research teams to seek research funding, convene discussions on research development strategies, and offer research grants and consultation services through Thammasat University’s research institution (TU-RAC) on an annual basis. These initiatives are aimed at inspiring and empowering researchers in advancing their research endeavors.

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Providing administrative supports to meet the needs of interdisciplinary research teams across various scientific disciplines.

The Thammasat University Research and Innovation Division employs a research coordination officer responsible for coordinating research-related activities. This role includes issuing calls for project proposals, ensuring the completeness of documents and applicant qualifications for funding, presenting proposals to the Research and Development Funding Committee for evaluation, notifying applicants of funding decisions, and monitoring research progress and funding disbursements to ensure adherence to contractual terms. The position is divided into three sub-divisions.

  1. Research Planning and Management Unit: This unit is responsible for developing research strategies, management plans, and annual budgets. Its functions include allocating and monitoring research funding, ensuring research standardization and ethics, cooperating with external funding agencies, and enhancing academic excellence through research and innovation. The unit supports interdisciplinary research through individual research grants, matching-funds, Centers of Excellence and Research Units. In 2024, Thammasat University granted supports a total of 20 Centers of Excellence across various interdisciplinary fields of research. This ecosystem for researcher collaborations has facilitated multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in research and development, human resource management and addressing social issues such as sustainability and healthcare.
  1. Research Promotion and Dissemination Unit: This unit assists researchers, faculty members, and graduate students in promoting their research, innovations, and publications. It also supports academic conferences, research training sessions, intellectual property data collection, and international research collaboration. This unit help promote the university’s interdisciplinary research through various research conventions honing research and innovations excellences and fostering collaborative research with other national research agencies.

  1. Academic Journals and Research Data Systems Unit: This unit oversees the university’s academic journals, research data systems, website, and related information outlets. By leveraging Thammasat University’s Scopus-indexed journals, the unit help promote interdisciplinary research and drives innovations.
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Center of Excellence Research Eco-System for Interdisciplinary Research

With the goal of becoming a prominent Global and Frontier Research University, Thammasat University creates Centers of Excellence (CoE) as a research eco-system for researcher collaborations striving for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in research and development, human resource management and addressing social issues. These centers are instrumental in driving research initiatives, nurturing innovation, promoting academic and research excellence. In addition, the Centers aim to establish a research hub for creating and sharing new knowledge in Thailand. They serve as collaborative spaces and research facilities where professors and researchers specializing in diverse fields come together to conduct research, develop innovations, and produce academic outputs. They also facilitate partnerships for research and innovation with government agencies, private companies, communities, civil society, and research institutions within the university, as well as with other higher education institutions both nationally and globally.

In 2024, Thammasat University granted supports a total of 23 Centers of Excellence across various interdisciplinary fields of research. Among these, the following Centers have gained national recognition and are located at Thammasat University.

Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma

Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma are major public health problems in Thailand. The increasing incidence of drug resistance of Malaria parasites has caused treatment problems and may result in patient mortality. Particularly, Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection can cause severe symptoms such as Cerebral malaria. The significant challenge is drug resistance of the parasite to many antimalarial drugs that are currently available (Multidrug resistance).

For Cholangiocarcinoma, although there is no incidence of drug resistance, and the parasite responds well to the standard Praziquantel treatment. However, it has been found that patients who were previously infected with human liver fluke develop Cholangiocarcinoma, which has a remarkably high mortality rate because there is no effective chemotherapy. Importantly, patients often show symptoms and seek treatment only when the disease has already progressed (Advanced stage). The center aims to conduct comprehensive research in applying knowledge of pharmacology and molecular biology to study pathology, patient factors, Malaria parasites and Cholangiocarcinoma, diagnostic methods, and pharmaceutical research to find the solution of the country’s public health problems sustainably.

Center of Excellence in Electromagnetic Energy Utilization in Engineering (CEEE)

The center is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, operating on a multi-disciplinary and fully integrated approach. It delves into basic research using advanced mathematical modeling techniques and sophisticated numerical calculation methods developed in-house by the center. The center serves as a focal point for researchers specializing in electromagnetic energy within the realms of industrial and medical engineering applications nationwide. It stands out as a research hub with immense potential, fostering innovation, paving the way for patentable prototypes at both Pilot and Commercial scales, and making it a cornerstone in the field of electromagnetic energy in engineering.

Center of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering

The main objectives of the BioMed are to develop reliable and practical applications in the biomedical engineering, produce research papers, conduct an efficient collaborative supervision of graduate students and arrange for cooperation with other faculties of TU and other research groups and universities in the country. The unit attracts computer science experts working in the field of biomedical applications and researchers working in practical medicine to find common grounds and joint applications. The idea of this CoE is the multidisciplinary research when the computer scientists and medical experts offer their vision and contribute collaboratively. There is no discussion of what is more important: academic or application, medical experience or artificial intelligence. Every part of our joint knowledge must by combined appropriately.

Center of Excellence in Environmental Catalysis and Adsorption

The center aims to achieve excellence in research on catalysts and adsorbents across the areas of Activated Carbon, Carbon Nanotubes, Catalysts, Strong Reducing Agents, and Specialized Supercapacitors. The Center also foster collaboration in interdisciplinary research with leading research institutions in Thailand and abroad such as Computational Material Science and Catalysis (COMSCAT) Group, School of Chemistry, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, and Waste to Clean Energy Group, Institute of Energy and Power Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, China.

Center of Excellence in Creative Engineering Design and Development

The center aims to prpmote and create innovations to solve Thailand’s major problems through creative engineering design and development (Creative Engineering Design & Development, CED2). This involves integrating knowledge from various disciplines, with a particular emphasis on developing health-related innovations for underprivileged individuals in Thailand. The goal is to develop innovations that can be practically applied, generating value both commercially and in terms of public welfare. Initially, the focus will be on designing and developing health innovations for patients, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Additionally, the center aims to create pathways to commercialize these innovations, generating revenue that can be reinvested into research, thus creating a sustainable research cycle.

Thammasat University also has multiple research support units and facilities from various departments to drive towards becoming a research university. These include the Office of Advanced Science and Technology (SAT), which consists of the following facilities:

• The Center for Scientific Equipment for Advanced Research is tasked with offering scientific equipment and instrument services to specifically support interdisciplinary research, analysis/testing, and academic endeavors both within and beyond the university. This includes providing consulting, guidance, and organizing training/seminars to educate about scientific instruments.

• The Animal Laboratory Center is responsible for providing services to elevate the interdisciplinary research involving experimental animals at the university to internationally accepted standards. One of these international standards is the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC International). The center serves as an educational, research, and training hub for basic and advanced knowledge in laboratory animal science. It provides services such as animal care for research, teaching, and bioproduct manufacturing purposes to both internal and external units of the university. Moreover, it offers consultation and ensures that users of experimental animals adhere to ethical principles in scientific research involving animals.

• Drug Research and Development Center is tasked with providing services in researching and developing new chemical substances from natural sources for the treatment of various diseases. This includes collaborative interdisciplinary research to support and facilitate researchers working in the field of medicine research and development.

• The Intellectual Property and Business Incubation Center focuses on fostering knowledge and disseminating activities related to intellectual property. It aims to stimulate and enhance research exploration, innovation development, and inventions within Thammasat University. The center oversees the university’s intellectual property to maximize its benefits, including safeguarding and preserving the university’s rights and benefits. Additionally, it nurtures entrepreneurship by assisting new entrepreneurs in establishing companies and supports the transfer of technology and beneficial knowledge to the community through clinical technology and community network science and technology initiatives.

In addition to the above facilities and support units, there are 77 research units, of which 67 research units are to promote, support, create, and disseminate science and medical innovations from interdisciplinary research. For more information on Thammasat University’s research units, please refer to this link. Thammasat University’s Research Units

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Thammasat’s commitment to reaching “Net-Zero”

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time. Many countries, authorities, companies and institutions have pledged commitments to reduce carbon emissions or at least contribute their share to the global target of net zero emissions. Thammasat University has publicly committee to reaching net-zero by issuing the Net Zero Emission Policy, dated February 15, 2022, emphasized on the promotion to reduce direct and indirect green house gas emission from the activities in the university.

ประกาศมหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์_Net-Zero-Emission-Policy-2022

Manage and develop transportation systems that are safe and energy-efficient, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and use vehicles that are environmentally friendly, are what Thammasat University has set as one of the key requirements stated in the “Policy on Environmental Management” issued in 2019. Thammasat University – Policy on Environmental Management

The University advocates a firmed intent in the reduction of energy consumption from fossil fuel and implemented several initiatives for carbon dioxide emissions reduction. It has signed an agreement of cooperation with “Haup Car” to promote the use of electric vehicles. The University has also provided 4 electric vehicle charging locations in Rangsit Campus and one station at Dome building, Tha-Prachan Campus to support those who use electric vehicles. Each location has at least one electric vehicle charging station, altogether around 8 stations within the University.

It has signed another agreement of cooperation with “Anywheel” to promote the use of shared bicycles to allow and promote the students, staff, and visitors in actively contributing to reduce the use of fossil fuel powered vehicles within the campus. The University aims to continue promoting the use of bicycles as non-motorized transport (NMT) by adding bicycle lanes. It continually upkeeps and improves pedestrian paths to promote walking which is good for the health.

Continuing to enhance the awareness and the importance of emission reduction, the University has implemented a multi-year project to replace fossil fuel powered service shuttles with EV shuttle buses.  This also includes the project of changing 20 shuttle buses service in Rangsit Campus from Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) to be Electric Bus which was completed in 2021.

In 2023, Thammasat University’s Faculty of Architecture and Planning and SCG Cement-Building Materials Co., Ltd. signed an agreement for academic cooperation aiming to drive the country towards a Net Zero society. The partnership focuses on developing sustainable building practices, promoting Net Zero Energy building design, and advancing energy-saving innovations. By combining academic research and business expertise, this initiative addresses climate change and reduces the construction industry’s carbon footprint, which contributes over 39% of global emissions. This collaboration will create and disseminate guidelines for Net Zero Building, fostering long-term sustainability and contributing to Thailand’s goal of net-zero emissions.

TDS joins forces with SCG for academic cooperation, aiming to drive the country towards a Net Zero Society (June,2023)
Thammasat Design School organized an event on exchanging knowledge about sustainable environmental design titled “Climate Resilience – Addressing Climate Change”

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Thammasat University and Princeton’s Andlinger Center co-hosted a seminar on January 20, 2023, titled “Net Zero Thailand: Towards Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Thailand.” The event aimed to explore pathways for Thailand to achieve its climate goals, drawing insights from the US and Australia. Dr. Chris Greig from Princeton shared findings on different approaches to net-zero emissions, including renewable energy, electrification, and carbon capture technologies. He emphasized the affordability of net-zero goals but noted challenges like land use changes and social hurdles. The seminar concluded with a discussion on applying these insights in Thailand’s context.

Thammasat and Princeton University co-organize a seminar on “Net Zero Thailand: Towards Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Thailand”
Seminar: “Toward Net Zero Thailand with Insights from the US & Australia and Application for Thailand”

Related articles:
1. Thammasat Corporates with Four “Electric Car” Companies Developing Thammasat Smart City
2. Electric Shuttle Buses Service at Thammasat University – Rangsit Campus
3. Reducing Carbon Emission Within the University through Shared Bicycles

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Thammasat University Research Publications in 2024

The following data of publication of Thammasat Scholars on SDG 1 – 16 was extracted from SCOPUS on October 28, 2024.

SDG 17 is mapped manually from each of the 16 goals, using Excel’s countif functions, covering the following keywords: policy, international, region, ASEAN, partnership, stakeholders, collaboration, cooperation, participation, institutional coherence, United Nations, HLPF, ECOSOC, resource mobilization, and finance for development.

The graph illustrates the scholarly output of Thammasat University related to the 17 SDGs from 2015 to 2024. Each bar represents the total number of outputs annually, categorized by SDG focus. The outputs show a consistent increase over the years, peaking at 1,017 in 2023 before slightly dropping to 903 in 2024. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) dominate. The diversity of SDG-related outputs expands significantly after 2020, highlighting the university’s growing commitment to sustainable development research.

The graph shows the overall scholarly output of Thammasat University from 2015 to 2024, categorized by the 17 SDGs. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) leads with 2,047 outputs, followed by SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) with 603 and SDG 4 (Quality Education) with 541. Other significant contributions are seen in SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Outputs for SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) are the lowest. This highlights the university’s strong focus on health, education, sustainable cities, and innovation in scholarly research.

The graph provides a detailed breakdown of Thammasat University’s scholarly outputs aligned with the 17 SDGs from 2015 to 2024. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) leads with 2,047 outputs, followed by SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) with 603 and SDG 4 (Quality Education) with 541. Other notable contributions include SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) at 415 and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) at 541.

In contrast, SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) show relatively fewer outputs, with 73, 74, and 97, respectively.

Annual outputs for most SDGs show an increasing trend after 2020, reflecting the university’s growing focus on sustainability research.

The graph highlights Thammasat University’s diverse research contributions, particularly in health, education, innovation, and sustainability, demonstrating its strong alignment with the UN’s SDG agenda and commitment to addressing global challenges through academic scholarship.

Please explore the list of Thammasat Publications below. You can click the tabs to pick the SDG you want to explore. To search the table, click Ctrl+F and input the search word.

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About Thammasat University

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Thammasat University (TU), established in 1934, is Thailand’s second-oldest university, renowned for its dedication to democracy, social justice, and public service. Initially named the University of Moral and Political Sciences, TU was founded to educate the Thai people on democratic principles following the 1932 revolution. Over the years, it expanded into a comprehensive institution, earning the title “the university for the people.”

Since the 1980s, Thammasat has broadened its academic scope, becoming a leader in research and innovation. The university has earned numerous international awards for its contributions in health, medicine, industry, and communication.

As of the 2023 academic year, Thammasat serves 38,592 individuals, including 29,481 students and 9,411 staff members. The university operates across four campuses: Thaprachan (located in Bangkok, focusing on social sciences and graduate programmes), Rangsit (located in Pathum Thani, covering all faculties across social sciences, science and technology, and medical sciences), Pattaya (located in Chonburi, focusing on industrial development), and Lampang (located in the Northern region, focusing on law, social administration, and health). TU offers 271 academic programs across 305 disciplines at undergraduate, graduate diploma, master’s, and doctoral levels, organized into 31 faculties, colleges and institutes.

Thammasat is committed to maintaining international academic standards while adapting its curricula to meet national and regional needs, particularly within the ASEAN context. The university’s mission emphasizes cultivating ethical leadership, community service, and social responsibility, preparing graduates to contribute to both Thai society and the global community. Thammasat continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, research, and society, with a strong focus on social responsibility and ethical leadership. As its motto states, “I love Thammasat because Thammasat teaches me to love the people.”

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Driving Excellence and Sustainability: Thammasat University Policies Under the Leadership of Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn:

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Led by Rector Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Thammasat University aims to become a holistic and sustainable institution meeting the needs of society in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development policy focuses on three core strategies: becoming a Comprehensive University, a University for Society, and promoting Happiness and Sustainability within the Thammasat community. These goals connect to various SDG dimensions, including quality education, health, reduced inequalities, and sustainable social development.

1. Comprehensive University

Thammasat University is committed to providing modern curricula and research, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration and analytical skills to prepare students for a dynamic workforce. The university’s target is a 100% employment rate for graduates and a user satisfaction rate of 95% or higher, supporting SDG 4.3 (Quality Education) by fostering inclusive and equitable quality education, and SDG 8.6 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing employability.

2. University for Society

As a center for public-minded graduates, Thammasat addresses social needs through impactful research, innovation, and community-focused academic work. Thammasat University aims to produce at least 750 high-quality publications and 33 impactful projects for community development. These efforts align with SDG 3.8 (Good Health and Well-Being) by advancing healthcare services, SDG 10.3 (Reduced Inequalities) by broadening educational access, and SDG 11.3 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering urban and community sustainability.

3. Happiness and Sustainability for the Thammasat Community

The university emphasizes happiness and sustainability for all community members by effectively managing resources. Initiatives include IT development, financial stability, and international governance standards, systematically advancing the SDGs to achieve long-term sustainability. These align with SDG 16.6 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering transparency and SDG 17.17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging collaboration across sectors.

The policies of President Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn reflect a commitment to establishing Thammasat as a leading comprehensive university for society, contributing to sustainable education, research, and social impact aligned with the SDGs. This strategic direction supports Thammasat’s role in driving sustainable development for future generations.

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Mentorship for Change: Supporting Women’s Growth through Dedicated Mentoring Schemes

The Thammasat Business School Advanced Institute of Mentorship (TBS-AIM) was established in 2021 to support the career advancement and professional development of graduates, with a specific focus on empowering women to thrive in leadership roles and advancing their careers after graduation. TBS-AIM’s mission aligns with Thammasat University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality by offering mentorship and professional support that addresses the unique challenges faced by women in the workplace. The program pairs experienced mentors with alumni to provide guidance, enhance skill sets, and create opportunities for professional networking.

TBS-AIM focuses on fostering leadership skills, resilience, and strategic career planning to build a community of alumni who positively impact society and the economy. The program evolves with industry trends, providing graduates with the resources needed to succeed in today’s dynamic and competitive landscape. Its primary goal is to empower graduates—particularly women—as they launch and develop successful careers. TBS-AIM offers essential tools, mentorship, and networking opportunities, addressing the unique challenges women encounter in the workplace. By nurturing confidence, leadership capabilities, and professional connections, TBS-AIM aims to support sustainable career growth for its participants.

Here are the links to find out more details on the mentoring program offered by TBS-AIM.
Thammasat Business School – Advanced Institute of Mentorship (TBS-AIM) Website
TBS-AIM Facebook
Career Counseling Center (CCC) – Thammasat Business School Facebook

Program Format

AIM follows a cohort-based, multi-phase structure where mentees participate in one-on-one mentoring sessions, skill-building workshops, and peer-networking events over several months. The program is divided into specific phases: initial assessments, personalized goal setting, intensive skills workshops, and final evaluations. These workshops cover key competencies like negotiation, leadership, and networking, directly addressing obstacles women often face in their professional lives. Regular progress reviews and feedback sessions allow AIM to continually adapt to mentees’ needs, ensuring each participant receives comprehensive support.

Mentor Orientation TBS-AIM, 3rd Cohort (2023)Bangkokbiznews.com_TBS-AIM” เมื่อเหล่า Avengers ธุรกิจรวมทีม เพาะพันธุ์นักธุรกิจรุ่นใหม่

Mentor Selection

AIM’s mentors are carefully chosen from a pool of seasoned professionals, including many TBS alumni, who bring deep industry expertise and a commitment to AIM’s inclusive and supportive values. The mentor selection process emphasizes both expertise and a demonstrated commitment to mentorship, creating an environment where mentees feel encouraged and understood. Mentors undergo training to ensure they provide constructive, personalized feedback, and each mentee-mentor match is based on career alignment and specific goals, maximizing mentorship impact.

Women’s Participation and Success Rates

Women make up a significant portion of AIM, consistently representing 60-70% of each cohort. In 2023, the total number of female students participated in the mentoring program was 15% of the total female students with the qualification to enter the program.

AIM’s dedication to empowering women in the early stages of their careers has resulted in impressive outcomes. Over 70% of female mentees report securing job offers within six months of completing the program. Many women credit AIM with equipping them with critical job-seeking skills, including interview techniques, salary negotiation, and building resilience, which are essential for success in competitive fields.

Impact on Women’s Career Advancement

AIM’s structure—combining individual mentorship and networking opportunities—has proven instrumental for women participants. Through AIM, women gain access to career paths they may have previously considered challenging to navigate, as well as lasting relationships with mentors that support their long-term growth. Many mentees attribute their success to the program’s ability to instill confidence and provide resources for overcoming workplace barriers, helping them secure positions and thrive in male-dominated industries.

The AIM mentoring program at Thammasat Business School has cultivated a thriving network that supports women in building successful, impactful careers. Through dedicated mentorship, AIM enhances women’s participation and career preparedness, empowering them to excel in job applications and beyond. This initiative fosters a culture of inclusivity, encouraging women to achieve meaningful professional success while contributing to a more diverse and supportive workplace.

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Thammasat University’s Commitment to Academic Freedom: A Pillar for Knowledge and Social Responsibility

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Thammasat University’s policy on academic freedom protects the rights of faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, and express ideas without fear of censorship, supporting open and respectful academic inquiry.
  • The university emphasizes freedom of expression, allowing even controversial topics to be explored thoughtfully within academic relevance, fostering a democratic and inclusive learning environment.
  • Faculty and students are encouraged to pursue knowledge responsibly, with faculty upholding academic integrity and respecting students’ freedom to hold individual beliefs.
  • Aligned with Thailand’s higher education mandate, Thammasat’s policy underscores its commitment to social responsibility, independence, and equality in advancing public good through education.

Academic freedom is fundamental to the mission of universities worldwide, ensuring that institutions fulfill their role in advancing the public good through knowledge creation and dissemination. Thammasat University, a longstanding advocate of democratic principles and social responsibility, reaffirms this commitment through its policy on academic freedom. The university’s policy highlights the importance of academic freedom as essential to both teaching and research, asserting that an environment free from censorship and undue interference is critical for both educators and students to pursue truth and express ideas.

Defining Academic Freedom in Thammasat’s Context

The policy begins by clarifying key terms, ensuring that faculty, students, and administrators fully understand the breadth of academic freedom and freedom of expression. Academic freedom, as defined, encompasses the rights of faculty, students, and staff to teach, learn, research, and express ideas without fear of censorship or institutional constraints. This freedom, however, is balanced with respect for legal and ethical standards, underscoring the university’s commitment to responsible academic inquiry. Moreover, freedom of expression within this framework is regarded as essential to a democratic society, allowing individuals to openly share thoughts and beliefs, even when tackling controversial subjects, as long as discussions remain respectful and relevant to academic objectives.

Safeguarding Academic Freedom for All University Members

Thammasat University’s policy underscores that all members of its academic community—including administrators, faculty, and students—are expected to respect and uphold academic freedom and freedom of expression. This is reinforced by adherence to the 2020 Code of Ethics, which aims to foster a collaborative, open environment. The university also commits to providing resources and activities that support academic freedom, enabling students and staff to reach their fullest potential through open inquiry.

Faculty Rights and Responsibilities in Teaching and Research

Instructors at Thammasat University are granted the freedom to teach, research, and engage in academic service without fear of retribution, allowing them to express academic opinions that advance the institution’s mission. Faculty members can conduct research independently, provided they meet their academic responsibilities and follow any necessary agreements for research conducted for financial gain.

In the classroom, academic freedom permits faculty to discuss their subjects comprehensively, but they are encouraged to avoid introducing unrelated controversial topics. This guideline aims to preserve the focus on relevant academic discourse while promoting an environment that welcomes critical discussion. The policy also emphasizes that while faculty may engage in public discourse as individuals, they should exercise caution to distinguish their personal opinions from institutional views.

Protecting Students’ Freedom of Belief

An essential component of the policy addresses students’ freedom to hold individual beliefs. While instructors assess students on their understanding of course content, they are encouraged to respect students’ rights to form independent opinions. The university draws a clear distinction between evaluating a student’s academic mastery and influencing their personal beliefs, affirming that students are free to interpret and engage with course materials as they see fit, without coercion to adopt specific ideologies.

Promoting Academic Excellence with a Social Responsibility Mandate

Thammasat University’s policy aligns with Thailand’s broader mandate on higher education, as published in The Royal Gazette, to operate with a focus on social responsibility, academic freedom, independence, and equality. By emphasizing these values, Thammasat reaffirms its role not only as an academic institution but as a contributor to the national and global common good. Academic freedom is framed as essential for academic excellence, allowing the university to cultivate a community of open-minded, informed citizens committed to upholding democratic principles and advancing societal welfare.

Conclusion: A Framework for Integrity and Progress

Thammasat University’s policy on academic freedom is a testament to its dedication to fostering a learning environment rooted in integrity, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility. The policy ensures that faculty and students alike are supported in their pursuit of knowledge, free from fear of censorship or institutional interference, while also promoting respect for differing viewpoints. In championing academic freedom, Thammasat University continues its legacy of advancing the public good through education, research, and unwavering commitment to democratic values.

8.-Policy-on-Academic-Freedom