SDG 2 in Numbers

The line chart presents the trend in the number of graduates in agriculture and aquaculture, including sustainability aspects, from 2019 to 2024. Overall, the number increased from 81 in 2019-2020 to 120 in 2023-2024, marking a growth of approximately 48%. Despite a temporary decline of 13% in 2022-2023, this upward trend suggests enhanced institutional focus on sustainable agricultural education, curriculum development, and growing student interest in sustainability-driven disciplines

The chart illustrates Thammasat University’s SDG 2 scholarly output from 2020 to 2025, showing a strong upward trend overall. Research publications increased from 8 in 2020 to 31 in 2025, representing an overall growth of approximately 288%. The notable surge in 2024, reaching 37 outputs, reflects intensified institutional emphasis on food security and sustainable agriculture research. The slight decline in 2025 may be attributed to research project transitions and publication delays following the previous year’s peak.
Research in SDG 2
Based on an analysis of 136 publications from 2020 to 2024, Thammasat University has established a comprehensive research program dedicated to SDG 2. The university’s contributions are organized around five core thematic clusters that address the challenge of food security from multiple angles:
- Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability: A major research area focuses on the intersection of climate change and food security. This includes studying the impacts of environmental shocks and land-use change on agriculture, assessing the climate vulnerability of key regions like Thailand’s coastal provinces, and investigating ecological threats to food sources. The primary goal is to develop strategies that build resilience against climate-related risks.
- Agricultural Innovation and Smart Farming: The university is a leader in research on agricultural innovation and “smart farming“. Studies in this area explore the adoption of digital technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. This work includes practical applications such as using high-resolution satellite data for improved land management and developing accessible Al-powered tools for farmers.
- Food Safety, Security, and Public Health: This theme addresses food safety and its direct impact on public health. Research covers two main areas: first, the investigation and mitigation of food contaminants such as mycotoxins, pesticides, and microplastics ; and second, the examination of nutritional challenges, from undernutrition in vulnerable groups like adolescents to the food security of older adults.
- Socio-Economic Dimensions of the Agri-Food System: Recognizing the human element of food security, this research examines the socio-economic dimensions of agriculture. It includes studies on the resilience and efficiency of food supply chains (especially for the urban poor), the role of social enterprises in creating inclusive value chains, and fundamental economic challenges such as agricultural land management.
- Sustainable Practices and Alternative Bio-resources: The fifth cluster centers on promoting sustainability and a circular economy. This research advances environmentally friendly practices like organic farming and explores innovative uses for biological materials. Key examples include developing methods to convert food waste into energy and researching alternative proteins as sustainable future food sources.
Synthesis and Impact
Overall, Thammasat’s research demonstrates a multi-scalar approach, with a strong focus on challenges within Thailand, while also addressing regional issues across Asia and contributing to global food security dialogues. The work consistently centers on key stakeholders, from smallholder farmers to vulnerable urban and rural populations. This extensive research portfolio is strengthened by a vast network of both domestic and international collaborators, positioning the university as a vital contributor to achieving a food-secure future.
Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 2
In early 2024, Thammasat University addressed the challenges of SDG 2 by deploying 27 academic and social service initiatives. These efforts focused on promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, nutrition, and strengthening the entire food value chain. The university’s contributions can be consolidated into three strategic clusters:
- Fostering Sustainable Agriculture and Empowering Farming Communities (13 initiatives)
The university’s work directly supported agricultural producers to boost their sustainability and economic viability. The Thammasat Business School mentored numerous community enterprises, including organic farms, cocoa processing, innovative seaweed aquaculture, and agrotourism ventures. Complementing this, the Office of Advanced Science and Technology provided crucial financial planning and debt restructuring workshops for the Wang Nam Yen Dairy Cooperative. Further technical training was offered by the Faculty of Science and Technology on tropical fruit production (e.g., “Durian 101”), while the Chulabhorn International College of Medicine conducted training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification for medicinal herbs, ensuring higher standards and market access for farmers. - Innovating the Food Value Chain and Agro-Industry (5 initiatives)
Thammasat University also focused on improving the efficiency and value of the post-harvest sector. The Faculty of Engineering led activities to develop advanced production technologies suitable for the agro-processing industry. In a unique social outreach effort, the Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources provided vocational training to prison inmates on value-added processing of agricultural goods, equipping them with valuable skills. The university also fostered innovation by promoting novel food sources, exemplified by the Faculty of Pharmacy’s academic article on “Blue Spirulina” as a powerful marine food source, and by supporting intellectual property through workshops on patent registration for food-related inventions. - Advancing Food Security, Safety, and Cultural Dialogue (9 initiatives)
Addressing the broader dimensions of food security, several faculties engaged in critical discourse and legal advocacy. The Institute of East Asian Studies hosted seminars on the cultural and political dimensions of food in ASEAN and provided workshops on food science. The Faculty of Law conducted numerous seminars on consumer protection laws, advocating for the rights of consumers in the food system and discussing challenges faced by regional consumer organizations. These initiatives ensure that as food systems evolve, they remain safe, equitable, and accessible for all populations, including the most vulnerable.
Through these concerted efforts, Thammasat University has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to ending hunger by linking academic expertise with practical, on-the-ground support for farmers, innovators, and consumers across Thailand.
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Leading Global Research and International Collaboration
Thammasat University has reinforced its position as a regional leader in academia and food security by co-hosting major international conferences and driving advanced research.
In November 2023, Thammasat, in partnership with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) through the International Joint Research Center on Food Security (IJC-FOODSEC), hosted the “ASEAN-ASSET 2023” summit. This marked the first time the prestigious ASSET conference was held in Asia. The event brought together over 400 experts from around the world to discuss “Global Protein Integrity,” exploring alternative protein sources and future food technologies. The IJC-FOODSEC also collaborated with CRDF Global in July 2024 to organize a regional workshop on food safety, focusing on applying peaceful nuclear technologies to enhance food security, such as developing crop varieties resistant to disease and climate change. These events not only advance research related to SDG 2 but also build international networks to tackle global food challenges sustainably.


Driving Digital Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture
Thammasat accelerates the adoption of technology and international standards to enhance productivity and market access for small-scale food producers:
- Blockchain Technology for Organic Agriculture: The Research and Consultancy Institute of Thammasat University collaborated with the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) to develop TraceThai.com, a blockchain platform for tracing Thai organic agricultural products. In September 2023, a team of Thammasat experts conducted a hands-on training workshop for nearly 80 farmers and entrepreneurs in Lopburi. Participants learned to use the platform to track their products from farm to consumer, ensuring transparency and bolstering consumer confidence in organic standards. The project has since expanded to cover not only organic rice but also fruits, vegetables, and processed goods.
- Digital Agriculture and Capacity Building: The university actively transfers digital knowledge directly to communities. Thammasat organized Digital Agriculture Training for villagers, focusing on implementing modern technology to boost farming efficiency. Furthermore, the university promotes sustainable practices through the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training for farmers of medicinal herbs like Plai across six northern provinces, equipping them with the knowledge to meet international standards, create sustainable income, and enhance the country’s competitiveness.



Innovation for Improved Nutrition and Future Food
Thammasat leverages its research capabilities to tackle malnutrition and secure future food sources through novel products and educational initiatives:

- Low-Fat Mung Bean Protein: Researchers from Thammasat developed a Low-Fat Mung Bean Protein product, addressing the growing need for sustainable and nutritious alternative protein sources. This innovation directly contributes to achieving better nutritional outcomes (SDG 2.2) by offering a high-quality, plant-based, and healthier food option to the public and potential for commercialization.
- Next-Generation Capacity Building: Thammasat is committed to educating future leaders in food security. The GH667 course: Transdisciplinary Approaches to Zero Hunger includes field trips for students from Thammasat, Kasetsart University, and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). These trips, such as the one held in June 2024 to Zhi Hua Farm and the Thai Farmer’s Way of Life and Spirit Learning Center (Na Hia Chai), expose students to real-world, sustainable, and integrated farming models, fostering a holistic approach to ending hunger.
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