Welcome to our ‘Member in the Spotlight’ series, where we showcase the research focuses and work of our members. We hope these profiles support you in getting to know our members and to identify themes in your work and focuses where you may be able to collaborate with colleagues at member institutions. 

Introducing…King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi

Who are King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi?

King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT), based in Bangkok Thailand, has a history as a science and technology institution since 1960. The university delivers research and teaching which leads to change for a strong and sustainable global society through innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. 

As an institution, KMUTT champions 6 initiatives to support the development of their institution and society: 

1. Developing human resources and accelerating partnerships for the future 
2. Digital transformation 
3. Effective governance and good citizenship 
4. Inspiring future leaders 
5. Healthy and sustainable university 
6. Entrepreneurial university 

To compliment this work, they act as an advocate for diversity and champion integrity and pioneering, collective impact. 

What are their research focuses?

KMUTT has a range of faculties (Faculty of Engineering; Faculty of Science; Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology) and schools (School of Information Technology; School of Architecture and Design; School of Bioresources and Technology; School of Liberal Arts) alongside other centres. 

To underpin their research, KMUTT has 8 research themes: 

1. Sustainable Bioeconomy 
2. Digital Transformation 
3. Innovative Materials, Manufacturing and Construction 
4. Smart Healthcare 
5. Sustainable Mobility 
6. Sustainable Energy and Environment 
7. Creative and Learning Society 
8. Inclusive and Sustainability Research 

Each of these research themes is linked tightly to KMUTT’s identity as a leading institution within Thailand and worldwide.

Their theme Sustainable Bioeconomy, for example, covers Biofuels, Food for the Future, Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Ecology. These themes are significant to Thailand which is known as “Food Basket of Asia” with an abundance of natural resources.

In addition, the theme of Creative and Learning Society looks at Future Learning and Future Society to explore the way art and technology converge to ensure that creative industries can maximise digital technology for positive impact and economic outcomes. 

SIT and the WTUN

General Board Member: Dr Kanyawim Kirtikara, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

Operational Board Member: Dr Chawin Chantharasenawong,  Vice President for Internationalisation, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

KMUTT joined the WTUN, as a member, in 2018. As a member, they have been involved in several WTUN activities from hosting and sending applicants on exchanges on themes such as: Nanotechnology and Biomaterials; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and Enzyme Technology. 

If you want to learn more about KIIT, you can view their Member Profile or read some recent stories we have shared in our news roundups about their work: 

• Dr Patcharawat Charoen-amornkitt hosts Professor Dr Christina Toigo from University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria through the WTUN Exchange Programme, delivering an online lecture on the advancement of sustainable materials for lithium-ion batteries.
• The success of KMUTT students in the 2025 Student Competition, placing third overall.
• KMUTT begin to celebrate their 65th Anniversary with events and activities.
• Dr Farshid Sefat visits KMUTT through the WTUN Exchange Programme, leading to a book chapter publication.