Mahidol University Awards 2025 Highlight Five Fields of Excellence Creating “Real World Impact”
Mahidol University has announced the recipients of the Mahidol University Awards for the 2025 academic year, recognizing outstanding achievements across five fields and highlighting how university-generated knowledge can be transformed into tangible “Real World Impact.”
The award-winning work ranges from liver and cardiovascular research to travel medicine services serving more than 10,000 people annually, AI-assisted chest X-ray analysis now deployed in more than 600 hospitals, and the commercial development of the MU1 all-male giant freshwater prawn.
Together, the achievements demonstrate how research, education, public services and innovation can generate measurable benefits for healthcare, the economy and society.
Universities as National Intellectual Infrastructure
Professor Piyamitr Sritara, M.D., President of Mahidol University, emphasized that the role of a modern university extends far beyond educating graduates or publishing academic research.
Universities must serve as part of a country's intellectual infrastructure, developing knowledge, people, systems and innovations that can be applied to real-world problems and future challenges.
That philosophy is reflected throughout this year's Mahidol University Award recipients.
Research That Transforms Healthcare
Professor Dr. Poonchai Charatcharoenwitthaya of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital was recognized for research on the prediction and management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) among the Thai population.
His work examines genetic factors, dietary behavior, lifestyle modification and exercise to generate evidence specifically relevant to Thai patients.
Professor Rungroj Krittayaphong, M.D., was honored for COOL AF Thailand, a nationwide database documenting treatment and outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation.
The project has contributed to the development of services such as Warfarin Clinics and Anticoagulant Clinics while strengthening Thailand's long-term health research infrastructure.
Travel Medicine Serving More Than 10,000 People a Year
Associate Professor Dr. Watcharapong Piyaphanee from the Faculty of Tropical Medicine was recognized for his work in developing the Travel Medicine Clinic at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
The clinic has evolved into a comprehensive service covering pre- and post-travel risk assessment, disease prevention and healthcare.
It currently serves more than 10,000 travelers annually, covering journeys to over 70 countries, while also supporting specialist medical education and the development of travel medicine in Thailand.
AI in Radiology Reaches More Than 600 Hospitals
One of the clearest examples of real-world impact is Artificial Intelligence in Radiology (AI in Radiology).
Developed by Associate Professor Dr. Pairash Saiviroonporn, Professor Thanongchai Siriapisith, M.D., and Associate Professor Trongtum Tongdee, M.D., the technology assists with chest X-ray analysis and supports radiologists in clinical practice.
The system has progressed from research to commercial licensing and nationwide implementation and is now installed in more than 600 hospitals across Thailand.
MU1: From Laboratory Innovation to Commercial Production
Another award-winning innovation is the MU1 all-male giant freshwater prawn, developed by Dr. Supatra Trirattana-kul of the Institute of Molecular Biosciences.
The technology uses sex-reversal techniques to improve production efficiency and has successfully moved into commercial production.
In 2025, MU1 post-larvae accounted for approximately 25–30% of Thailand's giant freshwater prawn production, illustrating how university research can generate direct economic impact.
From Knowledge Creation to Human Development
This year's awards also recognize achievements in textbook development and excellence in teaching.
Approaches including Active Learning, Experiential Learning, Practical Action Learning, Team-Based Learning, mentoring systems and educational technology demonstrate how universities can prepare students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills for real-world situations.
Across all five award categories, one message is clear: knowledge creates greater value when it moves beyond classrooms and laboratories and becomes part of real systems, services, technologies and people's lives.
Recipients of the Mahidol University Awards for the 2025 academic year received their honors during Mahidol University's commencement ceremony on October 5, 2026, at Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University, Salaya.