On April 14, 2025, a delegation from the School of Accounting and Finance, Walailak University, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Neeranat Kaewsricharoen Rukangthong, Dean of the School, together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Somjai Nuphueng, Head of the Research Center; Asst. Prof. Dr. Jintanee Rusue, Associate Dean; Asst. Prof. Dr. Pangkaewta Lakkanavanich, Director of the Graduate Program in Management; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Chubalm Patak, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, visited the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
During the visit, the delegation held academic discussions with Dr. Richard Afriyie Oduro, Research Fellow on Multi-Vector Energy Networks at the School of Earth and Environment, and Dr. Eric Danso-Boateng, Research Fellow at the School of Chemical and Process Engineering. Both are experts in energy systems, green innovations, and sustainable development.
The University of Leeds is recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions, ranked among the Top 50 globally in Earth & Marine Sciences (QS Rankings), 86th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, and 124th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. It is also acknowledged as a Top 100 Global Research-Intensive University.
The discussions focused on potential collaborations in research, development of graduate-level programs in sustainability management, and joint applications for international research grants, particularly from the European Union and other global organizations dedicated to sustainability, climate change, and the circular economy.
The School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds is internationally renowned for its research on climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development. It hosts leading research centers such as the Priestley International Centre for Climate and the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, whose researchers play a key role in contributing to IPCC reports and shaping global environmental policies.
Meanwhile, the School of Chemical and Process Engineering excels in research on clean technologies, advanced materials, and environmentally friendly process innovations — areas that align with Walailak University’s mission of advancing sustainable development.
During the visit, the delegation also met with doctoral students from China currently studying at the University of Leeds, exchanging experiences on international learning. These insights will help inform the development of Walailak University’s graduate programs.
This study visit and academic meeting mark an important milestone in building international research networks, co-publications, and student and staff exchanges, which will further enhance Walailak University’s global reputation, research impact, and internationalization.