Education and Research

Education and Research in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The university has undertaken a wide range of education and research programs that contribute significantly to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to sustainability integration across teaching, learning, innovation, and community engagement. Key programs include:

• Integration of sustainability themes across the curriculum in various disciplines, including environmental science, engineering, economics, public health, and social sciences.

At the University of Phayao, learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. We have transformed our campus into a living laboratory where students engage with real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Our initiatives not only focus on environmentally friendly campus operations but also aim to educate and inspire students and staff to become environmentally conscious leaders. By fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability, we prepare our graduates to drive positive change for generations to come.

Example of a waste management course, which is one of the sustainability courses at the University of Phayao.

• Development of interdisciplinary programs and courses focused on climate change, energy transition, circular economy, and sustainable development.

University of Phayao is committed to education extends beyond the classroom. Guided by the principle of lifelong learning, we promote self-directed learning through our state-of-the-art e-Learning platform and have created dynamic learning environments across our campus. These include the tranquil Learning Garden, the multi-level Learning Exchange Center (spanning the 1st to 4th floors of its dedicated building), and the globally focused International Learning Space within the Faculty of Liberal Arts. In alignment with our mission to tackle the critical challenges of our time, the University of Phayao places strong emphasis on sustainability education. Our courses and programs equip students and staff with a deep understanding of complex issues such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, energy conservation, renewable energy, waste and water management, and environmentally friendly transportation.

Examples study program related to sustainability offered

• Establishment of dedicated research centers, labs, and think tanks addressing key sustainability challenges such as renewable energy, biodiversity, water management, and urban resilience.

The Center of Environment and Sustainable Management (UP-CESM) has been designated by the University of Phayao as the unit responsible for coordinating sustainability matters within the institution. Its background is as follows: The Center of Environment and Sustainable Management (UP-CESM) was established to support the University of Phayao's strategic goal of becoming a world-class green university. It aims to align the university's operations with global environmental and climate change policies. This initiative seeks to position the university as a leader in greenhouse gas management, striving toward carbon neutrality through knowledge and innovation. It also supports the university's mission to become a world-class green university and to fulfill its vision: "A University Creating Wisdom for Community Innovation, Sustainable Internationalization."

• Annual publication of sustainability-related research outputs, including peer-reviewed journals, books, policy briefs, and innovation patents.

University of Phayao published a total of 2,287 research papers (2021 – 2025). Of these, 1,764 papers—accounting for 77%—focused on sustainability and environmental topics. Specifically, 373 papers addressed environmental issues, 472 papers focused on agriculture and food security, and 919 papers explored sustainability in areas such as energy and engineering.

• Provision of sustainability-focused scholarships, thesis grants, and funding support for student-led research and capstone projects.

• Total research fund in 2024 = 6,017,942.26 US Dollars
• Total research fund in 2025 = 6,609,671.55 US Dollars
• Total research fund in 2026 = 6,503,397.68 US Dollars
• The averaged annum last 3 years of research fund = 6,377,003.83 US Dollars

More over research funding in the Annual report 2023-24: http://dra.up.ac.th/updra/ Community-based learning and participatory action research in collaboration with local governments, industries, and NGOs to solve real-world environmental issues.

• Organization of conferences, workshops, and summer schools on SDG-related themes to foster knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.

UP Carbon Neutrality training for executives. University of Phayao prioritizes personnel development at all levels. This strategy aims to establish a modern, efficient, transparent, and ethical management system based on good governance. Its objectives are to enhance both performance and professional growth. The training program consists of four modules: Module 1: Carbon Neutral University, Direction and policy on greenhouse gas and global warming management in Thailand. The training featured Mr. Thada Varunchotikun, Manager of the Low Carbon Business Certification Office, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization), as the keynote speaker. Module 2: Net zero & Carbon Neutral. This session was part of Module 2: Net Zero & Carbon Neutral and Organizational Planning Strategies, under the UP Carbon Neutrality Executive Training Program, organized by the Center of Environment and Sustainable Management, in collaboration with the School of Energy and Environment. A lecture was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Suchat Luangprasert, President of the Environmental Engineering Association of Thailand, at the Screening Room of the Institute for Learning Innovation, University of Phayao. Module 3: Carbon Footprint Assessment - Carbon Footprint for Organization Assessment (CFO), Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER) Assessment and Certification, Carbon Offsets for Carbon Neutrality. The lecture was delivered by distinguished faculty members from the School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, and held at the Screening Room, Institute for Learning Innovation, University of Phayao. The training program covered key topics including the concepts of Net Zero, Carbon Neutrality, and Carbon Credits; organizational carbon reduction target setting; and strategic planning approaches toward achieving Net Zero emissions. Participants also received guidance on applying for Organizational Carbon Footprint (CFO) assessment and certification. The sessions were delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Netiya Krithachart and Dr. Surat Setpho. The University of Phayao remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with Thailand's national strategy on environmentally friendly growth. To support this commitment, the University has incorporated key policies and performance indicators into its University Development Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030. These initiatives are designed to drive the University toward becoming a carbon-neutral institution by 2050 and to promote long-term environmental sustainability.

• Implementation of environmental literacy campaigns to raise awareness among students, staff, and the broader community.

Events related to environment and sustainability hosted or organized by the University of Phayao in the academic year 2018-2026. Total number of sustainability/environment related events in: A total average per annum over the last 3 years (2024-2026) of 568 events (e.g. conferences, workshops, awareness raising, practical training, etc.).

• Promotion of green campus living labs, where students and researchers co-develop and pilot sustainability innovations on campus.

The main concept of system is chemical substance collection (Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity and Toxicity), storage and disposal of waste. In recent year, system is continue improving and developing under the standard of Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratory in Thailand (ESPReL). This system is consists of three steps, including of waste segregation, waste storage and collection and waste treatment. To ensure that hazardous waste is handled in a good manner that protects human health and the environment, hazardous waste container have been provided to all laboratories according to laboratory request form which is one category in Hazardous waste segregation manual.

• Partnerships with international academic networks to scale up research collaborations and share best practices on education for sustainable development.

The research project on the development of an innovative community network for high quality buffalo production for domestic and international trade aims to create an innovative community network, establishes model learning areas and community innovators capable of solving and managing their buffalo farming careers in the Phayao and Chiang Rai provinces. This project aims to enhance buffalo production for trade in local and international markets based on local resources and improve the income, well-being, and quality of life of the innovation community network sustainably. This project aims to promote value chain and area transformation through the efforts of community innovators. In terms of breeding, the use of estrus induction technology, artificial insemination technology, and online pedigree application has resulted in the production of high-quality buffalo calves. This has helped to reduce the issue of inbreeding and has also expanded the distribution channels for buffalo, with meat buffalo being sold at 30,000 - 50,000 baht per head and breeding buffalo at 50,000 - 100,000 baht per head. In terms of food management, innovative methods have been implemented to grow high-quality animal feed plants, ensuring that buffaloes receive sufficient protein and nutrition for their bodies' needs. The use of agricultural waste as food has also helped to reduce food costs. The Faculty of Science at the University of Phayao welcomed a distinguished expert committee to monitor and evaluate the research project "Restoration and Conservation of Forest Ecosystems at the University of Phayao Border Area, Conservation Forest, and Ban So Community Forest to Promote Sustainable Development" under the "1 Faculty 1 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)" initiative for fiscal year 2025. The evaluation took place at Wat Ban So, Moo 2, Mae Na Ruea Sub-district, Mueang District, Phayao Province. University of Phayao reinforces its commitment to Strategy 4, which focuses on preserving and promoting Thai arts and culture as part of the university's identity. The initiative aims to conserve, revitalize, and elevate local wisdom and cultural knowledge to create sustainable value through Cultural Enterprise, while fostering strong collaboration between the university and local communities in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts directly support SDGs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 17, and contribute indirectly to the remaining goals, including:

• SDG 3 – Enhancing health and well-being through applied public health research
• SDG 4 – Providing quality education that empowers learners for sustainability
• SDG 5 – Promoting gender equality through inclusive academic opportunities
• SDG 6 – Advancing water research and infrastructure innovation
• SDG 7 – Driving clean energy solutions through academic inquiry
• SDG 9 – Supporting innovation and sustainable industrialization
• SDG 11 – Enabling sustainable urban planning through applied research
• SDG 12 – Encouraging responsible production and consumption patterns
• SDG 13 – Promoting climate science and adaptation strategies
• SDG 15 – Conserving ecosystems through environmental research
• SDG 17 – Building academic partnerships for global sustainable development