Mahidol Research Institute Transforms Thailand With Tangible Innovation
Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research held a major conference in Bangkok to address Thailand's demographic challenges and convert research into tangible innovation, with government officials emphasizing the need
The Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR) at Mahidol University held a major national academic conference titled 'Population and Society 2025' on June 30–July 1, 2025, at the Royal River Hotel in Bangkok, marking the institute's 20th anniversary under the theme 'Decode Tomorrow: Decoding Demographics for a Sustainable Social Future.' Over 300 participants including experts, academics, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders convened to analyze and decode the structural dimensions of Thailand's rapidly changing demographic challenges while mobilizing collective effort to propel the nation into a new century with stability.
The conference was graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Dr. Yosachon Wongsawastdi, who delivered a keynote address on 'Transforming Population and Social Research and Innovation to Drive Thailand Toward a High-Value Economy.' He emphasized the government's commitment to overhauling the nation's research system by converting population and social research from mere data repositories into tangible innovation systems ready for real-world application, aimed at advancing Thailand's economy and improving public quality of life across all dimensions. All sectors must collaborate to translate in-depth research into concrete policies and measures addressing demographic crises.
Prof. Dr. Nopperennue Sachjaraksa Theeratit, Vice Rector for International Relations and University Council at Mahidol University, presided over the official opening, highlighting IPSR's vital role as a key mechanism supporting and advancing Mahidol's strategic vision to address challenges facing Thai society. Over the past two decades, the institute has not only produced scholarly work but has successfully transformed research data, statistics, and findings into policy recommendations and prototype innovations that concretely solve critical economic and social problems in Thailand, improving population quality of life and driving tangible public policy.
A major highlight featured a special demographic lecture by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kritaya Acharavanij from IPSR on 'Decoding the Demographic Landscape: Crisis and Opportunity in National and Global Change.' She raised awareness that Thailand's demographic crisis is not an isolated challenge but part of a larger global transformation. Decoding this demographic landscape serves as a key to identifying direction and accelerating adaptation, turning risks into future security.
The conference featured innovative academic dimensions including parallel sessions, pitching and policy lab activities, and side meetings.
