On May 7, 2026, Dr. Warach Matthayomburut, Chair of the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Tourism and Hotel Management at the School of Business and Communication Arts and Deputy Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Institute, University of Phayao, served as a guest speaker at the workshop entitled “Research Clinic: Transforming Ideas into Research Proposals.” The event was organized by the Research and Development Institute, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna to strengthen the capabilities of lecturers and early-career researchers in developing research topics aligned with economic and social contexts, as well as future global challenges.
The program was designed in the form of a “Research Clinic,” emphasizing hands-on learning and close mentoring. The workshop consisted of two major components: a lecture and knowledge-sharing session that introduced contemporary research design perspectives, and an individualized consultation session conducted through an online platform. Participants were able to develop their own research concepts while receiving in-depth feedback and practical recommendations directly from the speakers.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was the discussion on the differences between Fundamental/Frontier Research (FF) and Strategic/Focus Research (SF). The session illustrated how these two research approaches differ across five important dimensions: Core Question, Primary Output, Timeline, Philosophy, and Budget & Feasibility. This framework enabled participants to better understand how to select appropriate research directions and design projects capable of generating meaningful social impact.
The workshop also reflected the important role of research in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Through the development of emerging researchers, the program aimed to foster innovative research, strengthen academic collaboration, and support the creation of practical research proposals that can contribute to communities, society, and national development in a sustainable and tangible way.