Strengthening Public Health Education and Research: A Summary of Recent Meetings

School of Public Health is pleased to highlight the outcomes of significant meetings held recently, aimed at enhancing educational and research standards in the public health sector. On February 8, 2024, the “Knowledge Exchange for the Development of Educational and Research Institutions in Public Health” conference was successfully held at the Nai Wibhas Meeting Room, SM Tower, 19th floor, Phaholyothin Road, Phaya Thai, Bangkok. This event, organized by our School of Public Health, brought together esteemed educational institutions including the Faculties of Public Health from Mahidol University, Thammasat University, Burapha University, and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology from Navamindradhiraj University, alongside the Community Public Health Council. The focus was on sharing experiences and strategies to elevate teaching methodologies and research to international standards. The following day, February 9, saw two critical meetings aimed at developing cooperative education and professional practice experiences. The first meeting concentrated on the governmental sector, with participation from the Department of Disease Control’s Occupational and Environmental Diseases Bureau, the Department of Health’s Health Impact Assessment Bureau, the Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Institute, the Labor Safety Bureau of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, Ramathibodi Hospital, and Siriraj Hospital. The second meeting targeted the private sector, holding discussions at the same venue. Key stakeholders included the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Robert Bosch Automotive Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Sony Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Western Digital Technologies, Inc., CP Rice Co., Ltd. (Nakhon Luang Factory), Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, Thai Union Group, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Thai Obayashi Corporation Co., Ltd., Team Consulting Engineering and Management Co., Ltd., GIZ, and Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd. These meetings underscored the importance of integrating academic knowledge with practical experience, fostering partnerships between educational institutions and industry stakeholders. The collaborations aim to prepare public health students for the challenges of the workforce, ensuring they are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. The School of Public Health, Walailak University, remains committed to advancing the standards of public health education and research, working collaboratively with various partners to impact positively on the health of our communities. We look forward to continued progress and success in our endeavors to enhance public health education and practice.