On August 15-22, 2023, Khon Kaen University International College (KKUIC), led by the Center for Innovation and Sustainable Society (SIS) and KKUIC Lifelong Learning Center, in collaboration with the University of York, United Kingdom, organized the workshop “Unveiling Qualitative Research in Temporary Perspectives” to enhance the capacity and knowledge of qualitative research production and promote interest in publishing research papers in the future for professors and researchers affiliated with KKUIC and Khon Kaen University. The opening speech was delivered by Asst. Prof. Chavis Ketkaew, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Strategy, Research, and International Affairs, KKUIC.
This workshop was conducted both online through Zoom Meeting on August 15, 2023, and on-site at the Beegins Co-working Space, KKU Science Park on August 21-22, 2023. This event received an honour from Prof. Neil Lunt, Ph.D. from the School of Business and Society, University of York, UK – a renowned scholar in qualitative research, to deliver a lecture to provide knowledge and understanding about conducting research in the areas of healthcare and social services, welfare policies, relocation, and patient mobility. Additionally, he actively carried on a practical workshop for more than 30 attendees.
In this regard, Prof. Neil Lunt also had the opportunity to meet with Assoc. Prof. Nawarat Wara-Aswapati, Ph.D., Vice President for International Affairs, Asst. Prof. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Ph.D., Assistant to the President for International Affairs, Khon Kaen University, and Asst. Prof. Sirimonbhorn Tipsingh, Dean of KKUIC, together with the KKUIC management team. They discussed the directions for academic cooperation to provide KKU staff and students the opportunities to exchange experiences in the United Kingdom.
In addition, after completing the workshop, KKUIC also took Prof. Neil Lunt to the Mekin Farm in Nong Reua District, Khon Kaen, to learn about organic farming and creative tourism services, as well as joined in activities such as painting fabrics with natural pigments and homemade rice balls in coconut milk (Bua Loi) using natural colours from plants in the garden.
Nevertheless, KKUIC has outstanding researchers who published qualitative research that is internationally recognized. Therefore, This training focuses on the role of the researcher to personally conduct fieldwork, study in all aspects, and analyze cause and effect data to identify solutions for social issues in various dimensions, consisting of economics, politics, traditional culture, and way of life. Khon Kaen University International College also hopes to produce more qualitative researchers to increase the number of international research publications in the long term.
