Mahidol University is one of Thailand's most prestigious universities, recognized for its outstanding research and teaching. Over the last two decades, academic staff and alumni of Mahidol University have received four Magsaysay International Awards, eight Outstanding Scientist of Thailand Awards, as well as twelve Outstanding Invention and eighteen Outstanding Research Awards from the National Research Council of Thailand.

The origin of the university can be traced to 1889, when King Chulalongkorn granted Royal Permission to establish the first medical school in the country. Through the efforts of Prince Mahidol, the present King's father, the Medical School at Siriraj Hospital received assistance from the Rockefeller Foundation to develop a medical training program of international standard. A second phase of Rockefeller Foundation support in the 1960's and 1970's led to the development of strong graduate

programs in science, emphasizing research of high quality. Then in 1967, King Bhumibhol Adulyadej conferred on the university the name of Mahidol University, in honor of his father's major contributions to modern medicine and public health in Thailand.

Over the years, Mahidol University has retained its strengths in medicine and science, while broadening its scope to become more comprehensive. It is also a leader in the internationalization of education in Thailand, and has numerous collaborative programs with overseas universities and international organizations. Presently, the university has 12,000 students and 2,200 academic staff attached to fourteen faculties and colleges, five institutes and three scientific centers, located on three campuses. The university offers a wide range of bachelor's degree programs and has very strong graduate programs coordinated by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In addition, the International Student Degree Program offers English-language B.A. and B.Sc. degree programs, while promoting the exchange of students and faculty with overseas universities.

Science and Technology

The Faculty of Science is internationally renowned for graduate training and research in biomedical and physical sciences. Our M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates form the core of staff in Thai science departments. Advanced research is underway on the use of genetic engineering techniques for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of tropical diseases in humans and animals, the reproductive physiology of cattle and aquatic animals, microbial technology and biotechnology and environmental toxicology. Emphasis in physical science has been on the properties and applications of liquid crystals, chemistry and applications of natural products, organic synthesis of drugs, natural and synthetic polymers, ferrite-polymer composites for industry and computer applications in chemistry, physics and mathematical modeling.

The Institute for Science and Technology for Research and Development has sixteen research centers, including the Vaccine Development Center which has developed a combined four-type Dengue vaccine; the Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering Center which is developing DNA probes for various applications; the Thalassemia Center which is well known for its pioneering work on thalassemia and hemoglobin abnormalities; the Biotechnology Center which concentrates on developing new microbial processes and the Biomedical Instrument Research and Development Center which develops cost-effective medical equipment.

Other degree programs in science and technology help to meet Thailand's needs for skilled scientific / technical manpower. These include bachelor's programs in mechanical, chemical, industrial, electrical and civil engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and master's programs in environmental management technology, appropriate technology for rural development and information systems management at the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resource Studies.

Medicine and Health Science

Mahidol University's two medical faculties graduate 350 doctors per year and provide high-quality specialist training. The Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, serves as the WHO Collaborating Center in HIV/AIDS, Family Planning and Thalassemia, and is the only bone marrow transplantation center in Thailand. The Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, offers various advanced services including those involving organ transplantation, toxicology information and interventional radiology, In addition, the Faculty of Tropical Medicine serves as the Regional Center for Tropical Medicine of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization and has a worldwide reputation for its graduate training and research on malaria, liver fluke and other tropical diseases. These three hospitals have 3,700 beds and provide excellent tertiary medical care. Dental teaching and services are provided by the Faculty of Dentistry, with research interests including craniofacial growth, oral tissue culture and dental materials.

Other health science personnel are trained in various degree programs at other faculties, including the Faculties of Nursing, Medical Technology and Pharmacy.

Community Health and Social Studies

The Faculty of Public Health offers graduate programs in urban health, primary health care, dental public health, medical epidemiology and health administration, while the Social Science and Humanities has graduate programs in health, environment, demography, comparative religion, ethics criminology and justice.

The Institute of Nutrition conducts wide-ranging laboratory and community-based research in applied food science and nutrition and is a World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Behavioral Science in Nutrition. The ASEAN Institute for Health Development serves as an international center for training, research and documentation in community health care and development. The Institute for Population and Social Research conducts studies on social issues in Thailand's rapidly changing society, while the Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development focuses on the languages and cultures of Southeast Asia.

From Molecules to Community

The University's mission is summarized in Prince Mahidol's statement: "True success is not in learning but in its application for the benefit of mankind". Our philosophy is to maximize the benefits of all endeavors, so that research -- molecular or otherwise -- leads to applications that benefit the community.

For further information, please contact: 

        Vice-President for Research and International Relations
        Mahidol University
        198/2 Bangyikhan, Bangplad
        Bangkok 10700, Thailand
        Tel:  +66 2 433-7103
        Fax:  +66 2 433-7083

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