Mahidol University is undergoing a strategic transformation to strengthen its position as a world-class leader in health sciences and holistic wellbeing. Under the theme “Real World Impact”, the university aims to excel in cell and gene therapy, AI-integrated healthcare, and support for Thai health tech startups, with the ultimate goal of nurturing unicorn-level innovations.
Six Mega-Trend Challenges Towards a Healthier Future
Led by Professor Piyamitr Sritara, MD, Dean, Mahidol University has identified six global mega-trends shaping its roadmap to real-world relevance:
- Aging Society – Thailand is projected to become a Super-Aged Society within eight years, placing increased focus on medical and public health systems.
- Digital Disruption – Embracing AI and digital technologies to drive innovation.
- Global Geopolitics – Leveraging innovation as an economic compass amidst shifting global dynamics.
- Climate Change – Addressing its profound impacts on global health and wellbeing.
- Generation Change – Adapting to evolving values and lifestyles of the next generation.
- Organisational Change – Promoting data- and innovation-driven systems for modern governance.
Advancing Health Sciences and Lifelong Learning
Producing over 6,000 graduates annually, Mahidol University is ranked Thailand’s top university in the THE Impact Rankings and 3rd globally for SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. To align with its global impact goals, the university is driving transformation across three core pillars:
1. From Research Lab to Commercialisation
Mahidol holds 2,557 research patents and 415 licensed innovations, valued at over THB 123.6 million. Key breakthroughs include:
- Development of advanced medical technologies in cell and gene therapy
- Establishment of Thailand’s first “Living Drug Factory” for gene therapy and vaccine development
- Production of malaria, dengue, and universal vaccines
- Operation of PharmTOP, a herbal medicine innovation facility
2. From Education to Real-World Readiness
Through outcome-based education, Mahidol nurtures graduates to be global citizens prepared for real-world challenges. Its forward-thinking educational model includes:
- Hybrid programmes integrating cross-disciplinary curricula
- Micro-credentials for upskilling/reskilling
- Self-paced lifelong learning via the MU-ALL platform
- A Master of Science in Community Health and Sustainability, piloted at Amnat Charoen Campus, to support healthcare workers in remote areas
- GenEd Plus for global citizenship skills
- Cross-university collaboration with Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, and Kasetsart Universities to enable borderless learning
3. From Community Engagement to Policy Impact
Mahidol University drives public policy change through initiatives like:
- The Policy Lab, which developed the Road Accident Reduction Project in collaboration with government agencies
- The "9 to Zero" Campaign, aiming to reduce Mahidol's greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2030 through nine targeted strategies
Health Innovation Highlights: Cell & Gene Therapy, AI, and Startups
1. Making Thailand ASEAN’s Cell & Gene Therapy Hub
Mahidol is building a comprehensive ecosystem for cell and gene therapy, including:
- Advanced research and workforce development
- Upgrading pharmaceutical facilities into MU-Bio Plant, a living pharma factory for ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products)
- Improving access to affordable treatment for cancer and chronic diseases
- Positioning Thailand as a regional production hub for advanced medical therapies
2. Driving AI in Healthcare
In partnership with Siam AI Cloud, Thailand’s sole NVIDIA Cloud Partner, Mahidol is applying AI to:
- Enhance medical diagnostics and personalised health monitoring
- Forecast chronic disease risks and improve healthcare delivery
- Train healthcare professionals in AI applications
- Expand networks for cross-industry collaboration and knowledge sharing
3. Supporting Thai Health Tech Startups
Mahidol is establishing a Health Tech Incubator & Accelerator with partners like Silicon Valley and the Federation of Thai Industries. Its vision is to offer one-stop support for startups—from R&D and investment to market access—ultimately aiming to nurture health tech unicorns capable of competing on the global stage.
