The MoU was formally signed between the Faculties of Engineering at the University of Sheffield and Mahidol University. This partnership was initiated in 2024 when Professor Mo Zandi (Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering) and Dr Payam Solulatiantork (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) visited Mahidol University as members of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) to discuss their project on AI (Empowering the manufacturing workforce for the future: democratisation of digitalisation and ethical integration of AI). During this initial meeting, they explored the possibilities of collaborations on education, research and student exchange.
WUN is a global higher education and research network of 24 universities across six continents, of which the University of Sheffield is a founding member. Every year the University of Sheffield submits projects to the WUN Research Development Fund - an annual competitive fund aimed at bringing together researchers to undertake innovative, high quality, sustainable research that addresses WUN focus areas. One of the criteria is that the projects must include at least two other WUN members as a minimum - from two geographic areas.
The relationship progressed in April 2025 when Professor Konlakorn Wongpatikaseree, Head of Computer Engineering at Mahidol University, visited the University of Sheffield for further discussions on developing links between the two faculties. As a result of this meeting, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from Mahidol University visited our Faculty last week (November 2025) to formally sign the MoU.
Professor Mo Zandi said: “This MoU represents a starting point for strengthening and expanding our collaboration with Mahidol University. Moving forward our Global Engagement team will work with members at Mahidol University to discuss student exchange opportunities and summer schools. Dr Solulatiantork and I are also developing joint research proposals with them on the Sustainable SME Manufacturing in Thailand project, aiming to harness Industry 4.0 smart technologies and digital twins in Thailand to support East Bangkok manufacturing.”
Ben Short, Head of Partnerships and Global Opportunities at the University of Sheffield said: “This entire process, from the initial WUN-supported visit to Mahidol University to the recent signing of the MoU, is a great example of the highly successful collaborative work between our Global Partnerships Team and the Faculty of Engineering.”