Mahidol University has created a new phenomenon in Thailand’s research community with the announcement of the “Mahidol Jongjate Metheewit Award 2025.” Recognized as one of the nation’s most prestigious research distinctions, and presented for the first time this year, the award honors exceptional researchers whose work exemplifies academic excellence, practical application, and meaningful impact on society.
Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, M.D., President of Mahidol University said “The Mahidol University Jongjate Metheewit Award marks a significant milestone within the university’s new strategy of advancing toward ‘Real World Impact,’ the guiding principle behind our commitment to ensuring that research truly embodies the ‘Wisdom of the Land.’ This award is not merely a recognition but a demonstration of ‘Real World Impact in Action’ through exemplary work that delivers sustainable benefits to society. We believe that recognizing research with genuine impact is a vital mechanism for strengthening the nation’s potential and fostering lasting positive transformation both within Thai society and across the global community.”
Furthermore, the Mahidol University Jongjate Metheewit Award was inspired and supported by General Jongjate Ao-janepong, M.D., former President of the Mahidol University Alumni Association under Royal Patronage. It serves as more than an honorary distinction, standing as a vital instrument to propel Thai research beyond theory into practice and to generate meaningful change for society.
Announcing two researchers whose world-class innovations are transforming the lives of the Thai people
Prof. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Ph.D., Vice President for Research at Mahidol University said “The Mahidol University Jongjate Metheewit Award 2025 was organized under the theme Real-World Impact for Sustainability. This year, two researchers were recognized: Dr. Viroj Tangcharoensathien, who received the Outstanding Researcher Award, and Associate Professor Dr. Varodom Charoensawan, who received the Young Researcher Award.”
“Both award recipients embody the true power of research that delivers tangible change. Their work extends beyond theory, applying knowledge to address real challenges in society, while also serving as a vital force in nurturing the next generation of researchers to follow in their footsteps.”
Mahidol University emphasizes that the research selected must exemplify not only academic excellence but also the capacity for real-world application, addressing pressing challenges and contributing to sustainability in Thai society. This encompasses advancing health equity, reducing social disparities, and fostering innovations that truly transform lives.
Research that Transformed the Lives of Over 67 Million People: Outstanding Researcher Award
The Outstanding Researcher Award 2025 was presented to Dr. Viroj Tangcharoensathien of the International Health Policy Development Foundation. Widely recognized as a pioneer and a driving force behind the establishment of Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, known as “30 Baht Healthcare for All,” he has played a transformative role in shaping Thai society by translating evidence-based research into actionable policy. His work has directly benefited more than 67 million people across the country, reducing household health expenditures from 5.4 percent to 2 percent, and earning recognition from MIT as “The Great Equalizer.” Beyond Thailand, Dr. Viroj has made significant contributions on the global stage, serving as Vice Chair of the World Health Organization’s negotiation committee and advancing the Capitation Payment model, an approach that effectively controls costs within health insurance systems.
Global Innovation Addressing National Challenges: Young Researcher Award
The Young Researcher Award 2025 was presented to Associate Professor Dr. Varodom Charoensawan of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. He leads the project “An Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach to Complex Biological Challenges for Advancing Human Health and Mitigating Climate Change,” which unites expertise in molecular biology, data science, and machine learning to address critical health and environmental challenges. Dr. Varodom has played a pivotal role in advancing Genomics Thailand to strengthen the nation’s precision medicine capabilities, and he also founded the Asian Immune Diversity Atlas (AIDA), an international research consortium. In addition, he established Thailand’s first Single-Cell Omics Laboratory, which contributes to the global Human Cell Atlas (HCA) project. His research has been published in leading journals such as Cell, Science, and Nature Genetics, and has also been translated into practical applications within the agricultural sector.
This award announcement not only highlights individual achievements but also reaffirms Thailand’s robust and high-potential research ecosystem, capable of generating studies that directly improve people’s lives while producing world-class scientific innovations worthy of global recognition. Mahidol University stands ready to lead in fostering and advancing Thai research on the international stage, working collaboratively to create transformative change that delivers lasting benefits for both Thailand and the global community.
