Mahidol University

With its goal of being the “Wisdom of the Land,” Mahidol University continuously strives for educational excellence, outstanding research, leadership in healthcare services, and global outlook.

Mahidol University originates from Thailand’s first hospital, Siriraj Hospital, founded in 1888. Later becoming the University of Medical Sciences in 1942, the University was renamed with great honor in 1969 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej after his own father, H.R.H. Prince Mahidol of Songkla.

In Thailand, Mahidol University was ranked top for research and teaching in 2006 and was selected as one of the nine National Research Universities in 2009 by the Thai Commission on Higher Education. In the THE-QS World University Rankings, Mahidol University has been ranked as one of the top two universities in the country from 2007 to 2009. The University’s prominent strength lies in its research excellence, and its staff members have not only won numerous awards at the national level, including 18 Outstanding Scientist of Thailand Awards, but also several awards at the international level, including the Magsaysay Award and the Rolex Award for Enterprise.

Mahidol University has been at the forefront of Thailand’s scientific and medical research from the beginning. Postgraduate training also plays an important part in this research, not only in producing the researchers of the future, but also the research publications of today. Thus Mahidol University has also initiated strong master’s and PhD. programs since 1948 and 1960 respectively, many of which are international degree programs.

Mahidol University has been a key player in the fight against worldwide infectious and neglected diseases such as malaria, and was the first to raise awareness of drug-resistance in malaria, and to develop artesunate–mefloquine drug combination therapy as the first line of treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Mahidol University has also been a leader in the development of new vaccines, and has served as an important vaccine trial center for more than 25 years, conducting trials of vaccines for cholera, rotavirus, poliomyelitis, malaria, varicella, human papilloma virus, and HIV.

In the sciences, Mahidol University has been instrumental in introducing novel technologies to Thailand, including genetic engineering almost 30 years ago and protein crystallography eight years ago. In addition to our research groups, our Centers of Excellence on chemistry, mathematics, environmental toxicology, and physics perform forefront research, many with potential applications. Research in food biotechnology, neutraceutical foods, herbal medicine, nanotechnology, and pharmacogenomics are also our R&D strengths. Among many outstanding projects, our research on shrimp biotechnology is of particular significance, as it has led to the improvement of test kits for viral diseases and the enhanced reproductive performance of shrimp, resulting in the stability and growth of the shrimp industry in Thailand. Our research on the conservation of hornbills and promotion of community involvement in wildlife preservation has also brought great benefits to our country, and our work has received the Chevron Conservation Award.

Mahidol University has several campuses, with one suburban campus, two older inner campuses and a downtown high-rise office site in Bangkok. The University is also expanding to other parts of the country, with new campuses in Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sawan, and Amnaj Charoen provinces.

Mahidol University’s motto attanam uppamam kare in the ancient language of Pali, translates into “One should care about others as one cares about oneself.” This philosophy is the underlying theme pervading the university’s activities as it endeavors to imbue graduates with the conviction that, apart from academic achievement, they have equal responsibility to improve the quality of life of their fellow human beings and make the world a better place to live in.

272 Rama VI Rd | Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
T: +66 (0) 2849 6230 | opinter@diamond.mahidol.ac.th | www.mahidol.ac.th