CONFERENCE: "Knowledge Networks of Transdisciplinary Studies (KNOTS) Project Launch" [16 June 2017]

09:00 - 12:00, Alumni Meeting Room, 12th Floor, Building 3,

Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Background

The KNOTS project will focus on contemporary development challenges in Southeast Asia, where transdisciplinary research methods could offer novel insights and innovative solutions. The particular focus is on: environmental degradation; migration; and social inequality.

The KNOTS project will prepare curriculum and teaching/ learning materials on transdisciplinary methods to be integrated into each universities’ teaching programs. Three summer schools and fieldtrips will be organized in Vietnam and Thailand over the duration of the project to pilot and refine these materials. There will also be a Stakeholders Workshop in June 2017 and a final conference in 2019, to be hosted at Chulalongkorn University.

The three-year project was initiated in October 2016, and is a collaboration between seven universities in Europe, Thailand and Vietnam: the University of Vienna, Austria, which is also the project coordinator; Charles University, Czechia; University of Bonn, Germany; Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University, Thailand; and Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Southern Institute of Social Sciences, and Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Vietnam.

The project is funded by the European Commission’s ERASMUS+ programme. At Chulalongkorn University, the MA in International Development Studies program is the project partner, alongside a network of academics and practitioners interested in teaching and practicing transdisciplinary research approaches.

Event objectives

This event will launch the KNOTS project at Chulalongkorn University. The objectives of the event are:

·         To formally launch the KNOTS project at Chulalongkorn University

·         To introduce the Chulalongkorn University team to the KNOTS project partners, and share about each team member’s institute/ department programs  

Agenda

9:00 – 9:20 Opening remarks

·         Assistant Professor Dr. Nunghatai Rangponsamrit, Assistant to the President for Research Development and Innovation (Social Science and Humanities)

·         Professor Emeritus Dr. Amara Pongsapich, Former Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Representative of Faculty Promotion Committee on Social Science, Chulalongkorn University

·         Representative from European Union/ ERASMUS (t.b.c.)

9:20 – 9:40 Introduction to KNOTS project

·         Professor Dr. Petra Dannecker, Head of Department of Development Studies, University of Vienna

·         Assistant Professor Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon, MA in International Development Studies program, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

9:40 – 10:00 Introduction to history of Chulalongkorn University

·         Emeritus Professor Dr. Supang Chantavanich, Adviser to the Asian Research Center for Migration, Chulalongkorn University

10:00 – 10:40 Brief introduction to institutes and programs of Chulalongkorn University

·         Faculty of Political Science: Assistant Professor Dr. Jakkrit Sangkamanee, Deputy Dean

·         Center for Social Development Studies: Assistant Professor Dr. Carl Middleton

·         Center for Peace and Conflict Studies: Dr.Vitoon Viriyasakulton, Deputy Director, Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University

·         Institute of Asian Studies: Assistant Professor Dr. Sukanda Lewis

·         Thai Studies program, Faculty of Arts: Assistant Professor Dr. Wasana Wongsurawat

·         Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI): Dr. Sayamon Charoenratana  

·         Environment Development Sustainability (EDS) program: Dr. Naruemon Arunothai

·         Faculty of Science: Prof Dr. Wanida Jinsart, Dept of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science

·         Faculty of Engineering: Associate Professor Dr. Sucharit Koontanakulvong (t.b.c.)

10:40 – 11:20 KNOTS partners program introduction

·         University of Vienna

·         Charles University

·         University of Bonn

·         Chiang Mai University

·         Ho Chi Minh City Open University

·         Southern Institute of Social Sciences

·         Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

11:20 – 11:30 Closing remark