Vidyasirimedhi Institute Of Science & Technology (VISTEC): Nurturing Excellence in Science, Technology & Innovation

Professor Dr. Pimchai Chaiyen

President

Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) is a prestigious academic research institute offering postgraduate-level programs, including Ph.D. and Master’s degrees in Science and Engineering. Established in 2015 through the support of PTT, Thailand’s largest corporation and a Fortune Global 500 company, VISTEC is situated in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) in Wangchan Valley, Rayong, Thailand. VISTEC operates with full academic autonomy and is financially backed by the PTT group, comprising PTT, GC, PTTEP, THAIOIL, IRPC, GPSC, OR, along with Co-founders Kasikornbank and SCB bank.

Thailand’s higher education landscape is evolving rapidly. The country is actively internationalizing its education system to attract a diverse student body, emphasizing research and innovation. Public-private partnerships are increasing, enriching academic offerings and expertise. There’s a growing focus on STEM education to meet industry demands. Sustainability and environmental studies are gaining prominence. Thai universities are striving to enhance their global rankings through research, faculty qualifications, and international partnerships, with government support in the form of scholarships, research grants, and infrastructure development. VISTEC is uniquely positioned to help drive these trends with world class educational and research programs.

Unique Approach to Industry Integration

In order to prepare students for the industry, VISTEC has numerous collaborative projects with both the government and private sectors. These collaborations range from research initiatives to triple helix partnerships. VISTEC’s location in the EECi further enhances opportunities for students to interact with and join advanced, innovative, next-generation industries.

Focus on Research, Innovation & Quality

VISTEC provides small class sizes while maintaining a commitment to delivering top-quality training. Education is highly research-oriented, and students have the privilege of being part of research teams directed by world-leading authorities in their respective fields. This not only equips students with in-depth knowledge but also imparts practical research skills that are highly valuable in the professional world.

VISTEC’s programs also emphasize innovation and industry relevance. By collaborating with industry and technology users, students gain practical experience in making inventions and innovations. This not only broadens their horizons but also prepares them to address real-world challenges and build successful professional careers. In essence, VISTEC’s unique educational approach focuses on producing graduates who are not just well-versed in theory but are also capable of making significant contributions to their respective industries.

Outstanding Faculty & Infrastructure

VISTEC’s faculty recruitment is highly selective, focusing on national and internationally recognized experts in their fields. Faculty include recipients of prestigious accolades such as Thailand Outstanding Scientist Awards and National Distinguished Researcher Awards from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT); as well as Chair Professors at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Senior Research Scholars supported by the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), and individuals who have excelled in international Math and Science Olympiads and served as Editors or Editorial Board members for prestigious academic journals. VISTEC ensures competitive remuneration for its staff, on par with world-leading universities.

“VISTEC provides world-class laboratory spaces, well-equipped facilities for cutting-edge research, and an electronic library providing access to all essential scientific databases, e-journals, e-books, and academic tools”, shares Dr. Pimchai Chaiyen President.

VISTEC also offers residents a comprehensive range of modern infrastructural amenities, including fully furnished dormitories, dining facilities, nursing services, a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and kayaks at VISTEC lake. There are well-designed bike tracks and running paths around the campus, to enable students and faculty to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Intensive, Immersive Lifestyle

VISTEC is a residential institute. All students as well as faculty reside at VISTEC’s sprawling green campus in Wangchan Valley, far from the distractions of the city. This allows students to engage in research, study and use laboratory facilities at any time, and interact intensively with their mentors. This provides an unparalleled opportunity to foster experience, competence and confidence.

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Education at VISTEC is highly research-oriented & students have the privilege of being part of research teams directed by world-leading authorities in their respective fields
– Professor Dr. Pimchai Chaiyen , President

VISTEC’s industry collaboration/embedment and startup support programs offer students a clear pathway to translating their research into practical innovations and startups. This makes the transition from academia to the professional world smoother for its alumni.

Placement Opportunities

All of VISTEC’s Ph.D. students receive comprehensive financial and academic support for gaining one year of research experience abroad. This international exposure, at leading universities and institutes in their fields, enhances their academic and research skills and broadens their horizons. Being an academic research-focused institution for master’s and Ph.D. programs, VISTEC does not undertake traditional placement programs typical of universities with undergraduate students.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, VISTEC’s future roadmap is guided by what it calls the ‘3 Pillars Model’. Firstly, it aims to be an Advanced Research Institute, maintaining world-class academic and research standards, providing close supervision, hands-on guidance, and state-of-the-art facilities. This approach emphasizes collaboration with industry and other academic institutes, offering clear pathways for students and researchers to translate research into successful ventures.

Secondly, VISTEC seeks to be a Research and Innovation Hub, fostering relationships with industry, government, and the private sector. Clear and time-bound research plans with specific deliverables ensure that lab research drives real-world applications. Lastly, VISTEC aspires to be an Entrepreneurship Incubation Center, where research leads to startups and spin-offs, facilitated by VISUP, VISTEC’s holding company. This model accelerates technology conversion from the laboratory to thriving businesses.