The 19th National Conference on “Population and Society 2025” was held on July 1, 2025, by the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University, under the theme Real-World Impacts of Population and Social Research. The event aimed to disseminate knowledge, academic insights, and key findings from the Institute’s research to the public on various dimensions of population and social issues that have tangible societal impacts. The conference also served as a platform for academic exchange among research networks, current students, alumni, and the public, alongside an exhibition booth.
The conference was officially opened by Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, M.D., President of Mahidol University, who delivered a keynote address titled “Universities as Catalysts for Social Change.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chalermpol Chamchan, Director of IPSR, welcomed participants and gave the opening remarks. The morning session featured a roundtable discussion on the theme “EQUALITY: A Society Where Everyone is Equal,” with contributions from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyawat Katewongsa on Area-Based Education mechanisms to reduce inequality, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutthida Chuanwan on strengthening local government personnel using population data for active aging, and Mr. Timethius J. Terrell on advancing gender equity and student support in Thai universities. The session was moderated by Dr. Wassana Im-em from UNFPA’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office.
In the afternoon, the first roundtable, “ENDING NCDs: Collective Actions for Healthier Living,” brought together experts to discuss behavioral interventions and policy solutions. Topics included Sodium reduction and hypertension risk by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pojjana Hunchangsith, Sugar reduction in beverages to combat obesity by Ms. Wansuda Ngam-arun, School lunch procurement and community food systems by Lect. Dr. Sarunya Sujaritpong, DVM, The influence of high-energy food brand logos on children in Bangkok by Lect. Dr. Nongnuch Jindarattanaporn, Promoting healthy movement behaviors for child development by Asst. Prof. Dr. Dyah Anantalia Widyastari and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyawat Katewongsa, and Physical activity policy in Thailand by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyawat Katewongsa. The session was moderated by Dr. Sanga Damapong from the Department of Health.
Another roundtable, “HEALTH CARE & AIR QUALITY: Creating an Environment for Sustainable Development,” focused on mental and environmental health. Speakers included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirinan Kittisuksathit on Institutional culture and happiness, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tawanchai Jirapramukpitak on Promoting positive parenting in high-risk areas, Ms. Kanyapat Suttikasem on Participatory analysis and the reduction of sugarcane field burning in Kanchanaburi, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suchada Thaweesit on the MU BullyGuard app for adolescent mental health and bullying prevention. This session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanang Kanthamathuraphot from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University.
The event took place at the Prachasangkom Udompathana Meeting Room (101), 1st floor, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, and was also streamed live on Facebook via @IPSRMahidolUniversity.
For more photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=IPSRMAHIDOLUNIVERSITY&set=a.1200893508501390
