Message from IPSR Director
Given the recent changes and fluctuations in global and Thai societies, developing knowledge in population and social sciences from a global perspective and with innovative research methodologies is imperative. This includes the application of newly developed knowledge for academic, policy, and developmental purposes at all levels of the country.
This important mission has been a cornerstone of the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR) at Mahidol University for over 50 years.
The aging population and the transition into an aged society, amidst declining birth rates and the importance of enhancing population quality; Health issues, particularly non-communicable diseases resulting from health risk factors and population lifestyles such as food consumption, physical activity, mental health, happiness and well-being, as well as sexual and reproductive health; the disparities and vulnerabilities across various population groups, including economic, social, gender and sexuality; migration, urbanization, environmental and climate changes, social digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in all aspects of human life and academic research.
All are the research challenges that IPSR prioritizes and is dedicated to developing knowledge through research processes that link to teaching and learning management of our graduate programs, creating a population and social research workforce for the country, and utilizing knowledge, especially in policy contexts, across all sectors.
In all these endeavors, our institution will not tread alone but will walk hand in hand with networks, both domestically and internationally, including governmental, non-governmental, and civil society sectors, under the IPSR’s vision of becoming a world-class institute to promote scientific learning in population and society for sustainable development, in line with Mahidol University’s determination statement “Wisdom of the Land.”
Associate Professor Dr. Chalermpol Chamchan
Director of Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University
Background
Established in 1971, the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR) is one of Asia’s premier population research and training hubs. The Institute conducts research and provides training in population and development and explores their relationship to the social, economic, reproductive health, medical, and public health fields. This allows the Institute to help address emerging issues in Thailand and neighboring countries in south-east Asia and beyond, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for all.
The demographic transition throughout Asia has emerged at different stages in recent decades as political and economic change has swept the region, and the Institute is uniquely positioned to keep abreast with these changes through its timely research. This knowledge and technical support is widely disseminated at the country and local levels to scholars and policymakers internationally and regionally.
About us
The Institute for Population and Social Research was the first institution of its kind in Thailand and has a large number of academic staff and international collaboration partners. In 2006, the Institute was ranked first among social science research institutes in Thailand by the National Office of the Higher Education Commission.
The Institute’s highly distinguished faculty has demonstrated excellence in applied academic research aimed at improving the quality of life of people in Thailand and throughout Asia.
The work of the Institute has been recognized by many international bodies. Today, we are a Collaborating Centre of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Centre of Excellence in Population and Family Planning/Reproductive Health, and a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Research in Human Reproduction. We also maintain other essential research collaborations with The Population Council, Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and the Wellcome Trust.
Collaboration
The Institute has developed an extensive network with national and international agencies. We enjoy strong support from Mahidol University, and other government and international organizations. Institute fellows benefit from these linkages through access to extensive program data and opportunities for field visits.
A trilateral cooperation program with the Government of Thailand in collaboration with various international institutions and academic organizations has led to many regional workshops and training sessions. These organizations include the International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health in Developing Countries (INDEPTH), the Population Council, the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA), UNFPA, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), USAID and WHO.
The Institute has developed strong working relationships with universities and national agencies in countries throughout Asia and the Pacific, Europe, North America, and Africa. We are also grateful for the excellent relationships we have with the international organizations and funding bodies who generously support our research.
IPSR Directors
Emeritus Professor
Boonlert Leoprapai, Ph.D.
31 July 1975 – 24 June 1980
Emeritus Professor
Pramote Prasartkul, Ph.D.
25 June 1988 – 22 August 1988
Emeritus Professor
Aphichat Chamratrithirong, Ph.D.
23 August 1988 – 22 August 1996
Emeritus Professor
ดร.เบญจา ยอดดำเนิน-แอ็ตติกจ์
23 August 1996- 22 August 2004
Emeritus Professor
Churnrurtai Kanchanachitra, Ph.D.
23 August 2004 – 20 February 2008
Associate Professor
Sureeporn Punpuing, Ph.D.
21 February 2008 – 20 February 2016
Associate Professor
Rossarin Gray, Ph.D.
21 February 2016 – 20 February 2020
Associate Professor
Aree Jampaklay, Ph.D.
21 February 2020 – 20 February 2024
Associate Professor
Chalermpol Chamchan, Ph.D.
21 February 2024 – Present
AIM
To lead the Institute for Population and Social Research with Quality and Morality for the betterment of Thai society and the benefit of humanity.
VISION
The Institute for Population and Social Research is determined to be a world-class institute to promote scientific learning in population and society for sustainable development.
MISSION
To conduct relevant theoretical and applied research in demography and sociology to address national policy and local issues and meet international standards;
To arrange programs of instruction and training at the post-graduate level to increase the competitiveness of students and create allegiance with the organization;
To produce and disseminate information on a timely basis on demography and sociology to the public using modern channels of communication;
To strengthen existing networks and recruit new allies at national and international levels;
To improve the capacity of persons, the organization, and applicable technology to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Strategic Plan
Strategic Implementation Plan for the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR): 2021-25
