According to an analysis of publication data from the Scopus database (based on SciVal, Elsevier, 2025), Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) has demonstrated research performance and academic citation impact above both the national and global averages, particularly in research areas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These indicators reflect the quality, relevance, and social impact of the university’s research on an international scale.
MFU’s publications and citations were found to exceed global and national benchmarks in four key SDG areas:
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Research on food security, agricultural technology, and innovations for sustainable food production
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Research to enhance educational quality and promote lifelong learning.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Research on resource management, recycling, and the circular economy.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Research focused on natural resource conservation, biodiversity, and terrestrial ecosystem restoration.
The analysis further revealed that MFU’s Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) in multiple SDG areas is higher than the global average, underscoring the international recognition of the university’s publications and their significant academic and societal contributions.This success is the result of MFU’s ongoing commitment under its policy, “A University for Well-Being and a Sustainable Future”, which aims to enhance the quality and systemic impact of research and education.
The university has invested in modern research infrastructure, targeted research funding through mechanisms such as the Fundamental Fund and Reinventing University Programme, and initiatives to drive research aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy and the SDGs. These efforts are integrated with Research-Based Learning, ensuring that innovations and research outcomes enrich classroom teaching and student learning experiences.
MFU also prioritises the development of international academic networks with leading universities and institutions worldwide. Such collaborations allow students, researchers, and staff to engage with global experts, fostering a research and publication culture, particularly among new generation scholars. These initiatives strengthen MFU’s capacity in research, teaching, and sustainable development.
When compared with national and global data, MFU shows a consistent upward trend in SDG-related publications, especially in Education (SDG 4) and Agri-Food (SDG 2) — the university’s strategic areas under the “Global Frontier & High-Value Agri-Food Research” framework. MFU’s research development strategy focuses not only on increasing publication volume but also on creating positive, sustainable impacts on communities, society, and the environment.
The findings from the Scopus database analysis (SciVal, Elsevier, 2025) highlight MFU’s strong potential as a global research leader driving high-quality, SDG-aligned research. These achievements reinforce Thailand’s academic competitiveness on the global stage, particularly in the areas of Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life on Land—all of which are foundational to MFU’s vision as a “University for Well-Being and a Sustainable Future.”
Source: Scopus Database Analysis (SciVal, Elsevier, 2025)
Information by: Research Administration Division, Mae Fah Luang University
