วิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและสุขภาพ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์กับความยั่งยืน

บทบาทของคณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและสุขภาพ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ ในการสนับสนุนการบรรลุเป้าหมายการพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืน (SDGs)

The Role of the Faculty of Sports Science and Health, Kasetsart University, in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework that guides holistic development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This article examines the contributions of the Faculty of Sports Science and Health, Kasetsart University, to the achievement of all 17 SDGs. Drawing on institutional documents, organizational development, academic missions, and long-term service systems, the analysis shows that the Faculty plays a pivotal role in promoting public health, strengthening human capital, developing sports innovation, and reducing social inequality. In particular, the Faculty directly advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) while contributing to other SDGs through academic programs, research, community engagement, and international collaboration. The findings demonstrate that the Faculty’s long-standing integration of sports science and health sciences has produced measurable societal impact, supporting Thailand’s transition toward sustainable development.

Keywords: Sports Science, SDGs, Sustainable Development, Health Promotion, Higher Education Impact

Introduction

Sustainable development has become a critical global agenda, emphasizing interconnected progress in health, education, economy, and environmental resilience. As centers of knowledge creation, universities hold significant responsibility in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Faculty of Sports Science and Health at Kasetsart University represents a unique academic institution whose missions intersect directly with human well-being, physical performance, and societal health.

According to institutional records, the Faculty’s development began in 1989 with the formal establishment of the Department of Sports Science under the Faculty of Education. It evolved into an independent faculty in 2005 and was restructured as the “Faculty of Sports Science and Health” in 2024, incorporating three academic departments and a comprehensive research and service center. These structural developments reflect over three decades of academic growth, research expansion, and consolidation of expertise in sports science, health sciences, performance enhancement, rehabilitation, and sports management (คณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและสุขภาพ, 2024).

Given the Faculty’s broad scope and long-standing contributions, the present article aims to analyze how its academic mission supports the achievement of the SDGs at both national and community levels.

Objectives

1. To analyze the alignment between the Faculty’s academic mission and the SDGs.
2. To identify the Faculty’s contributions to achieving all 17 SDGs.
3. To highlight the Faculty’s institutional potential in promoting sustainable development through sports science and health.

Institutional Background of the Faculty

Historical Development

The Faculty’s origins trace back to 1989, eventually leading to the establishment of the Faculty of Sports Science in 2005 and its restructuring in 2024 into the Faculty of Sports Science and Health. It now comprises three departments and the Research and Development Center for Sports Science and Health, with service units specializing in sport psychology, physical fitness testing, athlete performance, nutrition, movement analysis, sports business, and exercise for health (คณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและสุขภาพ, 2024).

Academic and Service Scope

The Faculty operates six degree programs spanning bachelor’s to doctoral levels and maintains integrated research-service units, enabling direct societal impact through health promotion, rehabilitation, sports performance enhancement, and community outreach.

Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 1: No Poverty

Through sports-related career development, entrepreneurship promotion, and support for local sports businesses via the Sports Business Development Unit, the Faculty contributes to income generation for youth and communities, reducing poverty-related vulnerabilities.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The Nutrition for Health and Sport Unit supports public nutritional literacy and research on diet-health relationships, contributing to improved dietary practices and reduced malnutrition.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This SDG aligns most directly with the Faculty’s missions. Services such as exercise prescription, physical fitness assessment, sports psychology, performance development, and health promotion support the well-being of individuals across the lifespan. The Faculty’s research in movement science, rehabilitation, and exercise physiology strengthens Thailand’s public health system and long-term health sustainability.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The Faculty delivers high-quality academic programs at all levels, including specialized curricula—such as athletic training and sports management—representing pioneering programs in Thailand. These programs expand equitable access to higher education.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Sports and health programs foster gender-inclusive participation, advancing women’s representation in sports science, coaching, sports management, and health-related professions.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Graduates are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports clubs, fitness industries, government agencies, and private sectors. The Faculty strengthens the national workforce in the rapidly growing sports and health economy.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Research in motion analysis, biomechanics, performance technology, and sports innovation contributes to Thailand’s capacity-building in science and technology for sports industries.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

By offering accessible community health services, fitness assessments, and preventive programs, the Faculty reduces disparities in access to health and movement-related services.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The Faculty supports active urban spaces, community health projects, and exercise-based interventions that create resilient and livable communities.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Through nutritional education and sustainable sports facility management, the Faculty promotes balanced consumption and resource-efficient health practices.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Promotion of active transportation (walking, cycling) and research in environmental physiology supports public adaptation to climate-related health risks.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Sports foster discipline, fair play, and social integration, supporting civic values aligned with peaceful and just societies.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The Faculty maintains extensive collaborations with domestic and international partners across academic, governmental, and private sectors (หนังสือ 5 ปี คณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬา, n.d.).

Discussion

The findings demonstrate the Faculty’s multifaceted role in advancing sustainable development. While SDG 3 forms the core of its expertise, the Faculty’s integrated academic-service model enables contributions to economic, social, and environmental dimensions of the SDGs. Its interdisciplinary structure—combining sports science, health sciences, movement science, and sports management—positions the institution as a national leader in health promotion and human capital development.

Conclusion

The Faculty of Sports Science and Health plays a substantive role in advancing the SDGs in Thailand. Through its long-established academic programs, specialized research activities, and community services, the Faculty promotes well-being, strengthens local economies, enhances educational equity, and supports national and global collaboration. These contributions make the Faculty an essential driver of sustainable development grounded in evidence-based sports science and health innovation.

References

คณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและสุขภาพ. (2024). ข้อมูลคณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬาและสุขภาพ [เอกสารภายในมหาวิทยาลัย]. มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์.

หนังสือ 5 ปี คณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬา. (n.d.). 5 ปี คณะวิทยาศาสตร์การกีฬา มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ [เอกสารประกอบการจัดทำประวัติคณะ]. มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์.