Leeds Politics alum named National Outstanding Researcher by the National Research Council of Thailand

We would like to congratulate Dr Kunnamas for her achievement of being named National Outstanding Researcher for 2025 in Political Science and Public Administration by the National Research Council.

Dr Natthanan Kunnamas is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand where she specializes in European Studies.

Natthanan’s journey to the UK began with a Leeds-ASEM Chevening Scholarship to study MA European Politics (EU Public Policy) at the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds, leading to the successful passing of her PhD on trade policy in 2008.

Her educational experience at the School of Politics and International Studies was the catalyst for a series of achievements that include her holding a Jean Monnet chair in European integration and being awarded a Knight’s Cross of the French National Order of Merit. We spoke to Natthanan about her journey at Leeds, her achievements since, and her experience of studying abroad. 

Looking back on your time at of Leeds, how did your experiences here shape the skills, mindset, and resilience that ultimately enabled your remarkable journey?

As a postgraduate student at the University of Leeds, where I completed my masters and later my PhD in Politics and International Studies, I remember both the intellectual intensity and the charm of the campus itself. In seminars, we were encouraged ‒ even expected ‒ to question dominant theories, defend our arguments with evidence, and engage in serious debate. Writing was never just about summarizing; it was about constructing a clear, original position.

I still remember my PhD days co-supervised by Charles Dannreuther and David Hall-Matthews as if they were yesterday ‒ drafts returned covered in thoughtful comments, and supervision meetings where my ideas were carefully challenged and refined. There were moments of uncertainty and pressure, yet my supervisors balanced high expectations with genuine kindness, encouraging me to trust my own voice while pushing me to think more sharply and deeply. Those experiences were demanding but transformative.

The discipline, resilience, and confidence built in that period shaped both my character and my career. Leeds opened my world intellectually and culturally, and the memories I carry from those years remain among the most valuable chapters of my journey.

As an international student from Thailand, your success is an inspiration to many. What advice would you give to other students who aspire to study abroad? 

As someone who once left Thailand to study abroad, I would say to students who want to pursue their education overseas or are beginning life in a foreign country: be clear about your purpose and be ready to grow beyond your comfort zone.

Studying overseas is not only about earning a degree; it is also about opening your world ‒ meeting people from different cultures, exchanging perspectives, and experiencing ways of thinking and living that you may never have encountered before. Those new experiences will shape you in unexpected and meaningful ways. You will learn to think independently, to question confidently, and to adapt to new academic and social environments.

There will be moments of doubt ‒ about what you are doing, about your ideas, and even about yourself ‒ but those moments are part of the transformation. Seek mentors, work with discipline, and never underestimate the value of your own perspective as a Thai student in a global classroom.

Most importantly, remember that the goal is not only personal achievement, but to bring knowledge, experience, and a broader worldview back to contribute meaningfully to your country and society.

Inspired by Natthanan’s journey? 

Whether you're exploring undergraduate or postgraduate options, the University of Leeds School of Politics and International Studies offers a world-class education with a truly international perspective.

Explore our programmes and start your journey with us today.

Further information

The Chevening Scholarship programme is an international scholarship scheme which enables students from over 170 countries to study in the UK.

Main image credit: Chulalongkorn University Communication Centre