The Research and Development Institute, Nakhon Phanom University, is located at 167 Moo 8, Ban Noen Sa-at, Na Ratchakhwai Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province, 48000. The Institute is established under the Nakhon Phanom University Act B.E. 2558 (2015), published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 122, Part 75 Kor, on 1 September 2015, and under the Ministry of Education Ministerial Regulation on the Division of Governmental Units of Nakhon Phanom University B.E. 2550 (2007), dated 1 August 2007 and published in the Royal Gazette on 15 August 2007. The Research and Development Institute has a status equivalent to a faculty, and its head is the Director of the Research and Development Institute.

        The Research and Development Institute is administered by its Director. The Institute has been led by Dr. Somkiat Kasikoranun (17 August 2007 – 1 March 2008), Associate Professor Dr. Lalita Rueksamran (1 April 2008 – 31 March 2012), and Dr. Preecha Uitrakul (1 June 2012 – 31 May 2016). There have also been two Acting Directors: Mr. Thanaphat Suranaragul (2020) and Associate Professor Dr. Thassana Prasansri (until 30 June 2021). From 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2025, the Institute has been led by Assistant Professor Dr. Kanlaya Mikhama.

        At present, the Institute is led by Assistant Professor Dr. Khomsak Hanchaichai (from 1 July 2025 to the present). Under the Institute’s development framework, five strategic areas have been defined in alignment with Nakhon Phanom University’s strategic development plan. The Director administers the Institute in accordance with the vision: “Integrating research to achieve excellence in sustainable utilization, serving as a pillar for communities in the Mekong River Basin and Southeast Asia.”