Although Silpakorn University commits itself primarily to the task of providing academic instruction, rendering academic services to the public, and promoting Thai culture, it has never neglected its other important roles in producing research works of high academic standards. It was back in 1977 that the University embarked upon a Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center Project with the purpose of coordinating research pertaining to those two academic disciplines. Subsequently, in 1978, in response to the revision of the University policy, a new unit, Silpakorn University Research Center Project, replaced it. This incipient Research Center was to extend its operation to cover all disciplines taught in the University. Another factor was the fact that Sanam Chandra Palace Campus is located in Nakhon Pathom. The Center, thus, gives high priority to those research topics concentrating on various aspects of the Western Region of Thailand, which comprises the following 8 provinces: Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkram, Supanburi, Rachaburi, Kanchanaburi, Petchaburi, and Prachuap Khirikhan.

                   However, in 1988, a series of policy-formulating discussions led to a recommendation that the existing Research Centre Project should be replaced by a new administrative unit, Silpakorn University Research and Development Institute (SURDI). With the establishment of SURDI in the following year, it was also decided that, in accordance with guidelines set by the University, priority should be given to applied research which fall within these 4 areas : agriculture and industry, tourism, environmental studies, and current socio-economic changes. Given its official status in 1991, SURDI has been responsible for coordinating and facilitating research attempts by the University's academic members and promoting both data-gathering works and development-oriented researches.

                   The general policy of the institute is set forth as follows :

                    To encourage academic staff of Silpakorn University to not only undertake basic research but also contribute to the development of knowledge and excellence in all principal areas of specialization;
                   To encourage the University's personnel to be involved in applied research which is practical and useful in enhancing technological expertise.
                   To support the effort and initiative of the University's staff in applying their research results in improving pedagogical and administrative activities and promoting social development at both micro-and macro-levels ;
                   To encourage joint research and development endeavors between the University's academics and those of other universities in Thailand in such a way that the University can serve as an research and development information center in this western region ; and
                   To promote dissemination of research findings so that they can be beneficial for social development.