What type of visa is recommended for conducting research in Thailand? It would be through a university, but the research would essentially be conducted independently over the space of 2-3 months? I know there is an Education visa, but this doesn't seem to quite match up to what I need.

You haven't really given much details but you might want to check out http://www.thaivisa.com/286-0.html (Non-Immigrant "RS" visa)

Info can also be found here: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15398-Issuance-of-Visa.html

Thanks ubonjoe and Nisa. Looking at the links I am fairly sure that it is a non-immigrant 'RS' visa I should apply for.

It normally is the consulate that will decide what type of visa they will issue, so don't be surprised if it is a non-ED visa. It will be just as fine.