To promote cooperation between Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Austria, a delegation from BOKU paid a working visit to VNUA on October 30, 2024. The BOKU delegation included Prof. Dr. Christian Obinger, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation; Prof. Dr. Doris Damyanovic, Vice-Rector for Education and Students; Prof. Dr. Dietmar Haltrich, Head of the Department of Food Technology; Prof. Dr. Clemens Peterbauer, Deputy Head of the Department of Food Technology; Prof. Dr. Stephan Hann, Head of the Department of Chemistry; and Dr. Martin Altvater, a researcher at the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology. From VNUA, the meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Pham Van Cuong, Vice President, along with representatives from the International Cooperation Office, the Science and Technology Office, and the faculties of Food Science and Technology, Agronomy, Natural Resources and Environment, and Economics and Management.

During the meeting, both parties reviewed collaborative activities between VNUA and BOKU, under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on December 2, 2022. VNUA and BOKU are key members of the ASEAN UNINET network of universities in Europe and Southeast Asia (https://asea-uninet.org/). Up to now, the two institutions have collaboratively engaged in five research projects, published nine joint international articles, and facilitated the exchange of 18 staff members and two students from VNUA to BOKU for master's, doctoral, postdoctoral studies, and short-term training. Additionally, many scientists from BOKU have visited VNUA for collaborative exchanges and seminars, and two master's students from BOKU have completed their theses at VNUA.

Following the MOU, specialized research groups from both institutions have been working both online and offline to develop joint research projects, facilitate exchange students and staff, and secure funding, particularly in areas such as food biotechnology, soil science, and animal breeding.

During the meeting, BOKU shared experiences in "start-ups," supporting scientists in connecting with enterprises, as well as in investing and managing core equipment according to specialized research groups. After discussions, both parties agreed on the following collaborative activities for the near future:

- Continue to enhance cooperation among specialized groups that are strengths of both institutions, such as food technology, plant science, soil science, biotechnology, environmental analysis, and bio-economics, through joint research projects, undergraduate student exchanges, doctoral candidates, and faculty exchanges.

- Annually invite BOKU professors to teach directly/virtually for VNUA's advanced undergraduate programs.

- Identify funding sources to promote collaborative activities: from the ASEAN UNINET network (such as the Ernst Mach scholarship from the Austrian government for VNUA staff to pursue doctoral and postdoctoral studies in Austria, joint research funds sponsored by the Austrian government, etc.), bilateral agreements, and international organizations.

 

Working session between VNUA and BOKU

Prof. Dr. Pham Van Cuong, Vice President of VNUA , presents gifts to BOKU University delegation

BOKU University delegation visits VNUA's Center of Research Excellence and Innovation