Institute of Biotechnology collaborates with International Commission on Missing Persons to hold mid-term progress report meeting for ODA project on enhancing war-era remains identification capacity
Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha takes a commemorative photo with participants at the meeting
At the meeting, representatives of the DNA Identification Center (CDI) under the Institute of Biotechnology and ICMP presented the positive results achieved so far. The main highlights include: 1. CDI successfully received and optimized two advanced DNA extraction methods (30K and Dabney) transferred from ICMP. These methods were applied to 100 bone samples, with 70% producing nuclear DNA of sufficient quality for analysis. 2. ICMP selected the FORCE Panel (USA) for next-generation DNA sequencing and the QIAseq chemical kit from QIAGEN (Netherlands) for implementation in Vietnam. 3. CDI successfully received and is testing the NextSeq 1000 next-generation sequencer (Illumina, USA), a state-of-the-art device capable of handling large genetic datasets, along with the NGS-CLC Workbench server system (Netherlands) for high-performance computing. 4. ICMP developed and is testing specialized software tailored for Vietnam at CDI.
Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, emphasized the humanitarian and scientific significance of the project. He affirmed that the project contributes to addressing war legacy issues while enhancing Vietnam's scientific and technological capabilities in genetic identification. Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha praised the achievements of the project, particularly the successful development of DNA extraction and sequencing processes adapted to heavily degraded bone samples in Vietnam, as well as the training of specialized Vietnamese personnel.
The NextSeq 1000 next-generation sequencer (Illumina) has been successfully received and is being operated at the DNA Identification Center, Institute of Biotechnology (CDI, IBT)
The meeting included lively discussions on critical issues such as sample selection, family reference sample collection, and data-matching strategies. USAID representative Ms. Marialice Ariens expressed the U.S.'s appreciation for the project's outcomes, highlighting the shared responsibility to address war consequences and deepen mutual understanding under the upgraded Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development. She also reaffirmed continued support for the project, as both sides approach the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relations.
The ODA project on enhancing war-era remains identification capacity through development cooperation, technology transfer, and the acquisition of equipment, chemicals, and consumables is progressing on schedule and has achieved positive results.
Translated by Phuong Huyen
Link to Vietnamese version
