Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and National Research Institutes and Universities of France: Connecting Tradition - Expanding the Future

10/06/2025

On the afternoon of May 27, 2025, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) hosted a working session with a delegation comprising representatives from national research institutes and leading universities of the French Republic. The meeting was part of a series of activities held on the sidelines of the state visit to Vietnam by French President Emmanuel Macron, taking place from May 25 to 27, 2025. Earlier the same day, President Macron visited the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (Vietnam – France University, USTH), where he engaged in an open dialogue with students and faculty members. His visit underscored the French government’s strong commitment to supporting the development of USTH, which stands as a hallmark of educational and scientific cooperation between Vietnam and France.

The scenery of the working session with the delegation of National research institutes and Universities of the French Republic

In attendance at the working session, the French delegation was led by Prof. Antoine Petit – President and CEO of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) – accompanied by senior representatives from leading institutions such as the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), University of Paris Cité, Paris Polytechnic Institute, France Campus, the USTH Consortium, as well as officials from the French Embassy in Vietnam. Representing Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) were Prof. Chau Van Minh – President of VAST; Prof. Chu Hoang Ha – Vice President of VAST and Chairman of the USTH Council; along with leaders from various research institutes and affiliated training institutions under VAST.

During the meeting, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), highlighted the long-standing and robust cooperative relationship between VAST and French scientific institutions. This partnership dates back to 1983, when CNRS became the first Western scientific organization to sign a cooperation agreement with a national research institute in Vietnam. Since then, the collaboration has expanded significantly to include partners such as IRD, CEA, CNES, IFREMER, the National Museum of Natural History in France, as well as leading universities including Paris 6, Sorbonne University, Paris-Saclay, and Paris Cité.

The working session is an opportunity for both sides to review the outstanding results of cooperation in the fields of scientific collaboration

The meeting was also an opportunity for both sides to review the notable cooperation results in the fields of basic science, marine environment, energy, artificial intelligence, and space technology – especially the training coordination models between USTH, research institutes under VAST, and French universities, emphasized Prof. Chau Van Minh.

During the meeting, VAST Vice President, Prof. Dr. Chu Hoàng Hà, praised the support and partnership of French partners in the development of USTH, while proposing to promote models of integrated training and research, co-supervision of PhDs, expanding international science schools, establishing collaborative laboratories, as well as connecting the tripartite relationship between institutes, schools, and businesses to commercialize research results.

Prof. Antoine Petit, President and CEO of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), representing French universities and national research organizations, expressed his appreciation for the visit of President Emmanuel Macron and stated that the meeting opens a new phase of bilateral cooperation, in the context of Vietnam and France implementing the action plan for the period 2024-2028, realizing the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Vietnam and the French Republic in the era of Science and Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development. Leading universities and national research organizations in France are committed to accompanying Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to effectively implement the cooperation contents within the framework of this plan.

Some new cooperation contents were also established within the framework of the working session, through the signing of cooperation documents including:
- Action Plan VAST – CNRS for the period 2025–2028
- Memorandum of Understanding between VAST – University of Paris Cité
- Cooperation plan USTH – IRD
- Agreement to implement a joint research project between USTH, CNRS, and the Institute of Materials Science.

Signing cooperation agreements

These agreements reflect the determination of both parties to diversify content, expand partnerships, and deepen cooperation mechanisms, aiming to establish common strategic programs between Vietnam and France in the field of science - technology - human resource training.

The meeting concluded in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, opening a new phase of bilateral cooperation, in the context of the two countries implementing the Vietnam-France Action Plan for the period 2024–2028, aiming to effectively realize the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the French Republic in the era of innovation and sustainable development.

Taking commemorative photos at the end of the work session

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version

Tags: