Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Russian Academy of Sciences Hold Workshop Reviewing the 2018 – 2025 Marine Scientific Survey Roadmap and Looking Ahead to 2026 – 2035
The results of this 9th joint expedition were presented at the scientific workshop titled “VAST – FEBRAS Joint Marine Expeditions: Roadmap 2018 – 2025 Scientific Achievements and Future Perspectives”, held on May 27th – 28th, 2025, at the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province. The workshop also served to comprehensively review and evaluate the outcomes of bilateral cooperation in marine biodiversity and biochemistry research under the 2018 – 2025 roadmap, while outlining plans for continued collaboration in the next phase.
Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh – President of VAST delivered the opening speech at the online workshop from the Hanoi site
In his opening remarks, Acad. Prof. Chau Van Minh, President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, praised the persistent, effective, and trustworthy collaboration with FEBRAS throughout the 2018 – 2025 roadmap, and highlighted the broader context of 50 years of cooperation between the two academies. From 2018 to 2025, the two sides conducted four marine surveys in Vietnamese waters using the R/V Akademik Oparin, covering 474 sampling points and collecting nearly 15,000 biological specimens for research in biodiversity, biochemistry, and environmental science. These efforts have led to the discovery of numerous novel bioactive compounds from Vietnamese marine organisms with promising pharmaceutical applications. The collaboration not only generated internationally recognized scientific publications but also contributed to capacity building for young researchers and the development of an interdisciplinary marine science network.
Prof. Acad. Yury Kulchin – President of FEBRAS delivered the welcome speech at the online workshop from the Russian site
Representing the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Prof. Yury Kulchin emphasized the remarkable achievements of joint research teams in marine bioorganic chemistry, microbiology, ecology, and remote sensing. He expressed strong interest in continuing long-term cooperation with VAST and affirmed that the Akademik Oparin has become more than just a research platform - it symbolizes the deep scientific friendship between the two academies and between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. The 2025 survey was particularly meaningful as a practical activity contributing to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the workshop, participants presented and discussed many significant research findings. Reports from the Vietnam – Russia survey team focused on deep-sea and offshore sampling results, microplastic pollution assessments, analysis of sulfated polysaccharide structures and bioactivities, identification of marine - derived metabolites, screening of bioactive compounds from marine fungi and echinoderms, and assessments of coral reef ecosystem diversity. Summary reports also highlighted the role of joint surveys in fostering collaborative research groups, staff exchanges, data sharing, and joint publications. A final presentation chronicled the 40-year journey of the R/V Akademik Oparin, including its nine VAST – FEBRAS expeditions, reaffirming the legacy of bilateral cooperation and the commitment to extending this partnership through the 2026–2035 roadmap.
In his closing remarks, Acad. Prof. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of VAST, praised the spirit of earnest collaboration and open scientific exchange between Vietnamese and Russian researchers. The new roadmap toward 2035 aims to broaden research themes, deepen scientific inquiry, expand international publications, and enhance young researcher training, while integrating existing joint programs to maximize synergy and resource sharing between both parties.
With significant outcomes achieved through nine joint marine surveys using the R/V Akademik Oparin, the VAST – FEBRAS cooperation is a vivid testament to the long-standing partnership between the two national academies and to the enduring, trustworthy, and resilient friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
