University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) was established under the Intergovernmental Agreement between Vietnam and France on November 12, 2009. In 2016, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi was officially transferred to Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) - a leading national research agency of science and technology. I realize this is an opportunity but also a big challenge to VAST. One of the privileges that we highly appreciate is the support of the French Government for USTH in the areas of training, research, technology transfer through support of human resources, technology, consultancy and equipment from France consortium. The French side also coordinates with Vietnam in directing and managing the school, supporting the construction of an international laboratory with the participation of prestigious partners such as the French Institute of Research and Development (IRD), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), CNRS, IFREMER, INRIA, French leading Universities and the Research Institutes of VAST and other Vietnam partners. This has been a really effective cooperation. I am confident that under VAST management, the laboratory will be effectively deployed for teaching and research, especially when cooperating with other internal and external agencies. All of these are consistent with research - oriented university, as desired by the government. One of the challenges for VAST to complete is the training program. In the coming time, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology will direct and coordinate with the school to expand and develop more cooperation, particularly in proposing further support from France in curriculum development, training organizations, testing, evaluation, accreditation and innovated teaching methodology; visiting faculties from France to USTH for not only for Masters and PhD students but also for undergraduates. Also, we will cooperate with USTH in promoting wider partnerships and expand future network of potential partners of Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), French Development Agency (AFD), Research Institutes and Advanced Training of France (Collège de France), Hanoi France Expertise; prestigious universities and research institutions. We’ll focus on research and development of education and training programs that meet Vietnam socioeconomic development needs. We’ll strengthen partnerships with Vietnam and French businesses as well as technology transfer. Embracing USTH on Academy also provides an opportunity for VAST to receive high quality graduates, who are not only excellent in science and technology but also foreign languages. Apparently, this will create a new breath of fresh air to VAST scientific staff. With shared goals and efforts of both USTH and VAST in the coming period, I believe that we’ll together build a world class university in Vietnam, meeting target set by the two governments outlined in 2009. Prof. Chau Van Minh, Président de la VAST |