Vietnam - France expand cooperation in science, technology and training

(Chinhphu.vn) - The agreements show the determination of Vietnam and France in diversifying content, deepening cooperation mechanisms, and aiming to form joint strategic programs between Vietnam and France in the fields of science, technology, and human resource training.

Signing of the action plan between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) for the period 2025 - 2028 - Photo: VGP/TG

On the afternoon of May 27, in Hanoi , the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) had a working session with a delegation of national research institutes and leading universities of the French Republic.

This is a sideline activity within the framework of French President Emmanuel Macron's State visit to Vietnam from May 25-27, 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Chau Van Minh, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, emphasized the long-term and strong cooperative relationship between the Academy and French scientific organizations, starting in 1983 when the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) became the first Western scientific organization to sign a cooperation agreement with a Vietnamese national research institute.

Since then, this cooperation has been continuously expanded with partners such as: Institute for Research for Development (IRD), French National Center for Space Studies (CNES), National Institute for Marine Science and Technology (IFREMER), French Museum of Natural History, and leading university networks such as Paris 6, Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay...

The working session was an opportunity for both sides to review outstanding cooperation achievements in the fields of basic science, marine environment, energy, artificial intelligence and space technology, especially training cooperation models between the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), research institutes under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and French universities.

Earlier on the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron visited and had an open and friendly dialogue with students and lecturers of USTH, demonstrating the special interest and commitment of the French Government in accompanying the development of USTH - a symbol ofeducational and scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Prof. Dr. Chau Van Minh hopes that the working session will open up new, more strategic and practical cooperation directions, especially in the context that the two countries are implementing the Vietnam - France Action Plan to realize the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology is committed to accompanying French partners to realize signed agreements - Photo: VGP/TG

At the meeting, Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of strengthening the connection between training and research.

He proposed that both sides promote the model of "training associated with research", especially at the postgraduate level, linking USTH with research institutes of the Academy; expanding the doctoral co-supervision program, moving towards a training model with joint degrees with French partners; maintaining and expanding international science schools (Science Schools) with the French National Center for Scientific Research and other partners, moving towards forming mixed laboratories in many fields.

Prof. Chu Hoang Ha also proposed promoting applied research and technology transfer; piloting models of cooperation between Vietnamese - French research institutes - USTH - enterprises to commercialize research results, improve technology transfer capacity; coordinate the development of research capacity and technology transfer in priority areas such as renewable energy, marine environment, AI, big data...

On the French side, Prof. Antoine Petit, President and General Director of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), affirmed his commitment to sustainable and increasingly extensive cooperation with Vietnam.

Prof. Antoine Petit also recalled the first cooperation agreement from more than 40 years ago as a testament to the sustainable relationship between the two sides. At the same time, he highly appreciated Vietnam's development potential, especially its young human resources and great demand for university training, creating favorable conditions to expand academic exchanges, attracting Vietnamese students to study in France as well as encouraging French students to study in Vietnam.

He proposed effective forms to connect education and research, promote joint research cooperation, transfer research results, so that basic and applied research can promote their value...

Within the framework of the working session, the two sides signed many important cooperation documents, including: Action Plan between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology - French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) for the period 2025 - 2028; Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology - Paris Cité University; Cooperation Plan between USTH - Institute for Research for Development (IRD); Agreement on implementing a joint research project between USTH, French National Center for Scientific Research and the Institute of Materials Science.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology is committed to working with French partners to realize signed agreements, effectively implement cooperation programs, contribute to the development of science, technology and education of both countries, as well as strengthen the increasingly strong Vietnam-France friendship.

Thu Giang

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/viet-nam-phap-mo-rong-hop-tac-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-dao-tao-102250527170809754.htm