Vietnam - France promote joint research on sea and energy

Hanoi One of the scientific and technological cooperation contents realized by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the French National Center for Scientific Research is research on the sea, energy and biotechnology.

The information was shared at the 40th Anniversary of Cooperation between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) held in Hanoi on the morning of November 28 with the theme "Building the Future". The event took place in the context of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, and is expected to promote research and training cooperation to develop a team of intellectuals who master science and technology, contributing to building the future for the sustainable development of the two countries.

At the event, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet highly appreciated the cooperation results between the two sides in recent times. In the new development stage, he emphasized the indispensable role of science, including solving problems of climate change, energy transition, and ocean protection. In these areas, in 2024, France will have many specific activities in cooperation with Vietnam in science and technology. The first is the visit and work of the French Minister of Science and Technology to sign an intergovernmental cooperation agreement.

Another activity is a French marine research ship on the aquatic environment that will come to Vietnam to conduct joint research in Hai Phong. Ambassador Olivier Brochet assessed that marine research is "very important for human life and the Earth's biodiversity, so it is necessary to further promote research cooperation between the two countries".

Olivier Brochet speaks at the event. Photo: USTH — Olivier Brochet speaks at the event. Photo: *USTH*

Prof. Dr. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, also hopes that the two sides will promote cooperation in training, building joint research programs and projects to solve new scientific and technological issues in the world today such as artificial intelligence, data science, energy and new materials, biotechnology... to serve green, sustainable growth and respond to climate change.

The cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Academy of Science (later the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) was signed in Paris in 1983. The cooperation opened up opportunities for Vietnamese scientists to overcome the embargo at that time, access advanced science and the academic environment, a premise for the later development of VAST.

Prof. Antoine Petit, President of the French National Center for Research (left) and Prof. Dr. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, presented the 2023 signing ceremony. Photo: USTH — Prof. Antoine Petit, President of the French National Center for Research (left) and Prof. Dr. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, presented the 2023 signing ceremony. Photo: *USTH*

Over the past 40 years, VAST and CNRS have exchanged scientists to conduct joint research, organized workshops and enhanced research facilities, formed and connected interdisciplinary research groups. At the same time, they have increased basic to applied research, aiming to form high-quality products, driving innovation and technology transfer.

More than 1,000 Vietnamese researchers were sent to CNRS for scientific exchange, internships, and master's and doctoral training courses. Of these, more than 100 successfully defended their master's and doctoral theses. Upon returning home, they became key scientists in VAST laboratories. Hundreds of projects and topics were carried out with the joint participation of Vietnamese and French researchers. Joint research groups and units were established to facilitate cooperation between scientists from both countries in conducting many quality research and training programs.

The University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) was also established in 2009 under the Intergovernmental Agreement between Vietnam and France. Through joint laboratory activities and annual thematic courses at USTH with the participation and guidance of leading researchers and professors from CNRS, many young scientists have had the opportunity to study and research in an international environment, contributing to USTH reaching international standards in training and scientific research.

Nhu Quynh

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