Overview of the ceremony

In 1983, the Cooperation Agreement between the Vietnam Academy of Sciences (later the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) - 2 national research units of France and Vietnam was officially signed in Paris; opening up opportunities for Vietnamese scientists to overcome the embargo barrier at the time there, access to advanced science and academic environment, a premise for future developments of VAST.

The collaborative activities between VAST and CNRS have facilitated the exchange of scientists to conduct joint research, organize workshops and strengthen research equipment, as well as the formation and connection of interdisciplinary chemical-biological-pharmacological research groups, mathematics-chemistry-biology, physics-chemistry-biology, increase the development from basic research to application, towards the formation of high quality products, as a driving force for innovation and technology transfer between CNRS and VAST.

Over the past 40 years, more than a thousand Vietnamese researchers have been sent to CNRS for scientific exchange, internship, and participation in master's and doctoral training courses, among which more than 100 have successfully defended Master's and Doctoral theses. After returning home, these staff became key scientists in VAST's laboratories.

Hundreds of projects and topics have been implemented with the joint participation of Vietnamese and French researchers. Many topics have achieved theoretical as well as practical results, contributing to solving socio-economic problems in Vietnam. Joint research groups and units have been established to create favorable conditions for French and Vietnamese scientists to cooperate in implementing many quality research and training.

Based on the close cooperation in training and research between VAST and CNRS, Hanoi University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) was established in 2009 within the framework of the Intergovernmental Agreement between Vietnam and France. The establishment of USTH with the participation of CNRS scientists in training and research activities marks a new step forward in training cooperation between the two sides. Through joint laboratory activities and the organization of annual thematic courses at USTH with the participation and guidance of leading researchers and professors of CNRS, the cooperation between VAST and CNRS during this period has created opportunities for many young scientists of VAST to study and research in an international environment, at the same time, contributing to bringing USTH to the international level of training and scientific research.

Prof. Dr. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of VAST,  speaks at the ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of VAST, emphasized that over 40 years of cooperation, the two sides have implemented hundreds of joint research projects, jointly conducted many field trips, organized many classes, scientific seminars, published thousands of high-quality publications in prestigious international journals and trained hundreds of doctors. All these achievements are testament to an extensive and strong cooperation between the two agencies, and can be considered a symbol of effective and successful cooperation between the two countries. Vice President expressed his hope that in the future, the two sides will continue to further promote cooperation in training and building joint research programs and projects to solve new scientific and technological issues in the world today such as artificial intelligence, data science, new energy and materials, biotechnology,... serving green, sustainable growth and responding to climate change.

Evaluation of cooperation between VAST and CNRS, Prof. Antoine Petit, President of CNRS, said that during the past 40 years, the two sides have had a successful, effective and quality cooperation. The achievements are testament to the sustainable development of the friendship-based cooperation of the two countries. The CNRS President added that the world is currently facing many challenges and crises, and this context has shown the importance of science and technology in finding solutions to solve crises. However, scientific and technological research cannot go alone, but it is necessary to have long-term cooperation and coordination between the parties. Therefore, the President of CNRS commits to accompany CNRS to Vietnam in the fields of research in the next 40 years and even longer in the future.

Within the framework of the ceremony, VAST and CNRS exchanged a new cooperation agreement; Awarded the VAST Medal to Prof. Antoine Petit; Reward and give gifts to individuals who have contributed to the cooperation activities of the two sides.

Exchange of VAST Cooperation Agreement – CNRS 2023

The 40th anniversary of cooperation between VAST and CNRS takes place in the context of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France. With the foundation of traditional and strong cooperation, the relationship between VAST and CNRS promises to continue to achieve many successes in the future, promoting research and training cooperation to develop a knowledge team to master science and technology, contributing to "Creating the future" for the sustainable development of the two countries.

Other photos: 

Mr. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Vietnam, speaks at the ceremony

Awarding medals to Prof. Antoine Peti

Giving gifts to individuals who have contributed to cooperation activities between the two sides

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version