On November 9, 2022, a scientific seminar titled “NASA Earth Studies and the Observation Missions of International Satellite Systems” was held by VNU-HUS in co-ordination with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the US Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnam National Space Center.
Along with the progress of science and technology in general, earth science and space technology in specific are rapidly changing in both manufacturing and practical applications. Space data from NASA and international satellites today has gradually become more relevant not only to scientific research but also to daily life applications. Given this fact, a scientific seminar was held within a series of cooperation activities between scientists of VNU-HUS and international partners interested in earth observation technology. This seminar was an opportunity for scientists and researchers to share the latest findings and experiences in how to processgeospatial data more effectively in order to achieve sustainable development goals.
On behalf of the US Embassy in Vietnam, there was US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapperon.
On behalf of NASA, there were Dr. Jack Kaye, Deputy Director of Research in the Department of Earth Science and Nghiem Van Son, Senior Researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL).
On behalf of Vietnam National Space Center, there was Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director.
On behalf of VNU-HUS, there were Assoc.Prof.Dr. Vu Hoang Linh, Secretary of the Party Committee, Rector; Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Son, Vice Rector; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Quoc Binh, Vice Rector; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ngac An Bang, Vice Rector; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Bui Quang Thanh, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, along with lecturers and students of the Earth Science majors and students of the Geography major at High School for the Gifted, University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
In his opening speech, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Vu Hoang Linh, Secretary of the Party Committee, Rector, affirmed: “This seminar is, on the one hand, a continuation of joint scientific activities between VNU-US and NASA JPL and on the other, a remarkable scientific acitivity jointly held by VNU-HUS and international partners who are interested in the effective use of natural resources.”
He also affirmed that the seminar would bring many opportunities to share knowledge, increase mutual understanding and set the foundation for deeper cooperation in the future between VNU-HUS and NASA.
Speaking at the seminar, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper shared: “I am very pleased with the cooperation between our two countries at today's seminar where American and Vietnamese researchers are gathering. Here we will come together to share ideas and passions in our field of research.” He hoped that the cooperation between Vietnamese and US scientists will be strongly promoted. Building on the past cooperation over the years, he believed, the cooperation between the two countries in scientific research in many fields including science, technology and health will continue to develop. He also expressed his goodwill in welcoming Vietnamese scientists and students to the US for scientific exchange and research.
Closing his speech, Mr. Marc Knapper expressed his sincere thanks to the Board of Rectors and the faculties for their support and their role in the organization of this memorable event. He also thanked the presenters from NASA and Vietnam who attended and shared their knowledge, experiences and research at the seminar.
At the seminar, earth scientists from NASA and Vietnam gave an overview of remote sensing, Earth observation, priority issues in international cooperation in the field of Earth science. There were also presentations by scholars of VNU-HUS, who have delved into specific cases that are applying the results from remote sensing. Representatives from NASA and Vietnam National Space Center presented their cooperative research findings as well as space missions and applications in Vietnam today.
The seminar offered scientists, especially students, opportunities to access useful information in the application of remote sensing in Earth Science research in Vietnam. They raised many questions which were then answered and clarified by the experts.