On the morning of May 22, 2024, representatives of the leadership from VNU University of Science, Hanoi, and the Faculty of Environment had a meeting with a delegation from the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, USA.
Atmosphere of the meeting with the delegation from the University of Minnesota, USA
At the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang, Vice Rector of VNU University of Science, Hanoi, warmly welcomed the delegation from the University of Minnesota, USA, and expressed his appreciation for their visit and potential cooperation. The collaboration is based on existing ties with Mr. Nguyen N. Tuan, Honorary President of the Workplace Health Without Borders Organization - US Branch, who has been working with the Faculty of Environment at the university on the project to develop an Environmental, Health, and Safety Engineering training program. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang, this is a new field of study, and thus, international cooperation in training, providing equipment, and building a conducive learning environment from international experts is highly valuable.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang (far left) speaking during the meeting
With the aim of further enhancing cooperation in the training of fields such as environmental sciences, food technology, and occupational safety, both parties provided overviews of their research directions, training programs, and strengths during the meeting.
Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hang, Deputy Head of the Division of Environmental Ecology and Sustainable Development, from the Faculty of Environment, shared that the faculty currently focuses on five main areas of training: environmental science, environmental technology, food science and technology, occupational safety, health and environment, and an upcoming program in agricultural materials science. With a staff of 57 members, the Faculty of Environment trains between 190 and 265 students annually across all levels, including 150-200 undergraduates, 30-50 master's students, and 10-15 doctoral candidates. In addition to teaching and training, the faculty emphasizes research, supporting three research groups recognized at the VNU level and two at the faculty level. To maintain and improve the quality of its staff, faculty members, and students, the Faculty of Environment prioritizes professional development, especially through international cooperation. Faculty members, students, and researchers are encouraged to participate in exchange programs and overseas training courses, while international experts are invited for both online and in-person teaching. Additionally, they actively engage in international research and publications.
Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hang, Deputy Head of the Division of Environmental Ecology and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Environment, presenting an overview of the Faculty and the University
Representing the Division of Environmental Health Sciences from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota, Prof. Dr. Elizabeth V. Wattenberg, Deputy Head of the division, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran B. Huynh, a faculty member, gave an overview of their division and institution. They explained that the Division of Environmental Health Sciences focuses on researching and training in areas that examine how the environment—where we live, the food we eat, and the air we breathe—affects human health. The division conducts research to assess risks, mitigate hazards, and establish the foundation for public health policies aimed at improving both individual and community health. They offer master's and doctoral programs.
Prof. Dr. Elizabeth V. Wattenberg, Deputy Head of the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, introducing the University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran B. Huynh, a faculty member of the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, introducing the division and the occupational safety and health program being developed in Vietnam
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang highly appreciated the opportunities for collaboration presented by the University of Minnesota, especially noting the similarities between both institutions in the fields of research and training. Based on this common ground, he expressed hope for future connections and the development of joint programs between the two institutions, as well as the potential for creating courses for students.
Following the discussions, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Khai, Dean of the Faculty of Environment at VNU University of Science, Hanoi, emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation, especially with regard to the faculty's new training programs. Alongside the initiative to offer 10 scholarships annually for newly admitted students, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Khai expressed a desire for the two institutions to continue developing collaborative training programs and student exchange opportunities, particularly for the faculty's newly launched and upcoming disciplines.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Ha, Deputy Head of the Office of Cooperation and Development at VNU University of Science, Hanoi, discussed more specific details about credit recognition and issuing certificates for students participating in exchange programs and online courses at the University of Minnesota.
Additionally, Dr. Le Huu Tuyen, Deputy Head in charge of the Office of Cooperation and Development, proposed that both sides expedite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which could take place during the upcoming international conference that both institutions are planning.
Following the open and sincere discussions, both parties expressed hope for effective collaborations in the near future.