On October 27, 2023, a formal meeting took place at the University of Science, VNU Hanoi, with Japanese stakeholders involved in the SATREPS international cooperation project in science and technology.
The project, titled “Development of Advanced Technology for Rapid and Easy-to-Use Analytical Devices and Human Resource Enhancement for Food Safety and Environmental Quality Control,” falls under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program. It has been selected for funding by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). VNU-HUS is the primary Vietnamese partner, collaborating with the University of Tokyo to implement the project. This project is
one of 10 worldwide selected for funding by the Japanese Government through non- refundable ODA (Official Development Assistance). The project is expected to be carried out over five years, from 2023 to 2028, with a total budget of approximately USD 5 million..
During the meeting, Professor Kazuma Mawatari from the University of Tokyo, representing the Japanese research team, provided an overview of the project. The SATREPS international cooperation project in science and technology between VNU University of Science and JICA will be divided into four sub-projects. These sub-projects will focus on monitoring equipment, observation stations, certified analytical training courses, and education for students and faculty..
The goals and activities of the project aim to establish long-term technical support and strengthen Vietnam's capacity in technical issues related to monitoring the quality of air, water, soil, and sediments. This will be achieved through the use of rapid field analysis technology, observation techniques, and the development of reliable, portable, and rapid measurement devices based on micro/nano fluidics technology.
The project will also involve the development and implementation of training activities to enhance the capacity for environmental monitoring and food safety. These training sessions will be directed towards environmental officers across various provinces nationwide.
Information about the individuals and units participating in the project
Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Nội, Director of the Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials for Green Growth at VNU University of Science, serves as the Project Director for Vietnam, while Prof. Dr. Kazuma Mawatari from the University of Tokyo is the Project Director for Japan. The Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Environment at VNU- HUS, are the primary units responsible for implementing the project.
To reach this official pre-launch meeting for the SATREPS international cooperation project in science and technology, the involved parties have engaged in discussions, exchanges, and the establishment of a cooperative foundation over the past eight years. Since 2015, representatives from both sides have participated in numerous
collaborative activities, including over 20 meetings. Since 2018, a laboratory supported by the Japan Analytical Instruments Manufacturers’ Association (JAIMA), equipped with the most advanced technologies from eight leading Japanese equipment companies, has been established at VNU University of Science. This laboratory has effectively supported the research of scientists within and outside VNU Hanoi, as well as provided training for more than 300 students, graduate students, and doctoral candidates annually.
Also at the meeting, representatives of scientists, businesses, and agencies from both Vietnam and Japan involved in the project were officially introduced. All the delegates expressed their hope that the project would succeed and bring practical benefits to both Vietnam and Japan.
The meeting took place in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online
participation
The atmosphere of discussion at the meeting
Representatives of the Vietnamese research teams shared the goals of their
respective projects at the meeting.