On October 23, 2023, Professor Ian Rowlands, Vice-Director of the International Cooperation Office at the University of Waterloo, Canada, visited and held discussions with the leadership of the University of Science, VNU Hanoi.
Professor Ian Rowlands, Vice-Director of the International Cooperation Office, University of Waterloo, Canada, in discussion with the leadership of the University of Science, VNU Hanoi
The visit primarily focused on exploring collaboration plans in education and research within the fields of environmental sciences and earth sciences.
Professor Ian Rowlands presenting an overview of the University of Waterloo
During the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang, Vice-Rector of the University of Science, expressed hope that this direct exchange would soon result in concrete plans for collaboration in education and research. Furthermore, he encouraged the University of Waterloo to continue offering scholarships to outstanding students from the High School for Gifted Students, VNU-HUS.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang (right) considers Canada an attractive destination for young Vietnamese students
In a separate session with representatives from the Faculty of Environment and the Faculty of Geology, Professor Ian Rowlands gained deeper insights into the specialized training units in earth sciences and environmental studies at the University of Science.
Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hang, Deputy Head of the Devision of Environment and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Environment, providing an overview of the Faculty and the main areas of training and research within the Devision
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Tài Tuệ, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Geology, suggested that based on the Faculty's strengths in environmental research technologies, they should collaborate with the University of Waterloo, Canada, in areas related to climate change and environmental protection. He specifically proposed that in their upcoming joint workshop, both parties could consider topics like carbon reduction or water-related research.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tai Tue (left) and Dr. Luu Viet Dung (center) introducing the research strengths of the Faculty of Geology and proposing areas for research and training collaboration
Dr. Lưu Việt Dũng, a lecturer from the Faculty of Geology, suggested organizing an international conference focusing on the use of technology in environmental protection.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Khai, Dean of the Faculty of Environment (right), expresses a desire to establish student exchange programs between the two universities
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Mạnh Khải, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, highlighted that the Faculty has extensive international collaborations in both research and education. Every year, students from the Faculty participate in international exchange programs across various countries. These include short-term exchanges, summer study programs for students, as well as long-term scholarships and exchange programs for graduate students and doctoral candidates. Drawing from this experience, the Faculty of Environment is keen to collaborate with the University of Waterloo, Canada, to establish similar programs for its students, as well as for those from the University of Science, VNU Hanoi, in general. For each specific program, the two parties will discuss the details of cooperation, including financial support and procedures for program participants.
Professor Ian Rowlands in a working session with representatives from the Faculty of Environment and the Faculty of Geology.
Representatives of the two universities exchange commemorative gifts.
At the conclusion of the visit, Professor Ian Rowlands highly appreciated the information shared by the University of Science, VNU Hanoi, and expressed his desire for the two institutions to soon embark on concrete and effective collaborations.