On the morning of May 5, 2025, the VNU University of Science (VNU-HUS) hosted a meeting between its leadership and representatives from academic departments with a delegation from the Department of Spatial Planning, TU Dortmund University (Germany). This event marks an important milestone in expanding the University's international cooperation network, particularly in spatial planning and sustainable urban development.
Strengthening Urban Green Space Cooperation between VNU University of Science and TU Dortmund University
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Dr. Sci. Vu Hoang Linh, Rector of VNU-HUS, expressed his pleasure at receiving scientists from TU Dortmund’s Department of Spatial Planning—a highly regarded partner in research and education. He emphasized his expectations for deeper and broader cooperation between the two institutions, not only in spatial planning but also across other scientific disciplines where TU Dortmund has established strengths.
Representing the German delegation, Prof. Dr. Dietwald Gruehn, Head of the Department of Spatial Planning at TU Dortmund, delivered an impressive overview of the university. TU Dortmund currently hosts nearly 6,000 international students from over 120 countries, maintains partnerships with 370 universities worldwide, and is a pioneer in integrating natural and technical sciences with social sciences and humanities. The Department of Spatial Planning is the largest in Europe in its field, offering top-tier bachelor’s and international master’s programs, as well as highly practical urban design and sustainable development projects.
Expanding Joint Research on Urban Green Solutions
During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thinh of TU Dortmund shared insights into the “Green Home Environment” project being co-developed with faculty members from VNU-HUS. Building on the project’s initial success, he proposed new research directions focusing on green spatial solutions for sustainable urban development.
Faculty representatives from VNU-HUS also contributed practical and in-depth perspectives. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Thanh, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, reaffirmed the faculty’s leading role in applying Geographic Spatial Analysis (GSA) technologies to spatial planning in Vietnam. With modern equipment and a diverse range of degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral), the Faculty of Geography looks forward to close collaboration with TU Dortmund’s Department of Spatial Planning in guiding graduate students and researchers.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Khai, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, echoed the enthusiasm for expanded collaboration. He emphasized the potential to develop interdisciplinary research and training programs based on existing partnerships with faculty members from TU Dortmund, particularly in the fields of environment, urban planning, and sustainable development.
Toward a Dynamic and Modern Academic Exchange Environment
Concluding the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang, Vice Rector of VNU-HUS, expressed confidence in the continued growth of cooperation between the two institutions, especially in building student and scholar exchange programs. He noted that VNU-HUS has had several successful collaboration models with major universities in Japan, Singapore, China, Belgium, and others—and is ready to share and scale these models with TU Dortmund in the near future.
The meeting ended in a friendly and open atmosphere, reflecting the shared determination of both sides to foster educational and research cooperation, contributing meaningfully to the sustainable development goals of both countries and the global community.