On September 12, 2025, the VNU University of Science (VNU-HUS) welcomed a delegation from the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). The meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation and opened up promising opportunities for high-quality human resource training, scientific research, and the development of a professional network in the fields of energy and environment.
Working session between representatives of the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, and VNU University of Science.
Previously, in 2024, VNU-HUS and CityUHK signed a Memorandum of Understanding, laying the foundation for joint activities in research, academic exchange, and young talent development. This agreement reflects the shared commitment to applying science to address urgent global challenges related to the environment and sustainable development. With its long-standing achievements in chemistry, environmental science, and related disciplines, VNU-HUS has become a reliable partner of the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong—a young, dynamic institution that has already established a strong reputation regionally and globally.
In his presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatwa Abdi, faculty member of the School of Energy and Environment, CityUHK, provided an overview of the School’s history, development, and research directions, which span renewable energy, energy storage and conversion, carbon capture, water management, climate modeling, environmental toxicology, marine biodiversity, and sustainable development. Established in 2009, the School currently has 30 faculty members, 120 researchers, and about 500 students, offering programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Both CityUHK and its School of Energy and Environment are ranked highly in international rankings: top 5 globally in Materials Science, top 6 in Energy and Fuels (U.S. News 2025), and top 9 in Energy Science and Engineering (Shanghai Ranking 2025).
Dr. Le Huu Tuyen (in white) discussing potential areas for collaboration with the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong.
At the meeting, Dr. Le Huu Tuyen, Deputy Head in charge of the Office of Cooperation and Development, VNU-HUS, emphasized the strong alignment between the two institutions’ research orientations, noting that several joint research activities have already been initiated in analytical chemistry, environmental science, and pollution treatment. Dr. Tuyen proposed developing joint research projects in environmental science and technology, including environmental toxicology, marine pollution, green energy materials, natural catalysis, and green hydrogen technology. He also suggested implementing student and postgraduate exchange programs, scientific workshops, and international summer schools as concrete steps to deepen long-term cooperation between the two sides.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tu Binh Minh (in blue) highly appreciated the initiative to establish a joint summer school program.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tu Binh Minh, this will be a valuable opportunity for VNU-HUS students to directly experience an international research environment and learn from leading professors. Through such initiatives, students can also access scholarship opportunities and expand their prospects for graduate study and advanced research.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Phuong expressed the desire to cooperate in the new Master’s program in Energy and Environmental Engineering that the Faculty of Chemistry is currently developing.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Phuong, Head of the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, VNU-HUS, shared that the Faculty is currently developing a new Master’s program in Energy and Environmental Engineering. He expressed interest in collaborating with the School of Energy and Environment, CityUHK, in research exchange programs, particularly enabling postgraduate students to take 3–6-month internships at partner laboratories or enterprises to enhance practical training and professional skills.
Dr. Luu Viet Dung proposed establishing and developing a network of scientists in the Southeast Asian region in collaboration with CityU.
Dr. Luu Viet Dung, lecturer from the Faculty of Geology, VNU-HUS, who focuses on marine and coastal pollution research, expressed his desire to collaborate with professors and researchers from the School of Energy and Environment and CityUHK to establish a Southeast Asian research network dedicated to renewable energy and marine environmental protection.
Representatives from the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, introducing their programs to VNU-HUS students.
In addition to the working session with faculty members, representatives from the School of Energy and Environment, CityUHK, also met with third- and fourth-year students of VNU-HUS to introduce potential postgraduate programs. Many students actively participated in discussions to learn more about opportunities for international study and research.
Students eagerly learning about international exchange and higher education opportunities at the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong.
The meeting clearly demonstrated the strong determination of both institutions to expand collaboration in research, education, and academic exchange. This event not only contributed to enhancing the international standing of VNU-HUS but also laid the foundation for future strategic projects aimed at addressing global challenges in energy, environment, and sustainable development.
Dr. Le Huu Tuyen and representatives from the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, exchanging souvenirs.
Faculty members and students attending the meeting and the introduction of CityUHK’s postgraduate and PhD scholarship programs.