Hanoi University of Science and Technology Strives to Promote the Circular Economy

On April 20, at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Plenary Session of Coordinators for the Erasmus+ Project (a European Union program to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe) and CEBCAT (Capacity Building for the Transition to a Circular Economy) was opened, gathering 11 universities from 7 countries worldwide.

In the context of climate change posing severe challenges to all of humanity, transitioning to a circular economy is no longer a choice but an inevitable path. The CEBCAT project – an international cooperative initiative on capacity building for the transition to a circular economy – has clearly demonstrated the shared determination of countries, including Vietnam, to take practical action for a green, sustainable future.
  The project does not stop at calls to action but moves into specific, practical actions. The focus is on knowledge transfer, building specialized postgraduate training programs, organizing training courses, and developing a digital learning platform. These contents aim to equip staff, lecturers, and students with the necessary competencies to effectively implement the circular economy.

Opening the session, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh, Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, stated: Universities play a key role in the transition to a circular economy. Through education, research, and innovation, universities help prepare high-quality human resources to solve complex environmental and social challenges.
  At the same time, universities serve as an important platform for cooperation among academia, industry, state managers, and the community in developing practical solutions for sustainable development.
"Hanoi University of Science and Technology is proud to contribute to this global effort," Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh emphasized.

At the session, Prof. Oscar Rodil Marzabal, Coordinator of the CEBCAT Project, shared about the progress and purpose of the project at the present time: "This is the right time for us to openly share experiences; realistically identify difficulties; collaboratively propose solutions; and work together with a spirit of shared responsibility."
  He also expressed gratitude to Hanoi University of Science and Technology for the University's commitments to the CEBCAT project.

Within the framework of the working program from April 20 to 24, 2026, in Hanoi, partners reviewed the implementation progress. The report shows that the project is on the right track, with important milestones completed on time. However, a spirit of frankness and receptiveness was also highlighted when the parties pointed out limitations that need to be overcome: increasing the number of training participants, perfecting evidence of research equipment, and stepping up communication and enrollment activities.

Active participation in CEBCAT affirms the role and responsibility of Vietnam in general and Hanoi University of Science and Technology in particular within the international community. It is not only an obligation but also an opportunity to rise, innovate, and develop sustainably.
  Founded in 1956, Hanoi University of Science and Technology is one of the leading technical universities in Vietnam, with a strong mission to train high-quality engineers and scientists to serve the country's development. The Vietnamese Government has also set a clear vision for Hanoi University of Science and Technology to become a leading university in Asia, aiming to reach the top 150 leading universities in Asia in the 2025-2035 period and the top 100 leading universities in Asia for engineering and technology by 2045.

In this development strategy, sustainability and innovation are key priorities. Two of the four strategic focus areas in research and education at Hanoi University of Science and Technology – Energy and Sustainable Environment, and Health Sciences – are closely linked to the principles of the circular economy. These fields address critical challenges such as energy transition, efficient use of resources, environmental protection, and sustainable technologies to improve the quality of life.
  In addition, Hanoi University of Science and Technology also actively participates in the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) program. To date, the University has implemented 15 CBHE projects. Currently, Hanoi University of Science and Technology is implementing 3 CBHE projects, including CEBCAT, contributing to innovating the teaching curriculum, building capacity, and strengthening international academic cooperation. The session opened at Hanoi University of Science and Technology provides an excellent opportunity for all partners to review project progress, share experiences and best practices, as well as discuss the next steps in their cooperation.