25 Years of Cooperation and New Development Prospects with Partners in the Republic of Austria

On the morning of September 5, 2025, a ceremony was held at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the cooperative relationship in training and research between Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and BOKU.

The event was attended by the leadership of both universities, faculty, scientists specializing in the field of Life Sciences, and Vietnamese undergraduate and postgraduate students studying and conducting research at BOKU. The ceremony was also honored by the presence of Dr. Vũ Lê Thái Hoàng, the Ambassador of Vietnam to the Republic of Austria and Slovenia.

Positive Outcomes of 25 Years of Cooperation

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the 25-year history of collaboration between HUST and BOKU, highlighted by positive achievements and figures: more than 10 master's and PhD students trained; hundreds of exchanges for lecturers, scientists, and students; successful implementation of numerous EU-funded cooperative training and research projects; over 30 scientific publications in ISI/Scopus-indexed journals and co-authorship of more than 20 conference papers; and the successful organization of many international scientific forums.
  At the ceremony, Prof. Eva Schulev-Steindl, Rector of BOKU, expressed her joy and pride in the quarter-century journey of cooperation between the two universities. She noted that the success lies not only in the achievements in training and research but also in building close relationships between faculty and scientists, fostering trust in cooperation, and contributing to the scientific and technological development of both nations.

At the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng, President of HUST, shared that the outcomes of the collaboration have made a significant contribution to professional development. Furthermore, the students and staff trained and educated in the advanced academic environment at BOKU have become outstanding scientists and lecturers, holding key positions at HUST. They have affirmed their expertise, applying their knowledge and experience to continue training talented HUST students while also building and nurturing strong relationships with BOKU faculty. This, he emphasized, is the most meaningful element in fostering a sustainable partnership between the two universities.

The journey of cooperation began in 2001 with research in Enzyme technology involving a small group of staff and lecturers. Over the years, the collaboration has expanded into many new research directions, forming a model of training closely integrated with scientific research. This has attracted numerous specialized groups and students, creating a network connecting universities and enterprises in both countries, proving to be a sound strategy for sustainable development in the partnership.
  Prospects for Cooperation and Development

Building on their past successes, lecturers, scientists, and students engaged in lively discussions during the event about new directions to create breakthroughs in science and technology, train talented individuals, and address common challenges in the fields of food technology, biotechnology, chemistry, and environmental science. Ideas for developing training and research programs in areas such as climate change mitigation, food safety, green transition, and emissions reduction were proposed to further promote academic exchange between faculty and students, seek new funding opportunities, and leverage the research potential of both institutions.
  Through the ceremony, both universities affirmed that, based on their achievements, they will continue to nurture, strengthen, and promote their sustainable partnership. They aim to build an exemplary cooperation model that can disseminate academic values and contribute even more to the scientific, technological, and socio-economic development of their respective countries.

The Support of the Embassy of Vietnam in the Republic of Austria and Slovenia

In addition to the working program at BOKU, the HUST delegation, led by President Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng, visited and worked at the Embassy of Vietnam in the Republic of Austria and Slovenia in Vienna.

Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng expressed his deep appreciation for the support from the Embassy of Vietnam in Austria and Slovenia, as well as the Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Vietnam, for their continuous attention and support for cooperative programs in training and scientific research between universities in Vietnam and Austria.
  Dr. Vũ Lê Thái Hoàng, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Republic of Austria and Slovenia, congratulated HUST on the achievements gained through 25 years of cooperation with BOKU and other Austrian partners. He noted that the collaboration has not only been successful in academics and training for HUST but has also promoted cooperation in research, innovation, and technology transfer, contributing to the scientific, technological, and economic development of the nation.

In the first days of the new academic year 2025-2026, this working visit to the Republic of Austria has opened up many new prospects for cooperation and development.