On 7 October, VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) welcomed a delegation from the University of Houston, USA. The meeting explored potential collaborations in education, research, and academic exchange, while discussing opportunities for internships and professional development for lecturers, researchers, and students.

The delegation included Assoc. Prof. Ngô Đại Nghiệp, Head of the Office of External Relations, and Dr. Bùi Trọng Tú, Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, alongside lecturers from the Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics. The University of Houston was represented by Prof. Ji Chen, Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Hiển, and Ms. Mai Đào, the university’s representative in Viet Nam.

Representatives from both side at the meeting.

During the discussions, the two sides considered joint training programmes at various levels, scholarship mechanisms for doctoral students, and tuition support for master’s students. Summer internships in Houston will allow students to undertake research, visit laboratories, and gain international experience.

The University of Houston outlined its strengths in physics, materials science, energy, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, petroleum technology, and environmental science. Both universities proposed developing joint research projects, applying for international funding, and publishing co-authored scientific papers, focusing on areas such as electric vehicles, superconducting materials, AI in biomedicine, and sustainable energy.

Representatives from both side discussing potential cooperation.

Opportunities for internships at research centres such as NASA and partner companies in Houston were also discussed, alongside robotics and prosthetic design projects guided by international faculty. Exchange programmes for lecturers, postgraduate students, and researchers, as well as international workshops and seminars, were highlighted to strengthen academic capacity.

The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, laying the groundwork for concrete cooperative programmes. Both sides agreed to refine details and proceed towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in the near future.

PMN