On 9 October 2026, during the workshop “Orientations for Vaccine Research and Development to Support Public Health in Viet Nam”, held at the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC), VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) and IVAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen scientific research, technology development and human resource training in vaccines and medical biologicals.

Under the MoU, the two institutions will establish a collaborative relationship by drawing on their respective strengths, resources and expertise, with a focus on biotechnology, microbiology, immunology and molecular biology, as well as research and development of vaccines and medical biologicals for human use. Through this partnership, the two institutions aim to develop new technologies for vaccine research and production; investigate new vaccine candidates; improve existing vaccine production processes; and strengthen research capacity, training and innovation.

Advancing Research Collaboration and Technology Development

In scientific research, HCMUS and IVAC plan to collaborate on the development and implementation of science and technology projects at various levels. Areas of cooperation will include vaccine technology, recombinant proteins, microbial fermentation, cell technology, immunotechnology, molecular biology, and the analysis and quality testing of biological products.

The two institutions also aim to develop new vaccines, diagnostic biological products and medical biologicals to support public health. This research partnership is expected to connect the University’s scientific and technological capabilities with IVAC’s professional expertise, thereby advancing the development and refinement of technologies and products in the fields of vaccines and medical biologicals.

Alongside research activities, the two institutions aim to establish strong research groups, increase scientific publications, pursue intellectual property protection and facilitate the practical application and transfer of research outcomes. They will also explore opportunities to jointly propose and undertake domestic and international science and technology projects aligned with their respective capabilities and development priorities.

Another key area of the MoU is training and human resource development. The two institutions plan to collaborate on supervising undergraduate students, master’s students and doctoral candidates; provide opportunities for HCMUS students to undertake internships at IVAC; organise short-term training courses; and promote exchanges among experts, lecturers and scientists. These activities will give students greater access to research and development environments in vaccines and medical biologicals, while strengthening links between academic training and the practical needs of research institutions.

Sharing Resources and Promoting Technology Transfer

The MoU identifies the effective use of existing research facilities and equipment at IVAC and relevant specialist units within HCMUS as an area of cooperation. The two institutions plan to support analytical testing, quality testing and evaluation to facilitate research, technology development and product development.

In technology development and transfer, the partnership aims to advance and refine technological processes; facilitate technology transfer; optimise production processes at both pilot and industrial scales; and collaborate on the commercialisation of research outcomes in accordance with applicable legislation.

Regarding scientific publications and intellectual property, the two institutions plan to collaborate on research papers, patent applications and utility solution registrations. Intellectual property rights relating to research outcomes, inventions, utility solutions and technological processes arising from the partnership will be determined according to each party’s contribution, based on specific contracts or agreements.

The MoU will remain in effect for five years from the date of signing. Individual research, implementation and training programmes will be formalised through separate agreements.

By connecting research, training and technology development resources, the partnership between VNUHCM–University of Science and IVAC establishes a foundation for closer collaboration in vaccines and medical biologicals, with the aim of strengthening research capacity, advancing technology development and translating scientific achievements into practical applications that support public health.