Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) and the University of Camerino (UNICAM), Italy, continue to implement faculty and student exchange initiatives for the 2024–2025 period. Under project code 2022-1-IT02-KA171-HED-000073309, both institutions have engaged in joint teaching, research presentations, academic exchanges, and laboratory visits, achieving notable outcomes.
The Erasmus+ KA1 program facilitates bilateral exchanges between European higher education institutions and international partners, with the goal of enhancing global academic collaboration. Established in 1987, the Erasmus program aims to broaden knowledge and intellectual development. The overarching goal of the Erasmus scholarship program is to improve the quality of higher education in Europe by enhancing cooperation with third countries, thereby improving human resource capacity and fostering dialogue and understanding among peoples and cultures.
UNICAM, founded in 1336 and officially recognized as a public university in 1958, is Italy’s first institution to implement international quality assurance standards (UNI EN ISO 9001:2000), certified by France’s GROUPE AFAQ. With international students accounting for 10% of enrollment - triple the national average - UNICAM hosts learners from over 50 countries. It operates five faculties (Architecture and Design; Law; Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine; Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Science and Technology) across four campuses. Several undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are offered in English.
UNICAM’s advanced infrastructure includes modern laboratories, libraries, full-service dormitories, sports facilities, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 1:25 - contributing to a high standard of education.
Under the ongoing Erasmus+ KA1 partnership agreement for 2023 -2025, the 2024 - 2025 exchange cycle includes postgraduate and faculty mobility. VNUA’s Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FFST) sent one master’s student to UNICAM for a semester course, while UNICAM dispatched researcher Katherin Lizet Peñaranda Manrique to VNUA from May 6 to June 1, 2025. During her stay, she participated in a seminar on “Pathogen Detection Using Aptamer Technology” and hands-on training on X-Aptamer selection and ELONA - a cutting-edge diagnostic technique for foodborne pathogens developed at the Center of Excellent Research and Innovation. These activities strengthened research capacity, fostered lab collaborations, and enhanced academic networks.
1. As part of faculty exchange activities, from May 22 to 30, 2025, VNUA sent a delegation of lecturers in food technology, biotechnology, and information technology to UNICAM. They delivered lectures and shared research findings with faculty, graduate students, and researchers at UNICAM’s Faculty of Biological Sciences and Veterinary Medicine and the Center for Advanced and Innovative Research. Highlights included:
2. “Food Safety Risk Analysis: International and National Level” – Dr. Phan Thi Phuong Thao (FFST)
3. “Circular Agriculture in Vietnam” – Dr. Nguyen Thuy Hanh (Faculty of Biotechnology)
4. “Physical Treatments as Elicitors to Induce Disease Resistance in Postharvest Fruits and Vegetables” – Dr. Nguyen Thi Hanh (FFST)
5. “Biopolymer Fruit Coatings: New Trends and Insights from Vietnam” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy (FFST)
6. “6G – The Next Generation of Mobile Networks” - Assoc. Prof. Dr (the faculty of Information Technology).
Additionally, the delegation toured several key research facilities, including the Interdisciplinary Project Center for Chemistry, Food Technology, and Microbiology Laboratories; Soil Biodiversity Management Laboratory; and the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Advanced Research School.
These exchange efforts reaffirm both institutions’ commitment to advancing education and research quality. Outcomes include enhanced understanding in areas such as biotechnology, food technology, sustainable agriculture, and IT; the formation of international research networks; and the foundation for expanded cooperation under Erasmus+ and other global programs.
With continued support from Erasmus+ and active institutional engagement, the partnership between VNUA and UNICAM is poised for further growth fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and global academic integration.
Highlights from the 2024–2025 faculty and student exchange activities.
Master's students from the FFST are currently attending a semester course at UNICAM
A PhD researcher from UNICAM delivered a thematic presentation at a seminar and participated in hands-on training activities at VNUA
The delegation visits the International Cooperation Office
Dr. Phan Thi Phuong Thao delivered a lecture to graduate students at UNICAM
Dr. Nguyen Thuy Hanh delivered a lecture to graduate students at UNICAM
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hanh delivered a specialized presentation to UNICAM faculty, research staff, and postgraduate students
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy delivered a thematic presentation to faculty members, researchers, and postgraduate students at UNICAM
The delegation from VNUA visited the laboratory facilities at the Interdisciplinary Project Center for Chemistry and presented commemorative gifts to mark the occasion
The delegation visits the Soil Science Laboratory
Visiting food microbiology research laboratory
Visiting the Food Technology Laboratory and was introduced to ongoing research on the development of new pasta products — one of Italy’s most iconic traditional foods
Networking dinner to enjoy Italy’s rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage
The FFST