From June 30 to July 5, 2026, a student from the Faculty of Biotechnology, Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), participated in the 25th International Student Summit on Food, Agriculture and Environment (ISS 2026), held at Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan. Under the theme "Pushing Boundaries: Inclusive Activities for Community Welfare", this year's summit, aimed to promote youth-led initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and enhance community well-being.
ISS 2026 served as an international academic forum for students, bringing together participants from 23 countries and territories worldwide. The summit featured 27 student presenters and 12 student moderators, who were organized into seven thematic groups to present, discuss, and critically review research in the fields of food, agriculture, the environment, and sustainable development.
Students participating in the 25th International Student Summit on Food, Agriculture and Environment (ISS 2026).
As part of the summit, students delivered their presentations in English before an audience of faculty members, experts, and international students. The event provided an excellent opportunity not only to showcase their research findings but also to enhance their presentation skills, critical thinking, and academic communication in an international setting.
Representing a student research group under the supervision of Mr. Nguyen Quoc Trung, M.Sc., from the Department of Molecular Biology and Applied Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, VNUA, Tran Bich Diep, a student from class K68CNSHE, presented a research project entitled "Youth-led Agricultural Innovation: Mapping Pre-Harvest Sprouting Resistance QTLs for Climate-Resilient Rice in Central Vietnam". The presentation highlighted the application of plant breeding technologies to improve rice resistance to pre-harvest sprouting under the impacts of climate change in Central Vietnam. The presentation attracted active discussion and received valuable feedback from faculty members and fellow students from around the world, helping to broaden the research perspective and identify promising directions for future studies.
Tran Bich Diep, a K68CNSHE student from VNUA, presents her research on behalf of her research group at ISS 2026.
In addition to the scientific presentation sessions, the summit featured a wide range of cultural exchange activities, group discussions, and educational visits. Students from different countries had the opportunity to exchange perspectives on culture, education, research, and global issues related to agriculture and the environment. Working in a multicultural environment enabled participants to strengthen their English communication skills, enhance their capacity for international collaboration, and expand both their global academic networks and international friendships.
Beyond the academic program, cultural exchange activities, study visits, and team-building sessions created a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. These activities fostered mutual understanding and friendship among students from diverse countries while leaving participants with many memorable experiences.
Cultural exchange and networking activities for international students
Participation in ISS 2026 provided students from the Faculty of Biotechnology with a valuable opportunity to engage in an international academic environment while enhancing their research capabilities, presentation skills, and academic communication in English. The program also helped showcase the image of VNUA students as dynamic, innovative, and well prepared to engage with the global scientific community.
The summit concluded on a high note, leaving participants with lasting impressions of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and friendship among students from around the world. The experiences gained at ISS 2026 would inspire the participating students to continue pursuing academic excellence, advancing scientific research, and contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in the future.
Awarding the Certificates of Completion to ISS 2026 participants