On the morning of February 19, 2025, Mr. David Butler, Head of Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI) and his associates paid an official working visit to VNUA to explore potential collaboration in training, scientific research, and innovation.
Representing VNUA at the meeting were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan, VNUA president, Mr. Nguyen Viet Long, Director of the International Cooperation Office, Mr. Tran Hiep, Director of the Science and Technology Office, Mr. Tran Quang Trung, Director of the Finance and Accounting Office, Mr. Le Vu Quan, Director of the Infrastructure Management Office along with officials of the university.
During the meeting, both sides shared their strategic visions for the development of sustainable food systems, explored potential models for collaboration, and identified new pathways to connect academic institutions with international organizations in advancing green, clean, and sustainable agriculture.
Mr. Tran Hiep, Director of the Science and Technology Officeintroduces research products of the university to the delegates
Mr. David Butler visited the Center of Research Excellence and Innovation, where the latest research achievements of VNUA across various fields such as food technology, veterinary medicine, genetics and breeding, and environmental science were showcased. The delegation visited VNUA Techmart, the Innovation Startup Department, and the KOICA Project Office under the Faculty of Animal Science.
Mr. David Butler at the Center of Research Excellence and Innovation
Following the visit to the Center of Research Excellence and Innovation was the oral poster presentation of the six collaborative projects between VNUA and Irish partners. These presentations provided the SFSI delegation with deeper insights of accomplishments and impacts of the ongoing cooperation between the two sides.
Oral poster presentation of the six collaborative projects between VNUA and Irish partners
Group photo at Center of Research Excellence and Innovation
After the visit to Center of Research Excellence and Innovation , the delegation had a working session at Giang Huong Meeting Room. Mr. Nguyen Viet Long, Director of the International Cooperation Office, provided an overview of the university and presented cooperation proposals between VNUA and SFSI. He emphasized key areas for collaboration, including food innovation, One Health in veterinary science, and digital transformation in agriculture. He also emphasized the importance of on long-term scholarship programs and training opportunities for Vietnamese students in Ireland.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Long, Director of the International Cooperation Office speaks at the meeting
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan, VNUA president, expressed her sincere thanks to Mr. David Butler and the SFSI delegation for taking the time to visit VNUA. She once again kindly requested SFSI to consider offering additional long-term scholarships, enabling VNUA students to pursue master's and doctoral programs in Ireland.
Mr. David Butler speaks at the meeting
The meeting concluded with important agreements on future cooperation. VNUA expressed its hope that SFSI would support the university in establishing connections with Irish universities, research institutes, and enterprises to jointly develop collaborative projects in the areas of One Health, cooperatives, and innovation aligned with the cooperation framework between the two governments.
Additionally, VNUA proposed that SFSI continue offering master's and doctoral scholarships for outstanding students and staff of the university. The university also requested SFSI’s support in developing research projects and implementing new government policies of Vietnam related to science, technology, and digital transformation in agriculture.
Finally, VNUA proposed SFSI to send experts to assist in training and capacity building in innovation and digital transformation, thereby promoting deeper collaboration between Vietnam and Ireland in agriculture, science, and technology...
President Nguyen Thi Lan presents a souvenir to Mr. David Butler
The working session opened up numerous potential opportunities for collaboration not only in education and training but also in research and the development of innovative initiatives. These efforts aim to strengthen and deepen the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Ireland in a sustainable manner.
ICO, VNUA