On September 5, 2025, in a solemn and warm atmosphere of friendship, the ten-year Anniversary Ceremony of cooperation in training and research between Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), was held in the capital city of Vienna, Austria.
The ceremony was attended by the Rectorate of BOKU, lecturers and students of the university, as well as international scientists and students. Notable, a large number of Vietnamese leaders, lecturers, and students, both alumni and those currently studying and conducting research at BOKU, were present. The delegation of VNUA, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Anh, Dean of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, participated in the event.
Prof. Dr. Eva Schulev-Steindl, Rector of BOKU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Anh expressed their pride in the journey of cooperation between the two universities:
“Success is not only reflected in achievements in training and research, but also in the friendship, close connection, and sustainable trust between the lecturers and scientists of the two universities, contributing positively to the scientific and educational development of both nations. The past ten years are clear evidence of the strategic vision in the internationalization of education and research of both BOKU and VNUA. Both sides firmly believe that the next phase of cooperation will continue to expand, bringing even greater practical value to lecturers, students, and the scientific communities of the two countries.”
The leaders of the universities jointly cut a cake to celebrate the anniversary.
Milestones of Cooperation over 10 Years
Throughout the past decade, VNUA and BOKU have built a solid foundation of collaboration:
· Exchange of staff and students: 03 VNUA lecturers pursued doctoral studies at BOKU (02 successfully defended their theses, 01 is ongoing), 01 master’s student, and many staff members and students participated in short-term internships; BOKU sent 12 professors to VNUA for teaching and academic exchange in the fields of food science and technology, animal husbandry, soil science, hydraulics and river studies, along with 02 master’s students who conducted their theses at VNUA.
· Joint research projects: The two universities have jointly implemented 07 international projects, including Erasmus+ projects and Vietnam - Austria bilateral cooperation programs on enzyme technology, food safety, oligosaccharide production, soil science, and water resources.
· Scientific publications: 09 joint research papers have been published in reputable international journals.
· Academic activities: Co-organized various workshops, including the conference “Cooperation between BOKU and Vietnamese Universities: Present and Future” (November 30, 2022, at VNUA), and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 2, 2022.
Orientation for the Next Phase
Building on the achievements attained, VNUA and BOKU are committed to further:
· Promoting research in key fields: biotechnology, food science and technology, crop science, environmental analysis, soil science and bioeconomy.
· Expanding staff, doctoral, and postdoctoral exchanges through international scholarships, particularly ASEA-UNINET.
· Developing joint research projects funded by the EU and Vietnam - Austria bilateral programs.
· Enhancing the participation of BOKU professors in high-quality training programs at VNUA.
Delegates from VNUA, BOKU and partners at the Anniversary Celebration
Towards a Sustainable Future
The past 10 years has stood as a testament to the effective and close-knit collaboration between VNUA and BOKU. Building on this foundation of success, the two universities are committed to further strengthening their strategic partnership, making positive contributions to sustainable development in agriculture, food, and life sciences, while supporting the integration and advancement of higher education in Vietnam.
Faculty of Food Science and Technology