VNU-RMIT Innovation Hub drives Vietnam-Australia collaboration

The VNU-RMIT Innovation Hub officially opened on Nov. 4 in the presence of leaders from the Vietnamese government, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), and RMIT University. Photo courtesy of RMIT

Spanning nearly 1,000 square meters and boasting modern facilities, the hub is envisioned to become a collaborative laboratory and workspace for advancing technology and scientific research in Vietnam.

It will connect VNU and RMIT with education and industry partners to conduct joint research and development projects, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) disciplines.

RMIT will work closely with VNU’s main coordinator for the hub, the Information Technology Institute (VNU-ITI), to support the training of high-quality talent at doctoral and post-doctoral levels, as well as coordinate conferences, seminars, and academic exchange activities across Vietnam and Australia.

According to Professor Ian Burnett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (STEM College) and Vice-President of RMIT University, STEM disciplines will be particularly critical to Vietnam's future to drive innovation, economic growth, and societal development.

"Investment in research and infrastructure to promote cutting-edge scientific research and foster collaboration between the top universities in Vietnam in these fields is an exciting step," Burnett said.

Professor Claire Macken, Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam added, "We have great hopes that with this synergistic partnership, RMIT and VNU-ITI will contribute to Vietnam becoming a key player in the global technology landscape."

The hub boasts modern facilities across nearly 1,000 square meters of floor space. Photo courtesy of RMIT

According to VNU-ITI Director Associate Professor Tran Xuan Tu, one of the objectives of the hub is to help businesses access scientific and technological solutions for important emerging areas such as new materials, semiconductor technology, renewable energy, and AI.

"Our aspiration when building the hub was to not only connect top scientists but also engage with more businesses from both Vietnam and Australia so that our research can benefit from practical insights and serve practical needs," Tu said.

VNU Vice President Associate Professor Pham Bao Son added that as the country's leading institution for education and research in science and technology, VNU puts a strong focus on mastering, transferring, and applying technology to serve economic growth and societal development.

"With RMIT being a leader in STEM and well known for innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry connections, we look forward to many fruitful collaborations with the university," he said.

The innovation hub opening took place during the VNU Investment Promotion Conference 2023. The annual platform connects VNU with businesses and entrepreneurs, both domestic and international, who are interested in education, training, science, and technology.

RMIT Vietnam Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Claire Macken and VNU-ITI Director Associate Professor Tran Xuan Tu attend the plenary session of the VNU Investment Promotion Conference 2023. Photo courtesy of RMIT

RMIT and VNU's partnership started in 1995. Initial outcomes from the partnership included the launch of a systems development center for VNU, quality assurance activities, study exchange programs, and co-organized international conferences and seminars.

In 2017, the two partners signed a deal to strengthen cooperation in areas such as academic quality, leadership training, joint research projects, and research supervision.

Since 2018, they have extended cooperation into areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, engineering, and business.