Brian Jeffrey
Pham Anh Tuan, the Chairman of Binh Dinh Province, has committed to eliminating barriers and ensuring ideal conditions for the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) to flourish, which will significantly support the region’s and the nation’s objectives in advancing science and technology.
Recently, nearly 50 scientists and experts gathered at ICISE in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh, for a workshop aimed at discussing a draft proposal to establish a “Center for Space Science and Technology Research and Application,” in line with Vietnam’s national strategy for space science development through 2030.
Key participants included Dr. Nguyen Quan, a former Minister for Science and Technology and current Chairman of the Vietnam Automation Association; Prof. Tran Thanh Van, who leads the Rencontres du Vietnam Association and directs ICISE; Dr. Nguyen Huu Ha, Deputy Director of Binh Dinh’s Department of Science and Technology; alongside experts from various academic institutions and representatives from provincial departments.
This workshop represented a landmark moment for Vietnam’s space research field, showcasing advancements in the sector. Insights shared aimed at enhancing the proposal to ensure the center in Binh Dinh is aligned with government priorities and is realistically implementable.
The vision includes encouraging space science research, advancing projects in astronomy and astrophysics, and fostering international collaborations, particularly with NASA and premier institutions from France and the U.S., alongside top global scientific organizations.
Moreover, the center intends to utilize space technologies in everyday life, such as incorporating satellite data into meteorology, environmental monitoring, smart farming, and transportation sectors. Plans for a specialized training facility to cultivate skilled personnel in space science are also underway, supporting Vietnam in its digital transformation and innovation efforts.
The insights gained from the workshop will form the basis for finalizing the proposal, which is slated to be submitted to the Binh Dinh People’s Committee for project investment approval.
Following discussions with Prof. Tran Thanh Van and representatives from the Rencontres du Vietnam Association, Chairman Pham Anh Tuan reiterated that ICISE serves as a point of pride for both Quy Nhon and Binh Dinh, as well as a notable feature within Vietnam’s and the region’s scientific community.
The chairman assured continued strong support from local authorities, pledging to resolve any barriers and foster favorable conditions for ICISE to thrive, thereby making a considerable impact on science and technology in Vietnam.
Prof. Tran Thanh Van, the founder of Rencontres du Vietnam and ICISE, commented, “Our choice to establish ICISE in Binh Dinh has never wavered. Throughout various local administrations, we have consistently received invaluable support, which has driven us to persist in our mission.”
With three decades of experience in Vietnam and over ten years dedicated to ICISE’s development, Prof. Van and his team have turned the center into a vital hub for academic collaboration, talent development, fundamental research, scientific diplomacy, and crafting a positive national image. Today, ICISE is emerging as a significant scientific emblem for Vietnam on the world stage.
ICISE represents a distinctive model in Vietnam, merging academia, innovation, and policy foresight, providing young Vietnamese researchers with a world-class and open setting to “launch their scientific careers.”
According to Prof. Van, the center’s achievements are founded on a deep commitment to homeland, passion for science, and robust international partnerships. In the near future, ICISE will welcome Nobel laureate Prof. Serge Haroche (Physics, 2012) and other esteemed French scientists as part of the strategic France-Vietnam research collaboration. Major initiatives in space science, oceanography, and environmental research are also in progress with backing from French organizations.
ICISE stands out as one of the few scientific centers in Vietnam that meets international standards, established and operated by global experts.
“Thanks to the local government’s support and high-level cooperation from both nations, ICISE is progressively solidifying its role as an important scientific hub regionally and nationally,” stressed Prof. Van.
To date, ICISE has successfully hosted over 200 international scientific gatherings, attracting nearly 16,500 scientists from 60 different countries, including multiple Nobel laureates and winners of the Fields and Dirac Medals.
