On July 13, 2026, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) presented a Medal to H.E. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of the French Republic to Vietnam, in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening cooperation between VAST and its French partners, as well as advancing collaboration in science, technology, and higher education between the two countries.
Held on the eve of France’s National Day on July 14, the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of cooperation between VAST and French partners, built and nurtured over many years. It also recognized Ambassador Olivier Brochet’s important role in sustaining, promoting, and expanding scientific and educational cooperation between Vietnam and France throughout his tenure.
Among these achievements, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) stands out as a particularly meaningful symbol of Vietnam–France cooperation and friendship. The University embodies the shared strategic vision of the two governments, the strengths of French education and scientific excellence, and Vietnam’s aspiration to develop a highly qualified workforce capable of supporting national development.
Throughout his term in office, Ambassador Olivier Brochet has shown strong commitment to USTH’s development journey. As a key bridge in Vietnam–France cooperation, he has contributed to strengthening the collaboration of French partners with the University in education, research, and high-quality human resource development, while creating new opportunities for USTH to expand its international academic network and further enhance its standing in the global higher education community.
Supporting USTH’s growth and transformation
Established in 2009 under the Intergovernmental Agreement between Vietnam and France, USTH was founded with the ambition of becoming a university of excellence, delivering high-quality human resources and contributing to Vietnam’s development in an increasingly interconnected world.
After 17 years of growth, USTH has steadily fulfilled this mission with the support of the Government of Vietnam, the Government of France, the Embassy of France in Vietnam, VAST, and the USTH Consortium – a network of more than 30 French universities and research institutes committed to the University’s development. From an ambitious bilateral initiative, USTH has evolved into a distinctive model of higher education cooperation and a flagship example of Vietnam–France collaboration in education and research.
During his tenure as Ambassador of the French Republic to Vietnam (2023–2026), Ambassador Olivier Brochet paid close attention to USTH’s development and strategic direction. He helped maintain USTH as a priority within the bilateral cooperation agenda in education, science, and technology, while strengthening the University’s connections with French higher education institutions, research organizations, enterprises, and academic communities.
Ambassador Olivier Brochet engaged in discussions with leaders of VAST, USTH’s Rector Board, and French partners on the University’s strategic priorities, including expanding academic programmes, enhancing research capacity, developing faculty expertise, strengthening international integration, and designing new programmes in fields where Vietnam has growing demand for highly skilled professionals.
Building on successful cooperation in fields such as information technology, biotechnology, materials science, energy, space science, and aerospace, and with strong support from French partners, USTH is now expanding into emerging strategic areas, including nuclear energy, high-speed rail, and health sciences. These are fields in which France has considerable expertise and where Vietnam will require advanced human resources to meet its development goals in the decades ahead.
Through continued collaboration with French partners, USTH students, graduate students, doctoral candidates, faculty members, and young researchers have gained increasing opportunities to study, undertake internships, conduct research, and enhance their expertise at French universities, laboratories, and research institutes.
USTH has continued to strengthen its position within Vietnam’s higher education system and internationally, while becoming a trusted academic destination for international students, particularly those from French universities and engineering schools through exchange programmes, internships, and academic cooperation initiatives.
Beyond supporting specific cooperation projects, Ambassador Olivier Brochet has also contributed to promoting USTH’s image among French academic institutions and partners. His support reflects France’s long-term commitment to working with Vietnam in developing high-quality human resources, advancing science, technology, and innovation, and nurturing future generations of scientists and experts.
USTH’s message of appreciation to Ambassador Olivier Brochet
Over more than five decades of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, cooperation in education and science has remained one of the enduring pillars connecting the two countries through partnership and friendship.
The Medal awarded by VAST to Ambassador Olivier Brochet represents a heartfelt recognition of his contributions as a great friend of Vietnamese science who has supported VAST, USTH, and the scientific communities of both countries.
USTH extends its sincere gratitude to H.E. Olivier Brochet for his support, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the University’s development. The values built through cooperation, trust, and partnership between Vietnam and France will continue to inspire future generations of faculty members, researchers, and students, enabling USTH to further develop as a leading model of higher education cooperation and contribute to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and France in the future.
