The Opening Ceremony of the Science School with the theme “Chemistry in H2 Production and Lithium-ion battery” organized by Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) was held on October 29, 2023, in Ninh Binh.
The VAST-CNRS Science School 2023 has 30 participants, including 10 doctoral students from French universities, 10 young researchers from research institutes under VAST, and 10 doctoral students and young researchers from USTH. It takes over the course of 7 days. The participants will discuss topics related to the production, storage, and use of H2 fuel, as well as Li-ion battery technology. Seven researchers from laboratories and research institutes under CNRS, CEA, and one lecturer from USTH participate in teaching and leading discussions.
At the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Chu Hoang Ha Vice President of VAST and Chairman of the USTH University Council, emphasized the academic significance of the VAST-CNRS Science School 2023. He pointed out its importance, particularly in light of VAST and CNRS actively preparing to celebrate 40 years of collaboration in training and scientific research (1983-2023). Prof. Chu Hoang Ha expressed his hope that the Science School 2023 would build upon the success of 14 Summer Science Schools organized by VAST and CNRS in Do Son (Thanh Hoa province) between 1999 and 2012. It would further contribute to the development of young researchers within VAST and foster the creation of international research communities dedicated to addressing mutual research interests, especially in the field of renewable energy.
Prof. Dominique Baillargeat, Director of CNRS in Southeast Asia, expressed gratitude for VAST’s determination to relaunch the Science School series. He considered it a source of pride for CNRS in their international cooperation endeavors. He also conveyed confidence that the Science School 2023 would mark the new beginning of a series of science schools co-organized by the two institutions. It would be taken with a fresh approach – working together to nurture a generation of young scientists with dynamic and cooperative attitudes. It was the reason why CNRS strongly supported VAST’s initiative to provide opportunities for doctoral students from French universities to participate alongside their counterparts and young researchers from VAST.
Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest, Principal Rector of USTH, expressed gratitude to VAST and CNRS for entrusting USTH with the responsibility of organizing the Science School 2023. As part of USTH’s development strategy for the period 2022-2030, the University aimed to establish 2-3 strong research groups, that actively engage in collaboration with international partners, and conduct advanced research in key areas crucial for Vietnam’s socioeconomic progress. Renewable energy stood out as a promising research domain, where both USTH and research institutes under VAST had strong teams and could work together for further advancement. The Science School 2023 “Chemistry for H2 production and Lithium-ion battery” presented an excellent opportunity for young researchers from USTH, research institutes under VAST, as well as French scientists from CNRS and CEA, to engage in discussions and explore collaborative research ideas.
On behalf of the organizers of the Science School 2023, Prof. Matthiew Becuwe (University of Picardie Jules Verne) and Assoc. Prof. Tran Dinh Phong (USTH) expressed their gratitude for the support of VAST, CNRS, USTH, Prof. Chu Hoang Ha, Prof. Dominique Baillargeat, Prof. Jean Marc-Lavest, and Assoc. Prof. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh (Rector of USTH) to ensure the Science School 2023 could take place. The organizers, along with the lecturers and students, would engage in open discussion to clarify challenges in research and explore collaboration opportunities in the near future.
The VAST-CNRS Science School 2023: “Chemistry for H2 production and Lithium-ion battery” is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, November 5, 2023, in Ninh Binh.
