Kick-off of the Third IUC-QNU Steering Committee Week

DLR – From June 2 to 8, 2025, Quy Nhon University officially launched the Third Steering Committee Week of the IUC-QNU Phase 1 Program. This marks an important event within the framework of international cooperation between the university and higher education institutions in Flanders, Belgium. The week is designed to review and assess the outcomes of the third year while setting directions for the fourth year of the Program.

The Steering Committee Week brings together the Program’s Steering Committee, the Belgian coordination team, the QNU coordination team, and members of seven sub-projects. Throughout the week, activities will include preparatory meetings, coordination sessions, scientific workshops, field visits, laboratory inspections, and professional exchanges among project teams. Notably, all seven sub-projects (Projects 1–7) will conduct their third-year performance evaluations, discuss fourth-year plans, organize thematic seminars, and carry out fieldwork in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Dak Lak.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Duc Tung, Rector of the University, worked with the delegation from KU Leuven and IUC-QNU partners

As part of the Steering Committee Week, the leadership of Quy Nhon University held a working session with the delegation from KU Leuven University and IUC-QNU partners. Professor Kristiaan Temst, representing KU Leuven, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the university leadership for their active and effective support in implementing the program. He also announced that KU Leuven had recently appointed the first female Rector in its history, adding that the university looked forward to introducing the new Rector to Quy Nhon University at the earliest possible opportunity.

On behalf of Quy Nhon University, Associate Professor Dr. Doan Duc Tung, Rector of the University, reaffirmed QNU’s strong commitment to providing maximum support for the IUC-QNU Program. He also shared updates on the university’s ongoing restructuring of certain functional units to align with the state’s reform agenda. At the same time, he emphasized strengthening priority activities in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, closely associated with the effective implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 57/NQ-TW at QNU.

Professor Kristiaan Temst, representative of KU Leuven and IUC-QNU partners, exchanged a wide range of information with the university leadership

In addition, both sides reached a consensus on the desire to continue implementing Phase 2 of the IUC-QNU Program, while at the same time expanding and further developing the activities of Phase 1. Priority will be given to new research directions such as chip and semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence (AI), automotive engineering, and other high-tech fields. These strategic orientations are expected to strengthen the professional and research capacity of faculty members, thereby meeting the country’s development needs in an era of dynamic growth.

Professor Kristiaan Temst presented a commemorative gift to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Duc Tung, Rector of QNU, as a symbol of friendship and long-term cooperation between the two sides

A highlight of the week is the Expanded Joint Steering Committee Meeting of the IUC-QNU Program, scheduled for June 4, 2025, with the participation of all program members.

At the meeting, Dr. Ha Thanh Hai, Vice Rector of Quy Nhon University, underscored the significance of Resolution 57/NQ-TW, issued at the end of 2024, as a strategic turning point in shaping the nation’s orientation toward science, technology, digital transformation, and innovation. He emphasized that the outcomes achieved under the IUC-QNU Program fully align with the spirit of the Resolution, contributing to the enhancement of the university’s research capacity and the expansion of its international cooperation.

Dr. Ha Thanh Hai, Vice Rector of the University, expressed his gratitude to the partners and all sub-project members for their companionship and valuable contributions over the past period

After four years of implementation, the Program has generated positive impacts in human resource development, research, governance, and community engagement. Dr. Ha Thanh Hai acknowledged the contributions of five research projects in agriculture, environment, and renewable energy, which have advanced interdisciplinary research; along with two institutional projects that have improved laboratory management, online learning, digital library services, and waste treatment. These achievements, he noted, are crucial in strengthening the university’s standing in education and research.

Looking ahead, the Vice Rector affirmed that Quy Nhon University will continue to build on its existing foundation with the vision of becoming a leading university in the region, strengthening international connections, advancing research, and serving the community. Dr. Ha Thanh Hai also extended sincere gratitude to the partners from Flanders—particularly KU Leuven—and to all project members for their commitment and valuable contributions throughout this journey.

Representatives of the projects reported on their progress and proposed work plans for the coming year

Concluding the Joint Steering Committee meeting, the parties collectively reviewed the extent to which the initial project objectives had been achieved and acknowledged the new accomplishments gained during the implementation process.

The IUC-QNU Program is a flagship international cooperation project between Quy Nhon University and Belgian partners, funded by VLIR-UOS. The Program aims to enhance the university’s research, training, and governance capacity, thereby supporting Quy Nhon University’s deeper integration into regional and global higher education systems. This Steering Committee Week serves not only as a platform for reviewing progress and setting strategic directions, but also as an opportunity for all parties to share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and foster innovative initiatives in higher education.

 IUC QNU – Minh Hien

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