Hanoi, Vietnam, November 13, 2025 – VinUniversity (VinUni) and the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) officially signed a cooperation agreement to establish a co-funding model for scientific research and innovation. The event marks a significant milestone for VinUni in its strategy to develop a modern research ecosystem and integrate more deeply with the national and international science and technology community.
Dr. Lê Mai Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and President of the University Council, VinUni, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Ngọc Chiến, Director of NAFOSTED, presented the memorandum of understanding in the presence of representatives from both sides.
The signing ceremony at VinUni was officiated by Dr. Lê Mai Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and President of the University Council, VinUni, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Ngọc Chiến, Director of NAFOSTED, together with representatives from both organizations. Under the agreement, VinUni and NAFOSTED will jointly establish a co-funding mechanism for a broad range of research and product development initiatives in nationally strategic technologies. VinUni commits to contributing resources, expertise, and research infrastructure to carry out the tasks outlined in the collaboration.
This collaboration enables VinUni to integrate its research activities more deeply with the national scientific ecosystem while encouraging greater participation of Vietnamese scholars in global research networks. As part of the partnership, VinUni and NAFOSTED will co-host international conferences, strengthen engagement with Vietnamese researchers working overseas, and expand doctoral and postdoctoral training programs. These initiatives are designed to nurture a new generation of academics and innovators equipped to pursue internationally competitive research careers directly from Vietnam.
An important focus of the agreement is the joint development of a research governance platform that meets international standards, ensuring transparent review processes, ethical oversight, data security, and allocation of intellectual property rights based on actual contributions. In addition, this collaboration facilitates the involvement of international scholars in research, addresses major national challenges, and elevates the global standing of Vietnamese science.
Dr. Lê Mai Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and President of the University Council, VinUni, stated: “We stand ready to work alongside NAFOSTED on co-funding initiatives, backed by a community of committed and highly capable researchers and experts, to help advance the national strategy for science, technology, and innovation.”
Dr. Lê Mai Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and President of the University Council, VinUni, delivered remarks and shared the strategic directions for collaboration between the two institutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Ngọc Chiến, Director of NAFOSTED, noted: “While VinUni is a university, we regard it not merely as an educational institution but as an equal counterpart; one that can both conduct research and contribute funding, with a mindset of big dreaming and action-orientation.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Ngọc Chiến, Director of NAFOSTED, delivered speech at the signing ceremony.
As Vietnam positions science and innovation as key drivers of national development, the strategic partnership between VinUni and NAFOSTED sets an important benchmark for public-private collaboration. It also underscores VinUni’s pioneering role in building a professional, transparent, and globally connected scientific ecosystem, and in elevating Vietnam’s standing on the global research landscape.
The signing ceremony marks a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between the national research funding agency and an internationally accredited private university. The partnership is expected to accelerate scientific research, advance technological development, and foster a vibrant, innovation-driven ecosystem in Vietnam.
The representatives of two organizations at VinUni.
