Participants pose for a group photo at the Vietnam-Korea Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum in Hà Nội on April 24. Photos courtesy of ICISE

HÀ NỘI - The Asia-Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP) and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST) in Hà Nội on April 24.

The event was held within the framework of the Vietnam-Korea Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum, a key activity during the state visit to Việt Nam by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his spouse from April 22–24.

At the ceremony, Prof. Jae-Hyung Jeon, Executive Director of APCTP, and Dr. The signing was witnessed by high-ranking leaders from both countries, including South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Bae Kyung Hoon; Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology, Vũ Hải Quân; and President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Jang Won-sam, along with other distinguished delegates.

Earlier on April 23, Dr. Trần Thanh Sơn, Vice Director of ICISE and Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Dũng, head of the Quantum Physics Group at IFIRSE, ICISE held a working session with a high-level delegation from APCTP, including Prof. Jae-Hyung Jeon, Ms. Eunjeong Lee (Director of the International Cooperation Office), and Soohyung Jin (Director of the Research Planning Office). The meeting focused on establishing specific action plans to promote collaboration between the two units ahead of the formal signing.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will enhance cooperation in physics and interdisciplinary sciences between Việt Nam and South Korea. Key activities will focus on: promoting research in theoretical physics and related fields, implementing researcher exchange programmes, conducting joint research projects, and co-organising scientific workshops, conferences, seminars, and other academic activities.

The Asia-Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP) and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) representatives exchange the MoU.

For many years, APCTP has been a steadfast supporter of the Vietnam School of Physics (VSOP), an annual academic programme organised by the Rencontres du Vietnam and ICISE since 1994.

The VSOP serves to connect students and young researchers passionate about physics, providing them with access to advanced research methods in fields such as elementary particle physics and dark matter.

This MoU marks a significant milestone in the relationship between APCTP and ICISE, creating a solid foundation for future scientific research and academic development. Both sides plan to strengthen coordination, particularly through the Quantum Physics Group of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Education (IFIRSE) under ICISE, to organise specialised training programnes, thematic schools, and international conferences.

Through joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and high-quality human resource training, both parties aim to foster connectivity within the scientific community and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and technology.

These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the sustainable development and innovation of both nations and the East Asian region, further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Việt Nam and South Korea in science, technology, and education. VNS