The Department of Parasitology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, warmly welcomed representatives from Vietnam Military Medical University to explore potential collaborations. International cooperation has been a crucial aspect of enhancing the faculty’s training, research capacity, and integration in the global environment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, many international activities had been put on hold since early 2021.
In response to the importance of scientific and international research, the Parasitology Department initiated efforts to connect with experts from Vietnam Military Medical University, Viet Duc Medical Research Center, leading to a productive working session at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture on October 5, 2021.
The guest representatives from Vietnam Military Medical University included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song, Deputy Director; Dr. Nguyen Trong The, Head of the Training Department; and Mr. Thirumalaisamy Palanichamy Velavan, Director of Vietnam-Germany Medical Research Center. Representing the Vietnam National University of Agriculture were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Bao Duong, Vice President of the University; MSc. Duong Thi Minh Phuong, Representative of the International Relations Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Tran Anh Dao, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Bui Khanh Linh, Head of the Parasitology Department; and other lecturers.
During the meeting, the focus was on exchanging potential cooperation opportunities between the two universities. The Parasite Research Group discussed various topics, including establishing a research program on parasite diseases in wild animals, which pose a risk of becoming a natural source of epidemics. Additionally, there were discussions about investigating zoonotic diseases in primates, coordinating with the PSL3 laboratory of the Vietnam University of Agriculture to establish a process for raising laboratory animals for biomedical research, and developing a project to train human resources for in-depth research on parasites. Furthermore, the parties explored the possibility of manufacturing diagnostic kits for parasites in animals and humans.
At the end of the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Tran Anh Dao introduced the BSL3 laboratory and other facilities for research at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The collaboration between the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, and Vietnam Military Medical University is expected to grow and flourish in the future.
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