Vietnam and Australia Strengthen Science and Technology Collaboration
Hanoi, Vietnam – March 11, 2026 – The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) of Vietnam and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia convened a working meeting in Hanoi to explore expanded cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. The meeting signals a deepening commitment to collaborative research and knowledge exchange between the two nations.
NAFOSTED and CSIRO: A Shared Vision for Innovation
During the meeting, representatives from both organizations outlined their respective functions, responsibilities, and ongoing research support programs. The discussions focused on sharing experiences in the development and management of science and technology activities. NAFOSTED, an agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology, plays a crucial role in funding and promoting scientific research, innovation, and technological development within Vietnam. It operates through a transparent and competitive funding mechanism that aligns with international standards, aiming to enhance national research capacity and integrate the Vietnamese scientific community into the global network [Source: Vietnam.vn].
CSIRO, established in 1916, is Australia’s national scientific research agency and a leading multidisciplinary research organization globally. It concentrates on addressing significant global challenges, including climate change, sustainable economic development, and economic diversification. CSIRO’s expertise spans areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, renewable energy, materials science, high-tech agriculture, marine science, and environmental science [Source: Vietnam.vn].
Exploring Joint Research and a Formal Partnership
Dr. Dao Ngoc Chien, Director of NAFOSTED, and Dr. Mat Cook, Director of Research for the Livestock and Aquaculture Program in the Agriculture and Food Sector at CSIRO, led the discussions. The two sides explored opportunities for joint research programs and scientist exchange initiatives. A key topic of discussion was the potential signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a systematic and sustainable framework for science and technology cooperation between Vietnam and Australia [Source: Vietnam.vn].
This strengthened connection between NAFOSTED and CSIRO is anticipated to foster knowledge transfer, bolster Vietnam’s scientific and technological capabilities, and deepen overall cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between the two countries.
Leadership at NAFOSTED
Dr. Dao Ngoc Chien holds the position of Director-General of the Office of National S&T Research Programs at the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in Vietnam. He received his Diploma of Engineer from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 1997, followed by a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering from Gifu University of Japan in 2002 and 2005, respectively [Source: APRSAF]. From 2005 to 2011, he served as a Senior Lecturer at Hanoi University of Science and Technology and was appointed Associate Professor in November 2010. He served as Deputy Director-General of the Department of High Technologies of Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology from 2011 to 2022, overseeing research and development in ICT, space technology, smart cities, and public security. He has been Director-General since May 2022 and is also an Adjunct Professor at Hanoi University of Science and Technology [Source: APRSAF].
In November 2025, NAFOSTED also established a co-funding partnership with VinUniversity to advance science and innovation in Vietnam [Source: VinUniversity].