Hanoi Medical University and University of Sydney honor outstanding academics, strengthening bilateral research collaboration
Australia-Vietnam medical ties strengthened through academic recognition
Hanoi Medical University (HMU) and the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) today celebrated the achievements of two distinguished academics, Associate Professor Justin Beardsley and Associate Professor Vu Van Giap. Their recognition highlights the deepening partnership between Australia and Vietnam in medical research and education.
Mrs Freya Kaine, Counsellor of Education and Research, Australia Embassy give congratulation speech.
The ceremonies were attended by Ms. Freya Kaine, Education and Research Counsellor at the Australian Embassy; Professor Nguyen Huu Tu, Rector of HMU; Associate Professor Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital; Ms. Pham Ngoc Yen, Director of the Clinical Trial Unit at SVI; along with faculty leaders, doctors, lecturers, and media representatives.
Rector of Hanoi Medical University, Professor Nguyen Huu Tu, awarded an honorary professorship to Associate Professor Justin Beardsley of the University of Sydney.
Hanoi Medical University conferred an Honorary Professorship upon A/Prof. Beardsley, an infectious disease specialist at Westmead Hospital and clinical researcher from the University of Sydney, recognizing his significant contributions, particularly in infectious disease research. His work, including a New England Journal of Medicine publication on Cryptococcal Meningitis, focuses on fungal infections, tuberculosis, and antimicrobial resistance in resource-limited settings. He led the WHO's 2022 Fungal Priority Pathogen List and currently sits on two WHO expert advisory groups. He has collaborated extensively with HMU for over 5 years on projects addressing antimicrobial resistance, Aspergillus infection, and improving the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal diseases in Vietnam.
Associate Professor Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital, presented flowers to congratulate the two Associate Professors.
The University of Sydney formally appointed A/Prof. Vu Van Giap as Adjunct Associate Professor, recognizing his exceptional research contributions and dedication to collaborative projects between Australia and Vietnam. A leading respiratory specialist with 80 publications and 20 book chapters, A/Prof. Giap has made significant contributions to research on various respiratory diseases. He has served on Vietnam’s national committees for antibiotic resistance and respiratory disease guidelines and has been actively involved in Australian research since 2017 as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Sydney.
Since then, A/Prof. Giap has played a pivotal role as chief investigator in multiple health research projects and clinical trials on infectious lung diseases, COPD, asthma, and smoking cessation programs. As Vice Director of Bach Mai Hospital and Secretary of the Vietnam Respiratory Society, he has been instrumental in the design, establishment, and implementation of these research initiatives. Several of his studies have contributed to the revision of WHO guidelines globally and shaped healthcare practices in Vietnam.
We are deeply honored to have worked with Associate Professor Vu Van Giap and his team at Bach Mai Hospital for over a decade. His unwavering dedication to research has been instrumental in our shared successes, particularly in the field of lung health. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to further enhance the healthcare system.
These concurrent celebrations underscore the strategic importance of the Hanoi Medical University – University of Sydney partnership, which aims to tackle shared challenges in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and chronic diseases. The collaboration between researchers like A/Prof. Beardsley and A/Prof. Giap exemplifies this commitment and paves the way for future breakthroughs.
The Australian government is invested in Vietnam through the 33.5-million-dollar Aus4Innovation program which focuses on strengthening Australian and Vietnamese shared goals in science, technology and innovations to promote collaboration for sustainable socio-economic development. These initiatives exemplify the depth of our collaboration and the tangible impact of our joint efforts and by leveraging our collective expertise will not only advance scientific knowledge but also contribute to the socio-economic development of our countries.
This event reaffirms the commitment of Australia and Vietnam to strengthening ties in education, research, and healthcare. Through collaboration, the two nations continue to build capacity, share expertise, and develop innovative solutions to pressing health challenges in the region and beyond. The achievements of A/Prof. Beardsley and A/Prof. Giap serve as a testament to the power of international partnerships in advancing global health.