Strengthening Research and Partnerships Across Vietnam
SVI Director of Operations concludes productive multi-city tour strengthening partnerships and expanding research initiatives.
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho, Vietnam – March 2025 – Mr. Elis Benediktsson, Director of Operations at the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI), recently completed a successful business trip across Vietnam, engaging with key stakeholders and reinforcing the Institute's commitment to advancing collaborative research and improving public health outcomes.
In Hanoi, Mr. Benediktsson participated in productive discussions at the Australian Embassy, where the focus was on enhancing research impact, fostering collaboration, and supporting development initiatives, especially in the Mekong Delta. These engagements underscored SVI’s dedication to strengthening the Australia-Vietnam strategic partnership. He also met with leaders from the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to explore new research opportunities and deepen collaborations.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Benediktsson continued his efforts to build strong partnerships, meeting with the Australian Consulate-General to discuss SVI's plans for 2025 and exploring potential future collaborations with Orlar’s leadership and other stakeholders. He also visited the District 6 Health Center, where he expressed gratitude for their ongoing partnership in clinical trial research, particularly focusing on infectious diseases, including tuberculosis treatment and prevention. During his visit, he observed the PHOENIx MDR-TB study and engaged with research staff on operational improvements, reaffirming SVI's commitment to advancing clinical trial research in collaboration with local partners.
Mr. Benediktsson's trip also included a visit to Can Tho City, the location of the Institute's third office, to connect with the team, discuss their work, and meet with the Can Tho City Hospital of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases regarding future clinical trial collaborations. This office, situated within the hospital, serves as the Institute's Mekong Delta research hub, demonstrating its commitment to expanding research beyond major cities, addressing regional lung disease challenges, advancing clinical trials, and fostering valuable partnerships with local healthcare providers and communities across Vietnam.
The successful meetings held across Vietnam highlight SVI's ongoing dedication to enhancing research outcomes, fostering partnerships, and advancing public health through impactful collaborations. The Institute remains focused on driving innovative research that will positively impact both the people of Vietnam and the University of Sydney community.