On September 12, the 3rd annual “Sydney–Vietnam Innovation Symposium” officially opened in Hanoi, gathering more than 100 researchers, experts, and policymakers across diverse fields including health, social sciences, engineering, agriculture, and arts & culture from Vietnam, Australia, and beyond. 

The program is co-hosted by the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI), the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC), and the Sydney–Vietnam Academic Network (SVAN).

With the theme “Fostering Collaborative Research for Sustainable Impacts”, the event aims to promote interdisciplinary academic cooperation to identify feasible solutions to urgent challenges such as climate change, public health, food security, and community development. Alongside research presentations and thematic panel discussions, the workshop also serves as a platform to connect ideas, mobilize resources, and translate research findings into practice.

The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) plays a strategic bridging role, advancing bilateral cooperation programs and supporting researchers from both countries to build a multi-disciplinary knowledge ecosystem closely aligned with Vietnam’s and the region’s real-world needs.

Professor Nguyen Thu Anh, Director of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute, shared:

“As Vietnam prioritizes science and technology as a driver of growth, the 3rd Sydney–Australia Innovation Symposium organized by the Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) marks a milestone in fostering strategic collaboration between the two nations. The workshop brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and policymakers to share knowledge and vision, with the belief that innovation is the foundation to nurture Vietnamese talent and connect globally for a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Groundbreaking initiatives with real-world impact

This year’s presentations highlight innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong applicability, including:

Professor Kirstine McCartney presented strategies for respiratory virus vaccination (RSV, influenza, and COVID-19) across the Asia-Pacific region, with warnings and recommendations on strengthening equitable access in low-income countries.

Associate Professor Justin Beardsley introduced the SAPPHIRE initiative, led by the University of Sydney and funded by the Australian Government, currently being implemented in Vietnam, Cambodia, Fiji, and Kiribati. The project addresses critical health challenges such as tuberculosis, chronic lung diseases, and antimicrobial resistance, applying a One Health interdisciplinary approach and principles of gender equity, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI).

Professor Elizabeth Elliott shared over 20 years of collaboration between the University of Sydney and Vietnam, spanning training programs in Dien Bien, research on immunization and cerebral palsy, and the development of a national cerebral palsy registry — an effort supporting communities of people living with disabilities in Vietnam.

Dr. Joel Fredericks showcased the use of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) in flood-resilient urban planning, with case studies in Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney, enabling authorities, businesses, and communities to engage in decision-making.

Professor Jenny-Ann Toribio presented cost-effective biosecurity solutions for traditional food supply chains in Vietnam, particularly pork, leveraging field data and digital technology.

Dr. Pham Lan Huong’s presentation highlighted the new roles of museums and curators in fostering diversity, community engagement, and interdisciplinary creativity, while also proposing practical steps for collaboration to enhance curatorial capacity, develop digital tools, and build sustainable cultural bridges for Vietnam.

Capacity building and inspiring research practice

In the afternoon, the program focused on thematic discussions led by leading experts. Topics such as Science Communication in the Digital Age, Storytelling in Academic Research, Community Engagement, Funding Strategies and Research for Impact in Agriculture and Environment were explored comprehensively.

These sessions not only equipped participants with essential skills but also provided a foundation to expand collaboration networks and accelerate knowledge transfer. The ultimate goal is to ensure research findings are applied in practice, creating sustainable impacts and effectively contributing to policymaking and community benefits.

Professor Greg Fox, Director of Sydney Southeast Asia Center, shared "The Symposium highlights the transformative impact of collaborative research between Vietnam and Australia. By generating new knowledge together, researchers are driving innovation across healthcare, food systems, digital technologies, and more delivering real-world benefits throughout the region."

A sustainable platform for regional collaboration

The Sydney–Vietnam Innovation Symposium 2025 once again reaffirms the pioneering role of academic collaboration initiatives between Australia and Vietnam. By connecting knowledge, sharing experiences, and driving action, the program contributes to building a dynamic regional academic network that is interconnected and committed to sustainable development in a rapidly changing global context.