On the afternoon of 4 November 2025, a working session took place at Tay Bac University between the University and a delegation from the University of Adelaide (Australia) and the Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute.
The expert delegation included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vinay Pagay, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology; Dr. Do Mai Chi, Researcher; and Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, MSc, Head of the Arabica Coffee Research Division, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry Research and Development Centre. On the University’s side, the session was chaired by Dr. Do Hong Duc, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice Rector, with leaders of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation and leaders, staff and lecturers of the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Social Sciences and Economics.
Aiming at research cooperation on Son La coffee between Tay Bac University, the University of Adelaide and the Institute, the participants shared, exchanged and discussed the experts’ research and survey results.
Dr. Vinay Pagay introduced the University of Adelaide and presented its main research directions: crop physiological responses to adverse conditions; improving soil health with biochar to increase water retention, nutrients and beneficial microorganisms; and sensor technologies to monitor crop growth, health and nutrient needs in the field in real time. Dr. Do Mai Chi shared the results of a survey on “Strategies for coping with climate risks for smallholder Arabica coffee producers in Son La”, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Van presented research results on intercropping and shade trees for Arabica coffee.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Do Hong Duc outlined the University’s development orientation for the coming period, emphasising the promotion of international cooperation and wider connections with reputable educational and research institutions to improve the quality of training, research and community service.
The session was lively and productive, with many professional exchanges on human resources, coffee research by lecturers of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, and issues related to the experts’ research and Arabica coffee production in Son La. After the discussions, the two sides agreed to stay connected through the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation to develop concrete research cooperation proposals for the next phase.
The working session was an important step in promoting the University’s international cooperation and scientific research, opening up many directions for joint research that will help address practical local issues and enhance Tay Bac University’s standing in external relations and international integration.
Some photos from the working session:
Photo 1: Dr. Do Hong Duc welcomes the delegation and introduces Tay Bac University
Photo 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vinay Pagay shares information on his research fields
Photo 3: Dr. Do Mai Chi presents the survey results
Photos 4–6: Discussions and exchanges
Photo 7: Souvenir photo with the expert delegation (Source: Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation)
