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| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Thi Hong Hai, Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University |
First of all, could you share more about the plan to develop the Institute of Biotechnology into the National Biotechnology Center of Central Vietnam?
Resolution 54 of the Politburo outlines the development of Thua Thien Hue by 2030, with a vision to 2045, to become a prominent center in Southeast Asia for culture, tourism, and specialized healthcare, which is also one of the country’s leading centers of science and technology, multi-disciplinary, high-quality education and training.
On November 3rd, 2022, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 26 on socio-economic development and ensuring national defense in the North Central and South Central Coastal regions by 2030, with a vision to 2045. This resolution emphasizes the mission of turning Hue University into a National University.
After that, on January 30th, 2023, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 36 on developing and applying biotechnology to foster sustainable national development. The resolution emphasizes the importance of biotechnology, aiming for a 7% contribution to GDP by 2030, meeting essential societal needs. By 2045, Vietnam is expected to be a nation with developed biotechnology in the world, a center for manufacturing and smart services, and among the top in Asia for innovation in biotechnology and entrepreneurship. The resolution also defines the task of continuing to invest in the completion and operationalization of national biotechnology centers in the North, Central, and South of the nation.
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| Researchers at the Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University, conducting scientific studies |
It is worth noting that even before Resolutions 54, 26, and 36, the government had also laid the foundation for developing the Institute of Biotechnology at Hue University into the National Biotechnology Center of the Central Vietnam through Decision 523 on May 14, 2018. In April 2023, after working with the leaders of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People’s Committee, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the Ministry of Education and Training to expedite and guide Hue University in completing the proposal to establish the National Biotechnology Center of Central Vietnam.
Recently, on September 5th, 2024, the Ministry of Education and Training reported to the Prime Minister on the progress of drafting the plan to establish the National Biotechnology Center of Central Vietnam, based on the Institute of Biotechnology at Hue University. This serves as the foundation for Hue University to establish the plan and submit it to the Ministry for review and approval before presenting it to the Prime Minister.
The specific goal of the plan is to invest in the development of new infrastructure, the incubation and experimental production facilities, including greenhouses, net-houses and vaccine and biotech product manufacturing units. The plan also focuses on upgrading the institute’s facilities and laboratories to develop it into one of three national biotechnology centers, meeting the standards of that of the ASEAN region. Additionally, it aims to improve and bring into operation specialized laboratories, develop and apply foundational technologies to create high-value scientific products, contributing to the socio-economic development of the Central and Central Highlands regions, as well as the entire country. The center will also concentrate on technology transfer in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, healthcare, and environmental protection in coastal and mountainous areas.
What are the opportunities to establish the National Biotechnology Center of Central Vietnam in Hue?
The creation of the National Biotechnology Center of Central Vietnam is to meet the socio-economic development needs and public health requirements of the Central and Central Highlands regions. It aligns with the development direction of Thua Thien Hue as outlined in Resolution 54, in which it identifies the province’s development of science and technology based on market mechanisms, establish centralized IT and high-tech zones, and research organizations capable of addressing both regional and national science and technology challenges, and becoming a major national center of science and technology.
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| Students experiencing a work environment at the Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University |
Thua Thien Hue, with Hue University as its academic nucleus, has a solid foundation in biotechnology research, possessing a strong team in this field. Currently, there are more than 200 scientists with expertise in biotechnology and related fields, including 4 professors, 28 associate professors, and 68 doctors. Therefore, the establishment of this center will leverage the potential and strengths of Hue University’s highly qualified team, as well as their extensive experience in biotechnology research and education. It will also gather scientists from the Central and Central Highlands regions, addressing the need for biotechnology research and technology transfer in the area and across the nation.
The establishment of the National Biotechnology Center of Central Vietnam at Hue University will also contribute to the process of Hue University to become a National University as outlined in Resolutions 54 and 26 of the Politburo.
Alongside these favorable factors, there will be challenges in the implementation process, won’t it?
Absolutely, the infrastructure and equipment are not yet fully synchronized. Therefore, there is a need to upgrade the equipment system and invest in building facilities and laboratories that meet ISO standards. Moreover, mechanisms are needed to recruit highly qualified personnel to fulfill the assigned tasks and meet societal demands.
When becoming the National Biotechnology Center of Central Vietnam, its role and position will be different. Can you share what the new roles are?
The center will become a national-level hub for biotechnology research and application in medicine, pharmaceuticals, food, biochemistry, agriculture, and medicinal herbs in the Central region. It will be equipped to master and eventually innovate foundational biotechnology technologies. Furthermore, it will be capable of addressing fundamental research tasks and transferring technologies to meet societal demands.
By 2030, the goal is to develop the center into one of three national biotechnology centers, reaching the same level as its ASEAN counterparts. The center will also enhance scientific research capacity, fostering creativity and technology transfer to support the socio-economic development of the Central and Central Highlands regions, as well as the country as a whole. It will ensure the ability to conduct analysis in medicine, pharmaceuticals, food, biochemistry, environment, and agricultural and forestry products, meeting societal needs and contributing to taking care of public health and economic development in the Central and Central Highland regions and the whole nation.
Thank you for your time!