Vietnam Strengthens International Collaboration in Advanced Materials - Accelerating Semiconductor and New Energy Development

Vietnam is strengthening international collaboration in the advanced materials sector to boost its scientific and technological innovation. The "20th International Conference on the Physical Properties and Applications of Advanced Materials (ICPMAT 2026)" and the "2nd International Conference on Advanced Materials and Technologies (ICAMT 2026)", hosted by Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), took place in Hanoi from July 23rd to 25th, serving as a crucial part of these efforts. The conferences attracted a large number of scientists, researchers, postgraduate students, and research fellows from Vietnam and various countries and territories, including Japan, the United States, South Korea, France, Germany, Australia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Participants reaffirmed that advanced materials form the foundation for strategically vital fields such as the semiconductor industry, clean energy, smart manufacturing, biomedicine, and the digital economy. There is particular anticipation that the integration of AI and digital technologies, coupled with international cooperation, will lead to the creation of practical technologies, contribute to solving global challenges, and promote sustainable development. The conferences focused on research themes including high-performance metals and alloys, polymers and advanced composite materials, smart textiles, functional materials, nanotechnology, and smart sensors. Professor Huynh Trung Hai, Dean of the School of Materials at HUST, stated that the conferences not only celebrate the university's 70th anniversary but also serve as an opportunity to reaffirm HUST's role as a leading research institution in Vietnam, foster international partnerships, and promote the development of high-quality human resources for the region and the world. Professor Le Anh Tuan, President of HUST, highlighted that the Vietnamese government has placed science, technology, and innovation at the core of its national development strategy, with HUST playing a pivotal role in realizing this vision. The university aims to become one of Asia's leading higher education institutions, focusing on key areas such as intelligent systems, AI and data technology, green energy and sustainable development, health sciences, and advanced materials. Professor Tuan pointed out that as AI and digital technologies are accelerating the discovery of new materials globally, international cooperation that transcends disciplinary and geographical boundaries is essential to fully harness the potential of this field. The conferences, which received 248 scientific papers, provided a platform for exchanging the latest research findings, fostering academic exchange, and inspiring the next generation of young researchers.