On the afternoon of April 20, 2026,Thuyloi University (TLU) held a working session with Professor Lawrence Goodridge, Canadian Research Director of Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics and Director of the Canadian Institute for Food Safety Research, University of Guelph (Canada). As a key expert in the “Safe Food for Growth” (SAFEGRO) project, funded by the Canadian government for Vietnam from 2021-2025, the Professor’s cordial discussions opened up many opportunities for strategic cooperation aimed at enhancing the capacity of a sustainable food system in Vietnam in general and related research activities at the TLU in particular.
The representatives from the University attending the meeting included Dr. Le Quang Tuan – Deputy Head of the Department of Science and Technology and International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Huong – Deputy Head of the Faculty of Chemistry and Environment, along with leaders and lecturers from the Biotechnology Department of the Faculty of Chemistry and Environment.
During the meeting, after reviewing the University’s history and its strengths in training and research, both sides confirmed that TLU and the University of Guelph have strong potential for cooperation. This cooperation would involve exchanging lecturers and students in the fields of biotechnology and water quality, specifically relating to agricultural production and national food security. Following this affirmation, Professor Lawrence Goodridge agreed to the proposal to further develop potential collaboration in both training and scientific research.
In terms of training, Professor Lawrence emphasized the commitment to providing maximum opportunities for faculty and students to access online training courses as well as advanced academic programs on food safety from the University of Guelph. Simultaneously, the research orientation will focus on addressing the practical challenges of Vietnam’s agricultural sector, closely adhering to Decision No. 300/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on transforming the food system into a transparent, accountable, and sustainable one by 2030.
Professor Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc from the Faculty of Chemistry and Environment discussed research collaboration with Professor Lawrence regarding environmental protection in coastal areas.
In particular, the two sides also exchanged research directions on the treatment and reuse of food waste through fermentation technology. Dr. Cao Thi Hue from the Department of Biotechnology expressed her hope that Professor Lawrence would be interested in cooperating and providing academic support to enhance the capacity of the Faculty in similar research.
Professor Lawrence happily agreed with the proposal for collaborative research centered around three key areas: food security, water security, and sustainable development. The combination of the traditional strengths of TLU and the research and collaboration capabilities of the University of Guelph – Canada is expected to generate new research activities, not only enhancing the university’s international standing but also directly contributing to the transformation of the national food system.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain regular contact to promote specific activities in the future. Top priorities include in-depth academic exchanges on food safety, identifying potential postgraduate students for short-term exchange programs, and coordinating the development of joint research project proposals to be submitted under the Protocol. They also agreed to study and propose to the leaders of both sides the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), creating a solid legal framework for long-term cooperation./.
Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation
