Photo: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)

The memorandum provides for joint research in areas of mutual interest, the development of academic mobility, exchanges of faculty members, researchers and students as well as the organisation of seminars and other academic events. The parties will formalise specific joint programmes and projects through separate agreements.

MPEI Rector Nikolay Rogalev and President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Tran Hong Thai signed the document.

The memorandum provides an organisational framework for further strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between MPEI and VAST. Key areas of potential cooperation include nuclear power, small modular reactors, quantum technologies, hydrogen energy, advanced energy systems and advanced materials.

Joint research on small modular reactors will be one of the key priorities. MPEI and VAST are considering establishing a joint research laboratory to conduct theoretical, computational and experimental studies in reactor technologies, thermal physics and low-carbon energy. The work is expected to include the development of computational models, the design and construction of experimental facilities and test rigs as well as, at a later stage, the development of prototypes with the involvement of industrial partners.

Quantum technologies represent another promising area of cooperation. MPEI and VAST are discussing the possibility of establishing a joint research laboratory in this field. This format of cooperation will bring together research teams from the two institutions, help establish a joint research agenda and support the training of specialists for new scientific and technological projects.

Cooperation between MPEI and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology builds on decades of academic and educational ties between Russia and Vietnam. VAST President Tran Hong Thai is an MPEI graduate and an honorary doctor of the university.

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between MPEI and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology is not simply another step in the development of our partnership. It marks a genuine breakthrough towards the future. We are on the threshold of creating truly pioneering technologies. Joint research in small modular reactors, quantum technologies, hydrogen energy and advanced materials will open up new horizons for both countries.

The planned establishment of joint research laboratories will serve as a catalyst for bringing together the best scientific minds from Russia and Vietnam. I would also like to emphasise that our cooperation rests on a strong foundation of 70 years of training Vietnamese specialists at MPEI. Today, we are taking our partnership to a qualitatively new level — moving from training specialists to developing engineering solutions and putting them into practice.

I am confident that this memorandum will provide a solid foundation for implementing the most ambitious research projects and further strengthening the friendship between our countries”, - Nikolay Rogalev, MPEI Rector, said.

The exchange of the memorandum took place as part of To Lam’s state visit to Russia. During the visit, Russia and Vietnam signed and presented a number of cooperation documents covering science and technology, education, energy and other areas.

On the eve of the signing ceremony, MPEI Rector Nikolay Rogalev took part in the Russia-Vietnam Forum on Science and Technology Cooperation, “Cooperation in Strategic Technologies”. He delivered a report titled “Prospects for Russia-Vietnam Cooperation in Training Specialists in Strategic Technologies”. His presentation outlined practical areas for joint work with Vietnamese partners in nuclear power, smart energy and engineering education as well as proposals for developing joint research and scientific infrastructure.

MPEI has been cooperating with Vietnam for more than 70 years and serves as the chair and coordinator of the Russia–Vietnam Consortium of Technical Universities. The university sees the further development of the partnership as a gradual transition from specialist training and fundamental and applied research to the development of engineering solutions, experimental testing as well as their subsequent implementation.

Reference:

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and MPEI has been concluded for a period of five years with the possibility of extension. The document outlines the general areas of cooperation in education and research while the terms for specific projects, including their financial arrangements, will be defined in separate agreements.

In 2026, MPEI received the Order of Independence, Third Class, of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for its contribution to training engineering specialists, developing scientific cooperation and strengthening the Russia-Vietnam strategic partnership.

In 2015, MPEI received the Order of Labour, First Class, of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In 1978, the university received the Order of Friendship of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.​