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- ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â and NuOL sign MoU
ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â and the National University of Laos sign Memorandum of Understanding for Scientific Cooperation

ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â Regional Director for Continental Southeast Asia (ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â DRASEC), Dr. Francois Roger and President of the National University of Laos, Assoc. Prof. Oudom Phonekhamphen, along with members from both institutions. © NUoL, 2023
On 23 November 2023, the National University of Laos (NUoL) and ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â met for the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for scientific cooperation. In the presence of dignitaries, esteemed guests, and representatives from both institutions, the President of NUoL, Assoc. Prof. Oudom Phonekhamphen, and ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â Regional Director for Continental Southeast Asia (ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â DRASEC), Dr. Francois Roger, solidified a framework of partnership that sets the stage for a collaborative future in agricultural development, education, and research.
Mission and vision of the MoU
The MoU establishes a comprehensive cooperation framework between NUoL and ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â, with a particular focus on joint research endeavors, the exchange of personnel, training and teaching programs, and sharing scientific resources.
This framework will help fulfill ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â's mission of generating new knowledge in collaboration with southern countries and promoting agricultural development, which works in synergy with NuOL's role of aligning education and research with Laos' national priorities, especially in agronomy and socio-economic sciences.
This signature signifies their shared vision to enhance the academic landscape and contribute to the prosperity of both Laos and the global community. It opens doors to numerous opportunities for joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and knowledge sharing.
Together, NUoL and ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â will work hand in hand to bridge the gap between academia and practical solutions, fostering an environment where ideas are transformed into actions that benefit society as a whole.
Areas of cooperation
Under this agreement, the two institutions will engage in:
- Joint research projects on sustainable agriculture, food systems transformation, and One Health.
- Exchange and hosting of scientific and technical staff.
- Joint organization of seminars, symposia, and conferences.
- Collaborative responses to national and international calls for tender.
The framework also highlights ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â and NuOL's joint prioritization of staff training and development in collaboration. ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â will provide training to NUoL's research and technical staff based on the specific needs of their projects, as well as broader skill enhancement. Similarly, NUoL will offer ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â-approved researchers, students, and trainees training opportunities.
The increased presence of ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â researchers in Laos, growing from 2 to 8 by the end of 2024, further cements this commitment. Four researchers will work directly with NUoL's Faculty of Agriculture, integrating their expertise with ongoing projects and initiatives.
A Step Towards Sustainable Global Solutions
NUoL has been an integral part of ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â's regional platforms in partnership with research and training MALICA/Food Systems () and GREASE/One Health () for the past twelve years. A new collaboration is also being developed with the Faculty of Forest Sciences on Aquilaria sp. farming and agarwood production.
Recognizing NUoL as a hub for education, research, and the cultivation of future leaders in Laos, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â aims to bring its expertise in agriculture, food systems, animal health, One Health development, and environmental sciences to bridge the gap between academia and real-world issues through this collaboration. This Framework Agreement represents their commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices.