Associate Professor Ho Viet Thang, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the University of Science and Technology, the University of Danang, will conduct research and participate in academic activities at Indiana University, Bloomington, from August to October 2024 as part of the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform’s Visiting Scholar Program. 

During his visiting term in the U.S., Assoc. Prof. Ho Viet Thang’s research plans to collaborate with research groups to better understand the underlying phenomena of nanostructured metal oxides creation, which contributes to the development of new and better materials for CO2 conversion. Furthermore, he intends to study real interfaces crucial to catalytic processes using atomistic models and explore factors aiding the activation of CO2 molecules on metal oxide surfaces, as well as the various processes involved in transforming CO2 into value-added compounds.

In addition to finalizing the manuscript for publication in an international journal based on research conducted at Indiana University, Associate Professor Dr. Hồ Viết Thắng aims to establish programs to support young researchers in photocatalysis by participating in organizing workshops and symposia after participating in the program. He also intends to mentor young scholars at the University of Danang on research methods to enhance the quality and impact of their scientific work.

“This is a great opportunity for me to participate in the visiting scholar exchange program at Indiana University, USA. I will learn and enhance my scientific research skills and active teaching methods with Indiana’s professors.” – said Dr. Thang.

Moreover, Dr. Thang is committed to expanding collaborative efforts between Vietnamese researchers and their counterparts in the USA, promoting joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and developing a robust international scientific network. He claims that this opportunity will “aim at creating an academic network between Vietnamese universities and American universities”. These potential collaborations aim to leverage the strengths and expertise of both Vietnamese and American scientists to address global challenges in chemical engineering and related fields.

The Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) under the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform project supports scholars at Vietnam National University, the University of Danang and Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (3Us) to improve their research and/or teaching capacity and broaden strategic partnerships with higher education institutions in the United States. In the Summer and of Fall 2024, the VSP will send 21 scholars from the 3Us to U.S. host institutions for academic research and exchange experiences.