Lecturer of the University of Engineering and Technology – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Dr. Nghiem Nguyen Viet Dung, participates in the Visiting Scholar Program from August to October 2024 as part of the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform project. Dr. Dung will connect with international scientists and conduct research on quantum computing and its applications in bioinformatics.

During his three-month exchange at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Nghiem Nguyen Viet Dung will focus on advancing his research on optimization of formulations for quantum annealing problems and exploring their applications in bioinformatics. Dr. Dung’s research will delve into the constraints of traditional solutions to bioinformatics issues and propose new techniques using quantum algorithms, particularly Ising models. The results of the research are expected to contribute to the field of bioinformatics by advancing solutions to optimization issues.

In addition to his research endeavors, the scholar is eager to attend the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Computing – the ICETC 2024. With the VSP’s support and encouragement for attending academic conferences, Dr. Dung and participating scholars alike will have opportunities to engage with fellow researchers and gain insights into the latest advancements in their fields of expertise. This is also one of the goals of the program–to enhance scholarly exchange activities to continuously improve research capacity, expand cooperation networks and increase international publications.

By the end of his visiting term, Dr. Dung will submit his research article to a top peer-reviewed journal, disseminating the results and implications of his research. The paper will be a testament to the rigorous academic efforts undertaken by Dr. Dung during his time at Virginia Commonwealth University and contribute to the body of knowledge in quantum computing and bioinformatics.

As Dr. Dung embarks on this journey of research, learning and collaboration, the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform looks forward to the scholar’s growth in research and teaching as well as potential collaboration networks between VNU-UET and other universities in the United States.

The Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) under the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform project supports scholars from (1) Vietnam National University, (2) the University of Danang, and (3) Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City. The goal is to improve the research and teaching capacity of scholars across Vietnam while expanding strategic partnerships with higher education institutions in the United States. In the Summer and Fall of 2024, the VSP will send a total of 21 scholars from Vietnam’s three major public university systems to host institutions in the United States for academic research and exchange experiences.