VNU President Nguyễn Kim Sơn attended the ceremony and announced the Prime Minister’s Decision on the Institute’s establishment and Decision to appoint Dr. Hoàng Văn Thắng as its director.

The main functions and tasks of the Institute are expected to be: Conducting scientific research and applying technology to the field of natural resources, environment and sustainable development; consulting and providing services for natural resources, environment and sustainable development activities; conducting applying research, technology and knowledge transfer in the fields of natural resources, environment, clean and renewable energy… for green growth in the context of global change; offering training programs in relevant majors.

VNU Institute of Natural Resources and Environment Studies offers doctoral and joint master training programs in natural resources, environment and sustainable development.

The establishment of VNU Institute of Natural Resources and Environment Studies will enhance its legal status, giving it more autonomy in performing operations; increasing opportunities for cooperation in implementing international and focal national-level science and technology missions; offering doctoral and joint master training programs, etc.

Addressing the ceremony, VNU President Nguyễn Kim Sơn believed that the Institute would become a core unit for promoting interdisciplinary research on environmental protection, natural resources conservation, climate change adaptation as well as sustainable development oriented towards green growth.

According to VNU President, in the upcoming time, the Institute should focus on the finalizing of its organizational structure, the developing of capable professional and management personnel devoted to the development of the Institute; the conducting of basic and applying research as well as technology transfer; the building of models for environmental protection, natural resources conservation and sustainable development in the context of the current globalization.

Dr. Hoàng Văn Thắng sent his deep thanks to VNU leaders as well as the Institute’s staff. He also expressed his determination to develop the Institute into a prestigious training and research pioneer in environmental protection, natural resources conservation and sustainable development.