On October 19, 2026, the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) and Perm National Research University (Russia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through an online ceremony. This marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation in research, education and technology application between two leading higher education institutions in their respective countries.

The University of Transport and Communications signs a cooperation agreement with Perm National Research University, Russia.

The signing ceremony followed the active exchanges held at the Conference of Rectors of Vietnamese and Russian Universities in Hanoi in May 2026. It marks the beginning of a new phase of long-term, substantive cooperation, built on the complementary strengths and shared interests of both institutions.

Professor Igor Anatolyevich Germanov, Rector of Perm National Research University, attends the signing ceremony alongside representatives of the University’s academic and professional units (screenshot).

Building on the strengths of two long-established higher education institutions

Representing the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) at the ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of UTC, together with representatives of the leadership of various faculties and functional units. Perm National Research University was represented by its Rector, Professor Igor Anatolyevich Germanov, and representatives of its academic and professional units.

With more than 80 years of development, UTC has earned the trust of the Government and ministries and agencies of Vietnam, undertaking numerous important national assignments. The University has been designated as one of five key higher education institutions specializing in engineering and technology, and the only one among them with a primary focus on transport and transportation. The Ministry of Education and Training has also entrusted UTC with a leading role in the development of a Centre of Excellence and Talent in Industry 4.0 technologies for transport technology and advanced, smart infrastructure.

In addition, UTC has been assigned a leading role by the Ministry of Education and Training in education and research in modern railway technologies, while the Ministry of Construction has entrusted the University with key tasks in strategic technology development. Notably, UTC is currently conducting education and research activities across seven of the ten national strategic technology groups, demonstrating its capabilities and role in advancing science, technology and innovation. The Prime Minister has also designated UTC as one of 12 higher education institutions tasked with leading development and improving the quality of higher education in Hanoi.

As part of its development strategy, UTC regards international cooperation as a key driver of improvements in education quality, research capacity and technology transfer. The University places particular emphasis on strengthening and expanding partnerships with higher education and scientific research institutions in Russia, a country with a long-standing tradition and outstanding achievements in fundamental sciences, engineering and technology.

Meanwhile, Perm National Research University is a prestigious academic institution with a 110-year history and notable strengths in fundamental sciences, including applied mathematics, mechanics, computer science, materials science, geography and geology.

Overview of the signing ceremony (screenshot).

Towards Substantive and Sustainable Cooperation

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of UTC, extended his warm congratulations to Perm National Research University on the occasion of its 110th anniversary (1916–2026).

He emphasized that combining Perm National Research University’s strong foundation in fundamental sciences and interdisciplinary research with UTC’s expertise in engineering and practical applications would create significant synergies. This approach aligns with Vietnam’s development priorities for smart, sustainable transport infrastructure and climate change resilience.

In the 2026–2027 academic year, the two universities will prioritize the implementation of concrete collaborative activities, including:

• Organizing joint scientific conferences, workshops and seminars.
• Establishing interdisciplinary research groups and promoting international research publications.
• Facilitating academic staff and student exchanges.
• Gradually developing joint training programmes, co-supervising doctoral candidates and implementing collaborative research projects.

Quoting a Russian proverb, “One person alone cannot accomplish great things,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung expressed his confidence that the shared commitment and determination of the two universities would lead to tangible and sustainable outcomes, making practical contributions to socio-economic development, particularly to the realization of Vietnam’s target of achieving double-digit economic growth in the coming years.