From April 8 to 11, 2026, a delegation from the University of Science, VNU-HCM, led by Assoc. Prof. Tran Minh Triet, Vice Rector, along with three faculty members from the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Tuan – Dean; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hieu – Chairman of the HSIA, and Assoc. Prof. Vu Thi Hanh Thu), visited, participated in an international workshop, and discussed collaborative programs at Tohoku University (TU), Sendai, Japan.
Tohoku University, officially established in 1907, is a national university ranked among the top three in Japan. It comprises 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools, 3 professional graduate schools, 6 research institutes, and a university hospital, with approximately 18,000 students (including around 3,400 international students). The university has produced five Nobel laureates and is ranked highly in QS WUR and THE rankings in 2024 (Materials Science: Top 50; Physics & Astronomy: Top 50; Engineering & Technology: Top 89, etc.). Tohoku University is widely regarded as Japan’s leading institution in translating MEMS, sensor, and electronic component research from laboratory projects into commercial products. In 2026, there are approximately 12 Vietnamese researchers (associate professors, assistant professors, postdocs, etc.) and around 30 Master’s and PhD students studying and working at TU. Among them, five lecturers, researchers, and teaching assistants are from the University of Science.
Figure 1. NanoTerasu Center, featuring a 349-meter circular synchrotron beamline, is a pride of Tohoku University and Japan, operational since 2024.
During the visit, the delegation toured and surveyed several of Japan’s most advanced research facilities at Tohoku University, including: (1) NanoTerasu Center (3 GeV/400 mA), the first 4th-generation synchrotron in Japan and one of only five worldwide, enabling nanoscale material analysis and supporting both academic and industrial research; (2) Semiconductor Creativity Hub (collaborating with leading global electronics corporations); (3) Micro System Integration Center at Aobayama Campus, with strengths in the Graduate School of Engineering (home to leading MEMS and semiconductor research groups such as Tanaka Shuji Lab, Ono–Toan–Toda Lab), as well as the Graduate Schools of Medicine and Agriculture; (4) Katahira Campus, a historic campus associated with materials science and electronic communications; and (5) Smart System Super Integration Research Center (MNC), where MEMS fabrication processes for both academic and industrial R&D are demonstrated.
Figure 2. Research products and industry collaborations in electronics, MEMS, sensors, and precision engineering showcased at the Semiconductor Creativity Hub of Tohoku University.
The Semiconductor Creativity Hub also presents the legacy research products of Prof. Jun-ichi Nishizawa, widely regarded as the “father of optical communications and semiconductors,” and a key pioneer in MEMS and integrated circuit research.
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Figure 3. Exploring integrated sensor systems (remote sensing) and participating in the MEMS fabrication process conducted by a PhD candidate from the Ono–Toan–Toda Lab (originating from the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Science).
Through these visits and exchanges, the delegation gained access to advanced technologies in MEMS, sensors, and semiconductor devices; engaged in discussions with professors; and learned about research projects led by Vietnamese scientists. These activities facilitated the development of collaborative programs, including short-term training, co-supervision of Master’s and PhD students, and joint applications for the NEXUS semiconductor program supported by the Japanese Government for the 2025–2030 period, with a vision toward 2050.
Figure 4. Prof. Hitoshi Takamura, Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University (third from the left), receiving Assoc. Prof. Tran Minh Triet (next to him) and the delegation to discuss semiconductor collaboration for the 2026–2030 period.
A key highlight of the visit was the meeting with Prof. Hitoshi Takamura, during which both sides agreed on developing postgraduate training programs, co-supervision, and collaborative research projects in MEMS and semiconductor technologies. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to facilitate technology surveys, training programs, and university–industry R&D collaboration, including participation from members of the Ho Chi Minh City Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Association (HSIA).
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Figure 5. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Triet delivering the opening remarks at the workshop and witnessing the MoU signing ceremony on short-term training programs and research visits in MEMS/semiconductor facilities.
In addition, the delegation was introduced to various research outcomes at the International Workshop on Education and Research of Microelectronics and Semiconductor 2026, organized by Tohoku University. The workshop facilitated connections among research groups, featuring topics such as MEMS sensor applications (Prof. Naoki Inomata, Prof. Yukio Suzuki, Prof. Masaya Toda); biosensors for healthcare and 2D materials for biomedical and gas sensing (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Hanh Thu); optical sensing for spoiled milk detection (NCHU, Taiwan); VLSI (Prof. Oham Cong Kha, UEC, Japan); research introductions from SHTP Labs (online, Dr. Trinh Xuan Thang); and six additional presentations by Vietnamese scientists working at TU.
Figure 6. International Workshop on Education and Research of Microelectronics and Semiconductor 2026 at Tohoku University
The workshop also served as an important platform to strengthen academic connections with Japanese scientists, Vietnamese researchers working at Tohoku University, and the Vietnamese graduate student community in areas such as MEMS, quantum algorithms, multiscale simulation of magnetic materials, and artificial intelligence.
This visit also provided an opportunity to evaluate the initial outcomes of collaboration between the University of Science and Tohoku University since 2009, including the training of PhD graduates, postdoctoral researchers and faculty members, scientific exchanges, student research projects, international workshops, and joint research projects. More importantly, the visit enabled further engagement with advanced research environments, the development of collaborative training programs, and strengthened exchanges of experts, scientists, and students. It also expressed appreciation for the continued support from Tohoku University professors in MEMS, semiconductor devices, and applied electronics.
It is expected that scientists and research groups from the University of Science, as well as other universities and research institutes, will have more opportunities to visit, learn, and collaborate, thereby contributing to the establishment of specialized research groups and laboratories in MEMS and semiconductor integrated circuits in Vietnam in the near future.