On the afternoon of May 30, 2026, the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM-US), in collaboration with the USAC Astronomy Club, successfully organized the international scientific seminar USACTalk #06 with the theme “The Path to the Dawn of the Universe and the Gateway to Experimental Astronomy.”
The program featured presentations by two leading scientists from Japan: Professor Kohno Kotaro, Director of the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Tokyo, and Professor Tomoka Tosaki, lecturer at the Graduate School of Joetsu University of Education. The event attracted a large number of lecturers, researchers, doctoral candidates, graduate students, and undergraduates interested in modern astronomy, space observation technologies, and experimental STEM education.
Opening the program, Professor Kohno Kotaro delivered an in-depth presentation on humanity’s journey to explore the “dawn of the universe” through advanced astronomical observation systems around the world. He introduced the operation of the TAO Observatory, located at an altitude of 5,640 meters in the Andes Mountains of Chile—one of the world’s most ideal astronomical observation sites thanks to its dry and stable atmospheric conditions. In addition, he shared insights into the ALMA radio telescope array and the significant contributions of modern observational instruments to the study of the earliest galaxies in the universe.
By combining data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), gravitational lensing techniques, and advanced observational technologies, scientists have gradually deciphered the extremely faint signals emitted by the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang. The presentation not only highlighted the remarkable progress of modern astronomy but also offered an inspiring perspective on humanity’s quest to uncover the origins of the universe.
In the concluding remarks of his presentation, Professor Kohno Kotaro emphasized that nations invest in astronomy not merely because they are economically developed, but because astronomy helps build scientific capacity, technological advancement, and innovation for the future. He expressed strong confidence in the potential of Vietnam’s younger generation and shared his expectations for long-term cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and Japan in fundamental science and advanced technology.
Continuing the program, Professor Tomoka Tosaki introduced experimental STEM education models utilizing Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology. Her presentation focused on the application of low-cost devices built from commercial components to support high school students in approaching experimental astronomy through hands-on and practical learning experiences.
Through this model, students are able to assemble radio receivers themselves and directly measure the 21-centimeter spectral line of neutral hydrogen from the Milky Way, regardless of weather conditions that are unfavorable for optical observation. The project has been successfully implemented at Hojo High School (2024) and Mizuho High School (2025) in Japan, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness in enhancing students’ learning motivation, scientific thinking, and spirit of exploration.
Beyond providing updated knowledge in modern astronomy, USACTalk #06 also created an international academic exchange platform connecting lecturers, researchers, and students with cutting-edge research trends worldwide. The program further reaffirmed the educational orientation of the University of Science, VNUHCM in integrating fundamental science with modern technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
The success of the seminar continues to open promising prospects for research collaboration, academic exchange, and educational cooperation between the University of Science, VNUHCM, the University of Tokyo, and Joetsu University of Education in the future, thereby contributing to the advancement of fundamental science and advanced technology in Vietnam.
