The collaboration between the University of Calabria (UNICAL) and Hanoi University (HANU) in the framework of Green and Pink for Sustainable Education Project (GPS-Education, PNRR TNE23-00012 - CUP D74G23000280006) has significantly strengthened international academic cooperation, student and staff mobility, research collaboration, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive higher education. Through a combination of mobility programmes, joint educational initiatives, and research activities, the partnership has contributed to enhancing internationalization and intercultural exchange between Italy and Vietnam.
Student mobility constituted one of the most important achievements of the collaboration. Through dedicated selection procedures and coordinated support activities, students from both institutions participated in study and research exchanges focused on sustainability, gender equality, digital innovation, and international education. Overall, the cooperation involved 2 incoming and 2 outgoing students, who benefited from opportunities to attend courses, complete examinations, conduct thesis research, and engage with different academic and cultural environments. These experiences contributed to the development of international competencies, academic skills, and long-term connections between the two universities.
Academic staff mobility further reinforced the partnership. A total of 6 academic staff members participated in exchange activities between UNICAL and HANU. Outgoing and incoming visiting professors delivered lectures and research seminars on topics related to sustainability, social inclusion, innovative education, and digital transformation. Academic mobility also included institutional meetings, research discussions, and collaborative workshops aimed at strengthening teaching and research cooperation. These activities promoted the exchange of knowledge and best practices while fostering the development of future joint initiatives.
Research collaboration generated important results in the fields of sustainability, gender equality, academic mobility, and environmental innovation. Joint research activities involved academic staff and students from both universities and contributed to the presentation of scientific results at conferences, workshops, and dissemination events. The partnership also facilitated the development of new research networks and laid the foundations for future collaborative projects addressing global social and economic challenges.
The project further promoted advanced training through participation in specialized Advanced Skills Courses focused on sustainability, gender equality, innovative education, and digital transformation. Students and academic staff enhanced their competencies in these areas and received certificates recognizing their participation and learning achievements.
Dissemination and stakeholder engagement played a key role in strengthening the visibility and impact of the collaboration. The DESF International Day provided an important opportunity for students, graduates, academic staff, and institutional representatives to share mobility experiences, disseminate project results, and promote international opportunities available through the partnership. Equally significant was the Workshop “Sustainable Development and Gender Parity: Socio-Economic Impacts in Global Perspectives,” which brought together participants from different countries to discuss research findings, exchange perspectives on sustainability and social equity, and identify future areas of collaboration. These events contributed to increasing awareness of the project’s achievements and strengthening relationships among participants and partner institutions.
Overall, the partnership between UNICAL and HANU successfully enhanced international mobility, promoted academic and cultural exchange, strengthened research cooperation, supported innovative educational activities, and contributed to the development of a more interconnected, inclusive, and globally oriented higher education environment.
(More info and photos in the attached file)