12 September 2013
During National Science Week in August 2013, the department hosted a delegation of four senior government officers from the Vietnamese Centre for Science and Technology Communication (CeSTC). Dr Tran Cong Yen, Science Counsellor from the Vietnam Embassy in Australia also accompanied the delegation. The purpose of the visit was to gain information on best practice strategies for science and technology communication in order for Vietnam to draft a national science and technology communication strategy.
The delegation visit supported the objectives of the Australia Vietnam Science and Technology Agreement which was signed in Canberra on 26 June 2013. The CeSTC visit is the first bilateral visit under this agreement.
The delegation attended a five day program focussed on science and technology communication which included meetings with various universities, media organisations and Australian Government agencies. The delegation visited several of our valued partners including Questacon, CSIRO, Australian National University, Swinburne University and RMIT University. These partners have active links with Vietnam and provided CeSTE with an invaluable source of knowledge and experience which will assist Vietnam with the planning and development of their national science and communication strategy.
The program allowed the delegation to focus on the importance of promoting nationwide interest in science. The delegates looked at establishing interactive science centres and a national science week, as well as changing the way that information about science is provided by the media and government to the public.
The delegation was very appreciative of the program and for our support. Dr Tran Cong Yen stated that, “the delegation had completely gained from the visit's purpose. This study tour was very useful for CeSTC and will open many opportunities for our comprehensive cooperation in the future.”
The visit was funded by the Vietnamese Government and was supported by the department’s Vietnam post, national office, Swinburne University, Science in Public Pty Ltd, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Questacon, Australian National University, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Science and SkillsOne TV.
Front row: Ms Dinh Thi Hoan (CeSTE); Ms Tran Anh Tuyet (CeSTE); Ms Tran Thi Xuan (CeSTE); Rachel Rayner (Questacon); Ms Nguyen Thi Hanh (CeSTE); and Courtney Edwards (Australian Government).Second row: Dr Tran Cong Yen (Vietnam Embassy in Australia); Mr Craig Whelan (Questacon); Mr Graham Durant (Questacon); Natalie Sullivan (Questacon); and Pru Savage (Australian Government).Back row: David Cannell (Questacon) and Graham Walker (ANU).