Nagao Scholarship Award Ceremony 2024–2025: Empowering Scientific Research in Nature Conservation

On April 3, 2025, the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment (INRE), Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), solemnly held the Nagao Scholarship Award Ceremony for the 2024–2025 academic year. This meaningful event not only recognized the efforts of outstanding graduate students but also reaffirmed a long-term commitment to supporting scientific research on nature conservation and biodiversity in Vietnam.

The ceremony was honored by the presence of leading scientists and members of the Nagao Scholarship Fund Management Board in Vietnam, including Prof. Dr. Sc. Truong Quang Hoc – Chairman of the Science and Training Council, INRE; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Ngoc Quy – Vice Director of INRE and Deputy Head of the Nagao Scholarship Fund Management Board in Vietnam, as well as leaders of related departments, lecturers, and outstanding students from 18 universities nationwide.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Ngoc Quy emphasized the vital role of the Nagao Scholarship Fund in supporting the young generation in pursuing in-depth research on nature conservation. The scholarship not only helps cover the costs of research, materials, equipment, and fieldwork, but also provides significant moral encouragement for students to continue their passion and dedication.

“The Nagao Scholarship Program at INRE is designed to create the most favorable conditions for graduate students to conduct in-depth research on conservation and biodiversity. To date, the Institute has awarded more than 800 scholarships to students from over 20 universities across the country. Many excellent master’s theses have been completed with the support of the scholarship, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s conservation efforts,” shared Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Ngoc Quy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Ngoc Quy – Vice Director of INRE, delivering the opening speech at the ceremony.

At the event, Prof. Dr. Sc. Truong Quang Hoc, who has long accompanied the Nagao Scholarship Fund, expressed his belief that with timely financial support, students would be better equipped to improve the quality of their research, thereby making practical contributions to conservation and sustainable development. He also emphasized that the Nagao Scholarship is not just financial aid but also a recognition of students’ continuous efforts in their journey of academic exploration.

Prof. Dr. Sc. Truong Quang Hoc – Chairman of the Science and Training Council, INRE, sharing his thoughts at the ceremony.

Representing the scholarship recipients, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, a student from the University of Science, VNU, emotionally shared:

“The Nagao Scholarship is not just financial support, but a great source of motivation that helps me persist in my research journey. I sincerely thank the Scholarship Fund, the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment, and all the professors for giving us the opportunity to continue pursuing our dreams. I hope this program will be sustained so that future generations of students can benefit as we have.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong – University of Science, VNU, sharing her thoughts and appreciation at the ceremony.

Continuing the mission and expanding opportunities for the new academic year, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Ngoc Quy officially launched the Nagao Scholarship Program for 2025–2026 at the close of the meaningful event. He also extended heartfelt thanks to NEF, partnering organizations within and beyond VNU, and all delegates who have supported INRE in the scholarship selection and award process. He expressed his hope that students will make the most of the scholarship to further their passion for research and generate practical contributions to nature conservation.

The Nagao Scholarship Award Ceremony for the 2024–2025 academic year concluded in a solemn and inspiring atmosphere. It was not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a symbol of international cooperation, united in pursuit of a sustainable future for Vietnam’s nature and environment.

Some photos from the event: