Students of faculty of Natural Resources and Environment joined the 2022 Sakura science program

In context of collaboration between Yamagata University and Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) on scientific research, education and student exchange, the Sakura Science program – Winter school took place virtually from 24 February to 10 March 2022. Four excellent students under Environmental Science and Land Management programs were successfully joined the program. Despite of the severe Covid - 19 pandemic in many countries, the Sakura program still received 42 students and lecturers from Benin, China, Germany, Peru, Japan and Vietnam. The program introduced to international students a wide range of specialized knowledge: assessing bio-diversity of forest ecological systems, assessing environmental changes by examining isotope of wood samples, assessing vegetation systems by drone, participating in group work on various thematical areas, and cultural exchange activities.

Students and lectures joining in the 2022 Sakura Science program

Undergraduate student Tran Thi Lan Anh (Class K63QLĐDA) presented results of  the topic "Adaptation of Natural Ecosystems to Climate"

Undergraduate student Nguyen Cao Phuong Thao (Class K65KHMTA) presented results of the topic "Green energy"

Undergraduate student Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh (Class K64KHMTA) presented results of the topic "Deforestation"

Undergraduate student Pham Duc Trong (Class K64KHMTA) presented the results of thetopic “Preventing of future pandemics”

Exchange activities were divided into 8 thematical groups: (1) Adaptation of natural ecosystems to climate, (2) Organic agriculture, (3) Green energy, (4) Deforestation, (5) Negative effects of climate change, (6) Epidemic response, (7) Melting ice and its effects, (8) Covid19 and environment. Students review and synthesize scientific and practical literatures in their countries to make their presentations. A group of VNUA students participated in contemporary topics such as adaptation in epidemic conditions. According to Mr. Pham Duc Trong - Class K64KHMTA: “Sakura Science program is the first exchange program with international students that I have attended. Students had the opportunity to learn new knowledge and practice teamwork skills. Besides, the program was also a place to help students strengthen their soft skills and English ability. Being aware of the whole society's interest in adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic, I actively signed up to join group 6. Besides, participating in the program also improved my confidence to apply for scholarship opportunities in developed countries”.

The Sakura Science student exchange program is an annual activity, provide great opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability in research, study and cultural exchange with international students. Up to now, after 4 years of implementation, the program has received 24 VNUA students. In the coming time, the Faculty of Natural Resources & Environment continue to collaborate with Yamagata University in implementing research, publishing scientific works and conducting scientific seminars so more students will have opportunity to participate in this meaningful exchange program, improve their research and exchange skills.