University of Sydney Vietnam Institute Names New Executive Director
Professor Thu-Anh Nguyen has been named Executive Director of the new University of Sydney Vietnam Institute, bringing extensive research and leadership experience to the role.
Professor Thu-Anh Nguyen has started as the Executive Director of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute, a new University wide research and engagement hub which will facilitate intellectual and cultural exchange between Australia and Vietnam.
Professor Nguyen has extensive experience in research, leadership, and policy development, and is well positioned to lead the University’s next chapter of research in Vietnam.
An Adjunct Professor in public health at the University of Sydney since 2013, Professor Nguyen has led many multidisciplinary research projects including on tuberculosis and other lung diseases, the stigma surrounding lung diseases, antimicrobial resistance, health system interventions, and human healthcare seeking behaviours.
For the last 10 years, Professor Nguyen was Country Director of Woolcock Vietnam, facilitating research in Vietnam for the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research via its affiliation with the University.
Now Professor Nguyen’s attention is set on the future of the University’s research in Vietnam, and she is looking towards the Institute’s capabilities to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities in Vietnam and beyond.
“The Institute will drive impactful research by bringing together world-class researchers and fostering international collaboration,” said Professor Nguyen.
“It will play an important role in facilitating rigorous and high-quality research which can contribute to the body of knowledge at a global level. The potential impact is substantial, with far-reaching benefits for local and global communities.”
Professor Nguyen has seen firsthand the importance of collaboration, working with organisations such as UNAIDS Asia Pacific Region and the World Health Organization on program and policy development to address health and societal challenges such as HIV, hepatitis, gender, and equity.
“Facilitating intellectual and cultural exchange between Australian and Vietnamese researchers will enable a deeper understanding of different research perspectives, methodologies, and approaches,” said Professor Nguyen.
“This will result in a more diverse and holistic approach to addressing complex issues.”
Facilitating intellectual and cultural exchange between Australian and Vietnamese researchers will enable a deeper understanding of different research perspectives, methodologies, and approaches.
According to Professor Kathy Belov, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global & Research Engagement and member of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute Members’ Council, Professor Nguyen brings a wealth of leadership and research experience to the role.
“Professor Nguyen’s experience in leading research projects and teams to address pressing healthcare and social issues, as well as building partnerships in Vietnam, will be a valuable addition to the Institute and its capability to benefit local and global communities,” said Professor Belov.
The Institute is set to tackle a wide range of technological and societal challenges, with early research areas including health, arts and the humanities, agriculture, economics and business, technology, and science.
Inaugural activities at the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute will include facilitating research and research partnerships, hosting events such as research seminars and symposia, supporting University of Sydney Vietnamese alumni relations, and providing support for Australian academics conducting research in Vietnam (such as the Sydney Vietnam Academic Network).
Over the next few months, Professor Nguyen will focus on building a high-performing team in Vietnam to implement the Institute’s vision and exploring new strategic research areas.