Upgrading the academic partnership with Michigan State University, USA

After a long journey of exchange and connection, the relationship between Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) and Michigan State University (MSU), USA, has reached an important milestone. On December 8, 2025, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), officially establishing an academic partnership. Earlier, an MSU delegation had visited and worked with PCTU in 2023, laying an essential foundation for continued professional exchange and paving the way for the signing of the MoU during this return visit.

Representatives of PCTU and MSU sign the MoU and shake hands to formalize the partnership.

Attending the signing ceremony, the MSU delegation included Dr. Rebecca A. Malouin – Director of the Global Health Institute, Associate Dean for Global Health; and Dr. Qing Xia – Deputy Director of the Global Health Institute. From PCTU, participants included Dr. Nguyen Huu Tung – Chairman of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Le Van Cuong – Rector; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dang Quoc Chan – Vice Rector, along with representatives from academic units and functional departments. In addition, representatives from the affiliated hospitals were present, including Dr. Le Xuan Tuy (Specialist Level II) – CEO of Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital; MSc. Dr. Vo Van Chinh – CEO of Tam Tri Quang Nam General Hospital; and Dr. Vo Van Thu (Specialist Level I) – Director of Tam Tri Da Nang General Hospital.

According to the signed agreement, the collaboration will focus on key areas, including:

• In education, the two institutions will jointly develop and enhance the quality of academic programs based on international standards, with an emphasis on regenerative medicine, clinical research, global health, One Health, and data-driven medicine. PCTU plans to send medical students, residents, and young researchers to MSU for study, observation, and participation in scientific projects, while receiving MSU students and scholars for internships and clinical rotations at Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital and the Tam Tri Health System. Long-term exchange programs will be prioritized to ensure training quality and effectiveness.
• In research, PCTU and MSU expect to collaborate on regenerative medicine projects such as pancreatic iPSC, cardiac organoids, and disease modeling using organoid technology, aiming toward stem cell applications in treating metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes. MSU will also support PCTU in standardizing and digitizing clinical data through the REDCap platform, facilitating multicenter research and the advancement of precision medicine.

MSU is one of the leading public universities in the United States, with more than 52,000 students and a comprehensive health sciences education and research ecosystem, including Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Human Medicine (MD), Veterinary Medicine, and Nursing. Its Global Health Institute (GHI) leads several advanced training programs such as the online Master of Global Health, professional certificates, international physician training, OMM coursework, and interdisciplinary One Health programs.

The MoU signing ceremony between PCTU and MSU concluded successfully, opening a new direction for integrating education with research and clinical practice. In the long term, both institutions aim to build a translational research foundation that connects laboratory findings to bedside applications, contributing to evidence-based healthcare development in Vietnam. PCTU reaffirms its commitment to implementing the MoU through concrete, goal-oriented initiatives that bring practical value to learners, patients, and the wider community.
 

The MSU delegation meets and works with representatives of Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital

Although PCTU is a young medical university, it remains committed to pursuing an educational model that integrates technology, big data, artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine. Therefore, the collaboration with Michigan State University represents a strategic step for the institution, helping to elevate the quality of its training and research while bringing practical benefits to learners, patients, and the wider community.
 

Representatives of both sides tour the Medical Museum located on the university campus