On the morning of June 30, 2026, in Hanoi, TUMIKI Institute of Technology and the Strong Research Group on Environmental Genomic Analysis and Conservation (eGenomic Analysis and Conservation – GAC), affiliated with VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement establishes a shared framework for the development of a mobile genomic analysis laboratory system and for advancing biodiversity conservation through field-based activities at the local level.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Hai Lien, Director of TUMIKI Institute of Technology, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Duc Minh, Head of the GAC Strong Research Group. The Memorandum of Understanding has a term of five (05) years and is founded on the principles of voluntariness, equality, and mutual benefit.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony between the two institutions
Uniting Core Scientific and Technological Capabilities
The partnership between the two organizations is built on a complementary set of strengths. GAC brings deep expertise in research, field investigation, biodiversity conservation, analysis of biological agents in the environment, and genome sequencing of endangered and rare species. TUMIKI Institute of Technology contributes core technological capabilities along with practical experience in systems integration, data processing, and local policy advocacy related to natural resource conservation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Hai Lien, Director of TUMIKI Institute of Technology
On this basis, both parties have agreed to jointly design a mobile laboratory system, develop products and services that apply technology to real-world problems, and coordinate conservation activities in localities of high biodiversity value. Under the division of roles outlined in the MoU, GAC is responsible for coordinating technical content, providing data and specialist personnel in biotechnology equipment, identifying potential field sites, and facilitating on-site trials. TUMIKI Institute of Technology assumes responsibility for systems integration, converting operational workflows into automated and intelligent processing pipelines, and supporting local policy advocacy efforts.
GAC is a strong research group led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Duc Minh, bringing together scientists in the fields of molecular biology and conservation. Research projects led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Duc Minh have successfully sequenced the genomes of numerous endangered and endemic animal species native to Vietnam. Notably, findings from the genomic analysis of the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) were published in the journal Cell, drawing significant attention from the international scientific community.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Duc Minh, Head of the Key Research Group for Environmental DNA Analysis and Conservation
Bringing the Genomic Analysis Laboratory into the Field
During the initial phase, both parties have agreed to focus on developing a mobile genomic analysis system that can be deployed flexibly in the field, rather than relying entirely on fixed laboratory infrastructure.
The system is designed to be compact, easy to operate, and stable under field conditions, thereby narrowing the gap between the laboratory and the survey site. On this basis, both parties will jointly explore genomic analysis applications and develop appropriate workflows to support species identification, biodiversity monitoring, and the conservation of endangered and rare species.
The cooperation will be carried out in phases, with performance reviews conducted before expanding to subsequent activities.
Photos of the MOU Signing Ceremony
Translating Orientations in Science, Technology, and Private Economic Development into Action
The cooperation between TUMIKI Institute of Technology and GAC is carried out in the spirit of Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, as well as Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW dated May 4, 2025, on private economic development. This partnership serves as a concrete demonstration of a collaboration model between a private technology institute and a strong research group within a public university, oriented toward solving practical challenges in natural resource conservation and national biosecurity.
About TUMIKI Institute of Technology
TUMIKI Institute of Technology is an independent research and applied technology institute, bringing together scientists and experts working in the fields of information technology, systems integration, automation, and technology transfer. The Institute is headquartered at Floor 9, CIT Building, No. 6, Alley 15, Duy Tan Street, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi. Website: tumiki.org.
About the GAC Strong Research Group
The Strong Research Group on Environmental Genomic Analysis and Conservation (eGenomic Analysis and Conservation – GAC) is affiliated with VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and is located at 334 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan Ward, Hanoi. The group conducts research in the areas of genomics, molecular biology, and biodiversity conservation, with particular strength in the sequencing and genomic analysis of endangered and rare species native to Vietnam.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony between the two institutions
