Akademik Oparin and marine surveys

At the Institute of Oceanography, Nha trang City, scientists of Vietnam and Russia have reviewed 9 marine surveys and outlined plans for continued collaboration over the next decade, marking 20 years of comprehensive marine cooperation, especially on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia (1950 - 2025). 

Akademik Oparin.

Outstanding achievements

Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Far East Institute, the Russian Academy of Sciences (FEB RAS). Over the past 20 years (2005 - 2025), scientists from Vietnam and Russia have conducted 10 joint surveys, including 9 surveys on marine biodiversity and biochemistry by the Akademik Oparin in Vietnam's waters.

At the workshop, numerous remarkable findings were unveiled from surveys focusing on biodiversity exploration, the search for bioactive compounds in marine species, and various aspects concerning environmental quality and remote sensing.

Professor, Academician Chau Van Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology said that since VAST and FEB RAS restarted the joint survey program in 2005, with the journey from the port of Vladivostok (Russia), FEB RAS scientists and Akademik Oparin crew have crossed more than 4,000km in the Pacific Ocean 9 times to join scientists from 6 units of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to conduct surveys to explore Vietnam's marine natural resources.

Vietnamese and Russian scientists on the Akademik Oparin.

Within the framework of the most recent 5 surveys within 10 years, the Akademik Oparin conducted surveys at 474 stations from north to south of Vietnam's sea, collecting nearly 15,000 marine biological samples for research on biodiversity and bioactive substances.

This is a valuable scientific source, contributing to the mutual understanding of Vietnam's marine environmental resources, guiding the management, protection and sustainable exploitation.

According to Hoang Xuan Ben, Deputy Director of the Institute of Oceanography, the Akademik Oparin is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment capable of deep-sea exploration and sample collection. Its onboard laboratories and advanced research technology allow scientists to analyze marine specimens immediately after retrieval, streamlining oceanographic studies and facilitating scientific research on the sea.

During the recent cooperation period, Vietnamese scientists also had the opportunity to study and conduct in-depth research in offshore areas and access high-tech equipment on the Akademik Oparin.

Towards long-term cooperation

Besides cooperation in research and survey, over the years, Russia has also supported Vietnam in training human resources for marine survey and research in Vietnam through sharing knowledge, skills and new scientific discoveries in the cooperation process.

In the past 10 years, there have been more than 20 delegations of young scientists from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to work in Russia. The two countries have jointly published 64 scientific works, including 33 in international journals and many other national scientific articles.

According to PhD. Timofey Malyarenko, Head of the Russian survey team on the Akademik Oparin, these results are a clear demonstration of the success of marine science cooperation between the two countries and an important premise for scientists to build an effective coordination plan for the cooperation roadmap in the next 10 years (2026 - 2035).

Vietnamese and Russian scientists on a survey on the Akademik Oparin.

According to Hoang Xuan Ben, through the surveys, scientists from Vietnam and Russia have discovered many new marine species and areas with potential sources of development, marine creatures in the reproductive stage, etc. for effective management.

Over the next decade, scientists from both countries will utilize survey findings to identify promising locations for marine biology and biochemistry research. They will conduct in-depth studies, integrate modern science and technology, establish marine reserves, and explore biochemical and microbiological aspects. Additionally, they will assess the potential of marine-derived biological compounds and analyze factors contributing to marine pollution, ensuring effective management and sustainable utilization of marine resources. The two countries' academies have also agreed on promoting research, increasing international publications and effectively connecting resources of the two countries.

According to Dinh Van Thieu, Vice-Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Vietnam’s integration efforts necessitate the expansion of international relations, reinforcing the presence of its scientific research community while also fostering opportunities for international scientists to participate in research surveys in the East Sea.

With the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Russia on the basis of the signed agreement, the marine surveys have gained important achievements, contributing to the orientation of marine research in Khanh Hoa Province in particular and Vietnam in general. Khanh Hoa Province will create optimal conditions for cooperation activities between Vietnamese and Russian scientists.

T.Thinh

Translated by N.T