The Rencontres du Vietnam (Vietnam Meeting) on very high energy phenomena in the universe opened in Quy Nhon city of the central province of Binh Dinh on August 13.

The event, scheduled to last through August 18, is held every four years at the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education in Quy Hoa valley.

This year’s conference has attracted nearly 100 scientists from 16 countries, focusing on gamma-ray astronomy, cosmic rays, neutrino astronomy, gamma-ray bursts, dark matter and multi-messenger astronomy.

Prof. Jacques Dumarchez from University Paris VI of France, a representative of the Rencontres du Vietnam organisers, said particle physics, astrophysics and astronomy are still very new in Vietnam, so foreign experts have been invited to introduce the concepts to the country.

The conference will help scientists and young researchers of Vietnam access knowledge in these areas. It is also a platform for global scientists to share their research findings, he said, adding that this is a good environment for them to exchange ideas and work together.

Dumarchez expressed his hope that the meeting will nurture the beginning of particle physics, astrophysics and astronomy at Vietnamese universities, thereby helping local scientists, students and young science lovers access the latest information in contemporary science.

The “Rencontres du Vietnam” Association was founded in 1993 by Professor Tran Thanh Van, aiming to support Vietnam in terms of science and education. A series of “Rencontres du Vietnam” programmes have been held in Binh Dinh since then.-VNA