The 7th Workshop between The University of Danang - University of Science and Technology and Utsunomiya University, Japan within the framework of the Sakura Science Program

Following the success of the 6th Workshop held at the University of Danang - University of Science and Technology (DUT) in 2023, the Faculty of Road and Bridge Engineering and Faculty of Architecture have continued their collaboration with Utsunomiya University (UU) to organize the 7th Workshop on the topic "Urban Design of Super Smart City Utsunomiya with LRT" as part of the Sakura Science Program.

The 7th Workshop took place at Campus Yoto, Utsunomiya National University from March 3^rd to March 10^th, 2024. DUT was represented by four lecturers, including Associate Professor Phan Hoang Nam, Dr. Nguyen Minh Hai, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, and Dr. Le Truong Di Ha, accompanied by ten selected students from both faculties. On the UU side, participation included Professors Nobuaki Ohmori, Koichi Endo, Takaaki Nakagawa, Yoshito Dobashi, Shuichi Fujikura, and students from the Department of Civil Engineering and Regional Design, as well as the Department of Architecture and Urban Design.

During the workshop, attendees benefited from lectures and guidance provided by professors, lecturers, engineers, and experts from both institutions, as well as professionals responsible for developing the Light Rail Transit (LRT) line under the Department of Transportation of Utsunomiya City. Student groups utilized this knowledge to conduct field surveys and develop conceptual designs for the LRT route and the urban landscape in surrounding areas.

Lectures on Workshop topics during the opening session by the specialist in charge of the LRT line

Groups of students develop design ideas and models

After nearly four consecutive days of work, student groups successfully completed their projects and presented their design ideas and models to the jury, comprised of professors, lecturers from both institutions, as well as experts, engineers, and representatives from local businesses. The presented ideas showcased a multitude of innovative and bold concepts, earning high praise and appreciation from the professors, city experts, and businesses in Utsunomiya City.

Idea defense session of student groups before the jury

The Workshop concluded with a cordial exchange party involving both sides, attended by the University Director and the Rector of the School of Regional Design. A special music program was organized featuring performances by the band comprising professors and students from Utsunomiya University, as well as from DUT.

Some pictures at the group's farewell party 

Also, as part of the workshop framework, professors and lecturers from both institutions organized a seminar featuring reports on new research topics aimed at exploring opportunities for collaboration in bilateral research projects. Numerous potential research subjects were thoroughly discussed, paving the way for genuine collaborations in the near future.

Some photos at the seminar between professors and lecturers of the two universities

Visit the laboratory to seek research cooperations

In conjunction with the workshop activities, lecturers and students from DUT were honored to receive a welcome from the Governor of Tochigi Prefecture at the provincial headquarters on March 4^th, 2024. The Governor emphasized that Vietnam, particularly Da Nang, is an attractive destination for many businesses from Tochigi province. The longstanding cooperation program between the two universities illustrates the strong bond between the academic institutions as well as the connection between the localities of Tochigi and Da Nang.

The Governor of Tochigi Prefecture welcomed lecturers and students of DUT

Local newspapers reported the governor's reception with the DUT delegation

Also, during this occasion, the representative of the delegation, Associate Professor Phan Hoang Nam - Vice Dean of the Faculty of Bridge and Road Engineering, held a meeting and working session with Yokohama National University and Saitama Institute of Technology, Japan. Both parties discussed potential cooperation opportunities and outlined plans for future Sakura Science programs, scheduled to occur in September 2024 and September 2025.