Organised by VASEA WA and Consulate General of Viet Nam in WA and NT

Australia-Viet Nam Alliance Symposium on
Agricultural Innovation & Food Security 2026

A flagship platform bringing together academia, industry, and government to advance agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable food systems between Australia and Viet Nam.

24 November 2026
Boola Katitjin, Murdoch University, Perth WA + Hybrid (MS Teams)
Pre-symposium workshop: 22 November 2026 (online)

Vision & Purpose

To establish a flagship Australia-Viet Nam platform that brings together academia, industry, government and the broader community to advance agricultural innovation, food security and sustainable food systems through scientific excellence, strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Agriculture and food security are among the most significant global challenges of the 21st century. Australia and Viet Nam share complementary strengths in agricultural research, biotechnology, food production and innovation, creating real opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.

Showcase innovation

Leading research and emerging innovations in agriculture, food science and related disciplines.

Bilateral collaboration

Strengthening scientific, educational and professional ties between Australia and Viet Nam, from universities to industry and government.

Event Specifications

Format
Hybrid: in person at Boola Katitjin, Murdoch University, Perth, with online participation via MS Teams
Dates
24 November 2026 (symposium) · 22 November 2026 (pre-symposium online workshop)
Official Language
English, with selected materials also provided in Vietnamese
Registration
Register (free, opens 17 August 2026)
Abstract Submission
Submit your abstract (max 300 words)

Scientific Themes

Four thematic sessions anchor the symposium's scientific programme.

Scientific Tracks • Session 1

Agronomy, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience

Crop improvement, sustainable farming systems, precision agriculture, climate resilience, plant protection, agricultural microbiomes, and AI and digital agriculture.

Precision agriculture
Crop improvement & AI
Climate resilience
Agricultural microbiomes
Scientific Tracks • Session 2

Plant Biotechnology, Genomics and Synthetic Biology

Genome editing, plant biotechnology, synthetic biology, functional genomics, gene regulation, bioinformatics, multi-omics and advanced breeding technologies.

Genome editing
Synthetic biology
Advanced breeding technologies
Functional genomics & multi-omics
Scientific Tracks • Session 3

Food Science, Nutrition and Emerging Technologies

Food quality and safety, nutrition, food processing, food supply chains, sustainable food systems and emerging technologies for food production.

Food quality & safety
Nutrition
Food supply chains
Emerging food technologies
Scientific Tracks • Session 4

Research Translation, Agribusiness and Agricultural Policy

Research translation, technology transfer, commercialisation, agribusiness, industry partnerships, agricultural policy and Australia-Viet Nam collaboration.

Research translation
Technology transfer & commercialisation
Agribusiness & policy
Australia-Viet Nam collaboration

Program

A one-day hybrid symposium, preceded by an online workshop, combining scientific presentations with networking.

Distinguished Guests

Opening addresses at AVAS2026.

Mr Pham Hai Anh

Consul-General of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in WA and NT

Honourable Dr Parwinder Kaur

Member of the Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia

Representative, Government of Viet Nam

To be confirmed

Presentation Categories

Category Slots Format Intended for
Plenary speaker 3 15 min + 5 min Q&A Distinguished professors, associate professors, internationally recognised experts
Industry keynote 1 15 min + 5 min Q&A Senior industry leader
Invited speaker 4 12 min + 3 min Q&A Invited researchers and industry experts from Viet Nam
Standard oral presentation 8 10 min + 2 min Q&A Early- to mid-career researchers, postdoctoral researchers, industry researchers
Lightning oral presentation 8 5 min + joint Q&A PhD, Master's and Honours students

Pre-Symposium International Research Workshop

An online workshop held via MS Teams on 22 November 2026, featuring roughly 10-12 invited talks across 3-4 thematic sessions over approximately 3 hours. It prioritises researchers from Viet Nam and Vietnamese researchers based elsewhere in Australia, Vietnamese scientists working internationally, and relevant industry experts, giving speakers who cannot attend in person in Perth a way to take part and building momentum ahead of the main symposium.

One-Day Programme, 24 November 2026

Indicative and may be refined following confirmation of invited speakers, abstract submissions, sponsor participation and venue requirements.

08:15 - 09:00

Registration, Networking and Coffee

09:00 - 09:20

Opening Ceremony

Acknowledgement of Country · Welcome Address by VASEA-WA President · Welcome Address by the Vietnamese Government Representative in Perth* · Welcome Address by the Western Australian Government Representative* · Welcome from the Host Institution*

09:20 - 10:35

Session 1 — Agronomy, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience

1 Plenary Speaker · 1 Invited Speaker · 2 Standard Oral Presentations · 2 Lightning Oral Presentations

10:35 - 10:50

Morning Tea

10:50 - 12:05

Session 2 — Plant Biotechnology, Genomics and Synthetic Biology

1 Plenary Speaker · 1 Invited Speaker · 2 Standard Oral Presentations · 2 Lightning Oral Presentations

12:05 - 13:00

Networking Lunch, Poster Session & Exhibition

13:00 - 14:15

Session 3 — Food Science, Nutrition and Emerging Technologies

1 Plenary Speaker · 1 Invited Speaker · 2 Standard Oral Presentations · 2 Lightning Oral Presentations

14:15 - 14:30

Afternoon Tea

14:30 - 15:45

Session 4 — Research Translation, Agribusiness and Agricultural Policy

1 Plenary Speaker · 1 Invited Speaker · 2 Standard Oral Presentations · 2 Lightning Oral Presentations

15:45 - 16:35

Panel Discussion

"Building Australia-Viet Nam Partnerships for Agricultural Innovation and Food Security"

16:35 - 16:50

Awards Ceremony and Closing Remarks

16:50 onwards

Networking Reception and Sundowners

*Subject to confirmation.

Panel Discussion

"Building Australia-Viet Nam Partnerships for Agricultural Innovation and Food Security" — bringing together leaders from academia, industry and government to explore ways to strengthen Australia-Viet Nam collaboration in agricultural research, innovation and sustainable food systems. Lead moderator: A/Prof Lien Duong, Curtin University.

Proposed panel (to be confirmed)

  • Senior Australian research leader
  • Vietnamese academic based in Western Australia
  • Industry representative (Australia)
  • Representative from the Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in WA and NT
  • Early Career Researcher (ECR)

Discussion topics

  • Future priorities for Australia-Viet Nam research collaboration
  • Funding opportunities and international research partnerships
  • Translating research into industry impact and commercialisation
  • Industry expectations and opportunities for university collaboration
  • Building sustainable partnerships to address future food security challenges

Awards

The symposium closes with an Awards Ceremony recognising outstanding scientific presentations.

Register to Attend

AVAS2026 is free and open to researchers, academics, industry professionals, government representatives, research students, Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and members of the broader community interested in agricultural innovation and food security. Advance registration is required to assist with event planning, venue capacity and catering.

Who should register

Researchers, academics, industry, government, students, ECRs and the broader community

Geographical reach

Open to participants from Australia, Viet Nam and internationally, in person or online

Cost

Free. Advance registration required

Visas

International participants are responsible for obtaining any visas required. The Organising Committee is unable to provide visa sponsorship or financial assistance

How to Register

Register Now

Registration opens 17 August 2026.

Call for Abstracts

The Organising Committee invites abstract submissions from researchers, academics, industry professionals, government representatives, research students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) working across agriculture, food science and related disciplines. Submissions are welcome under any of the four symposium themes above.

Download the Call for Abstracts

Key Dates

Milestone Date
Abstract submission opens 17 August 2026
Abstract submission deadline 20 September 2026
Notification of acceptance 15 October 2026
Pre-symposium online workshop 22 November 2026
AVAS2026 symposium 24 November 2026, Boola Katitjin, Murdoch University, Perth WA + online

How to Submit

Submit Your Abstract

Authors are invited to submit an abstract of maximum 300 words via the form above.

Organising Committee

The committee overseeing scientific planning, sponsorship, logistics and communications for AVAS2026.

Dr Thien Tran

Murdoch University

General Chair

Dr Viet-Cuong Han

Curtin University

Co-Chair, Scientific Programme

Dr Hue Luu (Lily)

Curtin University

Co-Chair, Industry and Partnerships

Dr Lili Loan Vu

Curtin University

Co-Chair, Policy and Economics

Administration Team

Finance and Administration

  • Mr Vu Nguyen
    Curtin University
  • Ms Huyen Pham
    The University of Western Australia

Logistics and Registration

  • Mr Tung Luong
    The University of Western Australia
  • Mr Hieu Nguyen
    Murdoch University

Communications and Marketing

  • Ms Chau Anh Cao
  • Ms Mai White
  • Ms Huyen Pham
    The University of Western Australia

Sponsorship and Community Engagement

  • Ms Hong JJ

Scientific Committee

  • Dr Thien Tran, Murdoch University
  • Dr Viet-Cuong Han, Curtin University
  • Dr Hue Luu (Lily), Curtin University
  • Dr Lili Loan Vu, Curtin University
  • Dr Diem Ly, Murdoch University

Advisory Committee

Providing strategic guidance on the scientific programme, partnerships and overall development of the symposium.

Associate Professor Lien Duong

Curtin University

Strategic Advisor

Associate Professor Sonny Pham

Curtin University

Strategic Advisor

Dr Huyen Phan

Curtin University

Scientific Advisor

Our Sponsors

AVAS2026 gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors. Sponsorship enquiries welcome, contact avas2026.official@gmail.com.

Platinum Sponsor

Murdoch University logo

Murdoch University — venue partner, Boola Katitjin

Gold Sponsor

Curtin University logo

Curtin University — engagement grant partner

Sponsorship Opportunities Open

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