NEWS

From January 20 to 22, 2026, the “Overseas Base Network Meeting” was held in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The meeting was conducted as part of the research project, “Research and Development and Support Functions for the Establishment of Network Core Bases,” under the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases Infrastructure Creation Program (Overseas Base Research Area). The meeting gathered researchers and stakeholders from domestic and overseas institutions, offering an opportunity to share activities, exchange knowledge, and strengthen network collaboration.

On January 20, we visited four relevant organizations in Vietnam to introduce the J-GRID+’s activities and strengthen collaboration with the Nagasaki University base. First, we visited the JICA Vietnam Office. Representatives provided an overview of Japan’s technical cooperation in Vietnam, and we reviewed our past collaborative activities in infectious diseases. We then exchanged views on the potential for future collaboration with the J-GRID+ and the Nagasaki University base. Next, we visited the Vietnam Agency for Disease Prevention (VADP) under the Ministry of Health. We received an explanation of the agency’s establishment and the current status of infectious disease control. We also introduced the activities of the JIHS and the J-GRID+, followed by an active exchange of views on future directions for cooperation. We also visited the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam. We were briefed on the current state of Japan–Vietnam relations and related challenges. In turn, we explained the establishment of the JIHS and the J-GRID+ framework, and exchanged views on potential collaborations in infectious diseases.

On January 21, the J-GRID+ meeting was held in a hybrid format. The purpose of the meeting was to share each research base’s activities, assess the status of relationship-building with local institutions, and explore opportunities for future collaboration and joint research. During the meeting, representatives from each base reported on their activities, including collaboration with local research institutions, the development of pathogen surveillance systems, human resource development initiatives, and efforts to strengthen diagnostic technologies and genomic analysis capabilities. In addition, with the participation of Vietnamese delegates, discussions were held on a wide range of topics, including priority infectious disease issues, coordination between surveillance and research, base management systems, human resource development and sustainability, and data sharing and governance. The general discussion focused on the potential for clinical research within the J-GRID+ network, advancing collaboration, establishing common research themes, and implementing joint training programs in third countries. Throughout this meeting, key priorities for the future were shared, including clarifying the characteristics of each center, promoting mutual understanding, strengthening collaboration among centers, advancing clinical research, and enhancing the use of training opportunities.

On January 22, participants visited the Pasteur Institute, toured its facilities, and attended a presentation. During the tour, they gained a deeper understanding of the institute’s research equipment and operational structure. The presentation provided an overview of the institute’s research activities, its collaborative initiatives with local health authorities, and its partnership with Nagasaki University. The participants also introduced the J-GRID+’s activities and exchanged views on strengthening future collaboration and the potential for joint research.

Overall, participants reviewed international collaboration and future joint research within the J-GRID+ framework through information-sharing and discussions with relevant organizations.