On August 26, 2026, the Center for Biomedical Research and Application (BMRAC) of Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) had its first professional working day with the Clem Jones Center for Regenerative Medicine (CJCRM), Bond University (Australia), focusing on research directions on stem cells and regenerative medicine.
This activity follows the foundation of cooperation between PCTU and Bond University following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in October 2025, in which the two universities aim to promote scientific research, academic exchanges and connect research groups in the fields of medicine and health sciences.
CJCRM representatives participating in the program include:
1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nigel Barnett – Director of the Center
2. Dr. Danivia Beaver – Postdoctoral Researcher, Visiting Lecturer at the Center.
CJCRM is a research center at Bond University, with strengths in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine and retinal regeneration research. One of the center’s outstanding directions is to develop processes for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into retinal cells, towards research that can be applied in the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases.
Within the framework of the working content, the 2 sides shared and discussed the research results through thematic reports. Specifically:
From BMRAC, the Stem Cell Research Team presented the topic “Stem Cell Production according to GMP Standards and Regenerative Medicine”, focusing on the requirements of process standardization, quality control, stability and biosafety of cell sources for transplant research.
CJCRM shared a topic on “Retinal Stem Cell Research”, focusing on the process of differentiating stem cells into specialized retinal cell lines, methods for evaluating cell characteristics and quality.
Next, the two research teams discussed in depth the culture conditions, the repeatability of the differentiation process, the criteria for evaluating cell quality, and the ability to standardize the process according to the requirements of production under GMP conditions. Through the exchange, the two centers identified points that can complement each other between CJCRM’s experience in retinal cell differentiation research and BMRAC’s orientation for the development of stem cell production under GMP conditions. This is the basis for the two sides to continue to consider in-depth cooperation directions in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
Closing the first working day, the two Centers continued to enter the program on August 27, 2026, focusing on discussing directions that are likely to develop into specific cooperation in training and technology transfer. The initial meeting discussed and concretized the directions of cooperation:
- Personnel and student exchanges: transfer staff and students between the two laboratories for direct technical learning.
- Research project development: focuses on the areas of stem cells and iPSCs, as well as projects related to public health.
- Search for research funds: coordinate the development and submission of research grant applications in Australia and Vietnam.
- Participate in scientific conferences: attend and present at international conferences to share research results and expand cooperation networks.
- Joint scientific publications: coordinate to write and publish scientific articles in prestigious international journals, in order to improve academic value and affirm the research cooperation capacity of the two sides.
The meeting laid the foundation for in-depth cooperation between BMRAC and CJCRM in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. The two sides affirmed their commitment to jointly develop research, training and technology transfer projects, aiming to make practical contributions to modern medicine and public health.