Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Thuong Luu Participates in the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF Global 2026), Strengthening Innovation Collaboration Between Van Lang University and the United Kingdom

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Thuong Luu, Head of the Faculty of Automotive Engineering at Van Lang University, was honored to be one of only nine Vietnamese scientists selected to participate in the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF Global 2026), organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering (United Kingdom). The programme brings together researchers and innovation leaders from around the world to strengthen leadership capabilities, accelerate the commercialization of research, expand international collaboration, and connect participants with the United Kingdom's innovation ecosystem. Running from December 2025 to July 2026, the programme included an intensive residential training period in the UK from 26 June to 12 July 2026.

Project Presentation and International Collaboration

One of the programme's key activities was the Project Presentation session, where participants showcased their research and innovation projects. During the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Thuong Luu presented his project, SafeMove – Improving Pedestrian Safety, to an audience of international experts, mentors, and investors. The project focuses on improving pedestrian safety through the application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to reduce traffic accidents and promote safer urban mobility. The presentation also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with international experts on technology commercialization, product development strategies, market expansion, and future research collaboration.

During the programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Thuong Luu met with Ms Hanna, programme manager for LIF Global at Royal Academy of Engineering. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in education, scientific research, innovation, and the development of high-quality human resources. Both parties also discussed opportunities for faculty members, researchers, and students of Van Lang University to participate more actively in future international programmes organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Visiting White City Innovation District and Working with Scale Space

As part of the LIF Global 2026 programme, the delegation visited the White City Innovation District and held a working session at Scale Space, one of the United Kingdom's leading innovation hubs supporting high-growth technology companies.

During the visit, participants learned about the operation of the innovation ecosystem, startup acceleration programmes, investment networks, technology enterprise development, and collaborative models between universities and industry in the United Kingdom. The practical experience gained from Scale Space provides valuable insights for strengthening Van Lang University's innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurship initiatives, and technology transfer activities.

Working with Oxentia – An Innovation Consultancy within the University of Oxford Ecosystem

As part of the programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Thuong Luu visited Oxentia, a leading innovation consultancy specializing in innovation management, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship development. Built upon more than three decades of the University of Oxford's expertise in research commercialization, Oxentia has supported thousands of technology startups, universities, research institutes, and government agencies worldwide in developing innovation strategies, fostering science- and technology-based enterprises, and translating research into real-world impact.

During the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Thuong Luu and Dr. Steve Cleverley discussed university innovation models, mechanisms for research commercialization, the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems, and future collaboration opportunities between Oxentia and Van Lang University.

Advancing Van Lang University's Internationalization and Research Strategy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Thuong Luu's selection for the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF Global 2026) not only recognizes his excellence in research and innovation but also reinforces Van Lang University's growing presence within the international network of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Through the programme, Van Lang University is expected to expand strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, technology enterprises, and innovation organizations across the United Kingdom, further promoting applied research, technology transfer, and the development of highly skilled human resources to meet the demands of the innovation-driven economy