Technical Training in interferometry for Vietnamese young researchers

CNES and ENSG (Ecole Nationale des Sciences Géographiques) recently provided technical training in interferometry for Vietnamese young researchers. This initiative has successfully empowered Vietnamese young researchers with cutting-edge skills in interferometry, addressing a critical need in radar technology expertise as Vietnam prepares for the Lotus one satellite launch. The training was conducted in two stages, starting with an internship in France and culminating in a summer school in Vietnam.

Stage 1: Internship in France (May - August 2023)

In a display of internation cooperation, a student from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) traveled to France for intensive training in interferometry and Sentinel-1 data processing, focusing on urban subsidence in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the supervision of Benedicte Fruneau and Marc Poupée, the trainee developed a new technique for monitoring subsidence, yielding results consistent with previous studies. The student showcased her work through a scientific poster at the Icise Summer School and a comprehensive presentation summarizing her findings.

Stage 2: Summer School in Vietnam (September 2023)

Returning to Vietnam, the trainee and her supervisors organized a four-day summer school on interferometry, involving Vietnamese space institutions, international researchers, and students.

The main achievements are:

• Scientific Contribution: The trainee produced a coherent scientific work on interferometry, presented through a poster and a detailed slide presentation.
• Educational Development: A comprehensive summer school on interferometry was established at HCMUT, including in-person training and online workshops.
• Resource Creation: Courses and practical exercises were developed to support the summer school and future training sessions.
• Community Building: A new community of SAR data practitioners was formed in the Ho Chi Minh City area, strengthening collaborations between HCMUT, the Vietnam National Space Centre, and other partners.

This action has significantly advanced the technical skills of Vietnamese researchers in radar technology, addressing the urgent need for expertise in this field and fostering international collaboration.