University of Freiburg Welcomes Lao Delegation for EU-Funded RESET Project Launching Green Growth Initiatives

Freiburg, Monday, 27 July 2026

The University of Freiburg today hosted an institutional meeting with a distinguished delegation from the Lao People's Democratic Republic as part of the RESET project (Redefining Research Management Structures and Research Career Development to Accelerate Green Growth in Lao PDR). Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) programme, the initiative is managed locally by the University’s Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR). 

The RESET project aims to modernise research management governance across Lao higher education institutions while fostering the sustainable professional development of researchers in strategic fields tied to the country's national green growth agenda. 

High-Level Institutional Representation

The meeting was hosted by Dr. Roderich von Detten from the Chair of Forestry Economics and Forest Planning at the University of Freiburg.

Representing the Lao delegation were key leadership figures from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and all five participating public universities in Laos:

• Prof. Dr. Phonesavanh Thepphasoulithone, Rector of Champasack University (CU) 
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sithixay Xayavong, Rector of Savannakhet University (SKU) 
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vongpasith Chanthakhoun, Vice-Rector of Souphanouvong University (SU)
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Molina Choummanivong, Vice-Rector of the University of Health Sciences (UHS) 
• Mr. Amkheng Phenglasy, Deputy Director of the Office and International Relations at the National University of Laos (NUOL)
• Mr. Khamkeo Hansana, Deputy Director General of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos (MoES)

his high-level delegation highlights a shared dedication to transforming research management and supporting sustainable green growth in Laos..

RESET

RESET is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project co-funded by the European Union. Its mission is to modernize research governance across Lao universities while creating attractive, long-term career pathways for researchers specializing in priority green growth sectors.

The RESET project addresses critical structural needs in Lao higher education by systematically elevating institutional Research and Innovation (R&I) management capacities, refining governance strategies, and embedding long-term career frameworks for academic talent. By building synergy between higher education institutions, governmental bodies, and broader innovation networks, the project advances Laos' national green growth objectives.  Central to this strategy is the National Research Hub, designed as a national nexus for interdisciplinary training and technical cooperation. The Hub aims to cultivate specialized expertise in key socio-economic domains, including renewable energy systems, green technologies, and climate-resilient development.  Furthermore, RESET places a strong emphasis on technology transfer, ensuring research outcomes translate into practical applications for green enterprises, young researchers, and public policy. By supporting the development of Sustainability Innovation Campuses, partner institutions will model green operations, serving as catalytic anchors for surrounding Green City developments. Supported by bi-regional exchange between European and Lao partners, RESET establishes a digitally accessible, nationally equitable R&I ecosystem equipped for sustainable development.