Dr. Ngoc Dao and Truong Xuan Dinh, researchers from Vietnam, are currently working at Kent Business School (KBS) as part of a British Council-funded project. Here, Ngoc shares insights into her journey to Kent, the collaborative academic environment at KBS, and the far-reaching impact of her research on flood mitigation in Vietnam.
A Fellowship that brought her to Kent
After completing her PhD in Ireland, Ngoc joined KBS through the prestigious British Council ISPF Early Career Fellowship, a programme designed to strengthen international research partnerships.
“After completing my PhD in Ireland, I joined KBS through a British Council ISPF Early Career Fellowship project. My research focuses on developing inclusive flood mitigation strategies for Vietnam by combining advanced data analysis with community engagement approaches. The opportunity to collaborate with leading experts like Professor Maria Paola Scaparra on this impactful research strongly motivated my decision to come to KBS.”
A supportive and interdisciplinary research culture
Ngoc highlights the welcoming, multidisciplinary academic culture that defines KBS, where researchers across disciplines collaborate with purpose.
“KBS offers a welcoming and intellectually stimulating academic environment. Faculty members across various disciplines, including operational research and data science, collaborate effectively while maintaining an approachable and supportive attitude towards researchers and students. This creates an excellent atmosphere for academic growth and interdisciplinary work.”
Collaboration, development, and a sense of belonging
Professional development and a respectful working culture are central to Ngoc’s experience.
“I particularly value the respectful, cooperative and multidisciplinary working environment at KBS. The School regularly organises workshops on relevant topics that facilitate valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, KBS provides strong support for professional development through training programmes and conference participation, which greatly enhances our research capabilities.”
Influencing climate resilience in Vietnam
The impact of Ngoc’s work is already being felt, not only in academic circles but in communities across Vietnam.
“Our project has started influencing flood mitigation strategies in Vietnam by integrating data-informed risk assessments with local community insights. Through collaboration with Vietnamese partners, we have developed solutions that are both technically robust and socially inclusive. The British Council fellowship has helped strengthen academic ties between the UK and Vietnam while addressing urgent climate adaptation needs.”
Looking ahead: Expanding the scope of research
Ngoc’s future plans include building on this collaborative momentum to tackle wider environmental issues.
“KBS provides an excellent foundation for continuing my collaborative research focused on solving practical problems through multidisciplinary approaches. I plan to expand this work to address other pressing environmental challenges while maintaining strong partnerships with Vietnamese institutions and communities.”
A message to students from Vietnam
Finally, Ngoc encourages Vietnamese students to consider the opportunities that Kent Business School can offer.
“Vietnamese students will find KBS an ideal institution to engage with critical issues like climate resilience, which is particularly relevant for Vietnam. Our project demonstrates how KBS combines rigorous research methods with practical applications, offering students opportunities to contribute to meaningful solutions while developing valuable skills for careers in academia, industry and policymaking. The School’s supportive international community and focus on real-world impact make it an excellent choice for Vietnamese students seeking to address global challenges.”