STOA 2026

Introduction

We are thrilled to announce a two-week summer school, hosted by SAGI and the Tay Nguyen University Observatory, focused on observational astronomy in the optical domain. This program provides hands-on training in telescope operation, instrumentation, and astronomical observation. Our goal is to highlight the importance of astronomy for scientific and technological progress while addressing key questions such as "Why study astronomy?" and "Why should it be funded?"

Students will engage in practical projects that cover telescope operation, data analysis, and instrument design, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the full process of astronomical observation. They will work with a range of telescopes, including a 60cm optical telescope, 50cm telescope, 40cm optical telescope, 30cm telescope, solar telescope, hydrogen-line radio telescope, and Very Low Frequency Array to collect data. Additionally, students will learn how to utilize archived data from major observatories, including ALMA, LOFAR, JCMT, IRAM 30m, DSS, Herschel, and Spitzer, to complement their analysis.

Beyond technical skills, students will also receive training in soft skills, including job searching, academic paper writing, information research, and research ethics.

Throughout the program, students will work in small groups on research projects and present their findings to a jury at the end of the school.

Organizing Institutes

NAT Association

SAGI

IRFU CEA-Saclay

QNO/Explora Science Quy nhon

Tay Nguyen University

Cardiff University

Contact & Registration

•  Limited scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance, especially students from the South East Asian region. We welcome participants from both international and Vietnamese universities, including Vietnamese students seeking thesis opportunities, who are encouraged to consult with organizers beforehand.

• Cardiff Students: Please email your resume and motivation letter to professor Nicolas Peretto (Cardiff University, UK) nicolas.peretto@astro.cf.ac.uk to register.

• Japanese students: Please contact professor  Yoichi Itoh (NHAO, JP), Kazuhito Dobashi (Tokyo Gakugei University, JP), Tomomi Shimoikura (Otsuma Women's University, JP) for more information

• Other International Students: Please email your resume and motivation letter by May 31, 2025 to qnguyen@natasso.com or luongquangbmt@gmail.com

• Vietnamese Students: Please  prepare your resume and motivation letter.

Location

The program is held at Tay Nguyen University, Daklak province, Vietnam. For travel, book your international flight to either SGN or HAN, and then take a domestic flight or train to Buon Ma Thuot, Daklak.

Local Tourist Information

https://lenjourneys.com/dak-lak-culture-highland-vietnam/

Important visa info!

Most travelers may need a visa to enter Vietnam. You can apply for an e-visa online, which is valid for 30 days for single entry. Check the Vietnamese e-visa website for eligibility and application. For further assistance, contact your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

• UK Citizens: Check the UK government’s Vietnam travel advice.

• Other Countries: Please verify visa requirements with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Accommodation & Meals

Shared rooms will be provided at the institute dormitory or local hotels arranged by us, included in the registration fee.

All participants will have meals together and the fee is already included in the registration fee.

Program

Detailed schedule will be provided later on.

2024: https//github.com/nganle191919/tnusagi24.git

2025: https://github.com/DanielQH07/TNU-SAGI-3SOA-2025

Scientific Organizing Committee

• Nguyễn Lương Quang (CEA/Saclay, FR / SAGI, VN)

• 
  

Local Organizing Committee

• Lê Minh Tân (TNUO, Tay Nguyen University (TNU), VN) - Chair

• Nguyễn Lương Quang (CEA Paris-Saclay, France)

• Lê Thị Mỹ Ngân (SAGI/IFIRSE, ICISE, VN)

• Lê Đức Niêm (Tay Nguyen University, VN)

• Nguyễn Văn Bồng (Tay Nguyen University, VN)

• Nguyễn Đình Sỹ (Tay Nguyen University, VN)

• Young Astronomy Club (YAC).

• TNU Physics group

Confirmed Lecturers

• Jeremy Tregloan-Reed (Universidad de Antofagasta, Chile)

• Bringfried Stecklum (www.tls-tautenburg.de)

• Đinh Văn Trung (Institute of Physics, Academy of Science of Vietnam)

• Shih-Hao Wang (ASIAA Astronomy, TW)

• Nguyễn Lương Quang (CEA Paris-Saclay, France)

• Nguyễn Bích Ngọc  (VNSC, Vietnam)

• Phan Thanh Hiền (USTH, Vietnam)

• Lê Minh Tân (TNUO, Tay Nguyen University, VN)

• Lê Thị Mỹ Ngân (SAGI, VN)

• Nguyễn Tiến Đồng  (QNO, VN)

• Nguyễn Đặng Thanh Nhàn (Turbingen University, Germany) (TBC)

• Yoichi Itoh (NHAO, JP) - TBC

• Kazuhito Dobashi (Tokyo Gakugei University, JP) - TBC

• Tomomi Shimoikura (Otsuma Women's University, JP) - TBC

• Mikio Kurita (University of Kyoto, JP) - TBC

• Chihiro Fukunaga (University of Kyoto, JP)

• Nguyễn Bình (University of Washington)

• Hoàng Kim Đỉnh (SAGI, VN)

• Phạm Vũ Lộc (VNSC, VN)

• Phạm Việt Dũng (APC, Uni Diderot, Vietnam)

General Information

• Registration: Monday, July 28, 8:30 – 12:30 at Tay Nguyen University. Please fill in and submit the arrival form.

• Meals: Breakfast, coffee breaks, lunch, and dinner will be provided. Inform us of any dietary preferences.

• Gala Dinner: A gala dinner will be held at the university or a nearby restaurant.

• Emergency Contacts: For emergencies, including medical help or transportation, please call the provided contact numbers.

Useful Information

• Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available on campus and at local cafes.

• SIM Cards: $20 prepaid tourist SIM cards with data and international call options can be purchased at airports or local shops. 

• Banking: Currency exchange is available at the hotel, local banks, or ATMs.

• Airport Pickup: Airport transfers will be arranged according to your itinerary. Contact the conference secretaries for assistance.

• Passport Reminder: Don’t forget to collect your passport from the hotel reception before departure!

For any questions or further details, please contact qnguyen@natasso.com