On the morning of June 30, 2025, at the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), the Vietnam Polymath REU 2025 Summer School officially commenced, marking the conclusion of a year-long undergraduate mathematics research program. The event gathered a large number of lecturers and students from various universities in Vietnam and abroad.
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Delegates attending the workshop

In the opening speech, a representative of the Organizing Committee expressed the hope that the Summer School would become a valuable academic environment, offering students the opportunity to present their research findings, exchange academic ideas, and gain exposure to modern areas of mathematics. At the same time, the event serves as a bridge connecting Vietnamese mathematicians with international experts, fostering long-term research collaboration.
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Dr. Pham Van Thang, VNU University of Science delivered the opening remarks

The Vietnam Polymath REU 2025 Summer School took place over five days (June 30 – July 4, 2025) and featured two intensive courses. The first course, “Model Theory through Random Graphs”, was taught by Professor Thomas Koberda from the University of Virginia (USA). In this course, Professor Koberda introduced fundamental ideas of model theory, categoricity, and elementary equivalence via the Erdos–Renyi random graph model. The course content was designed for students with a basic background in graph theory and probability.
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Prof. Thomas Koberda from the University of Virginia (USA) teaching the first course

The second course, titled “Selected Topics in Discrete Geometry”, was taught by Dr. Pham Van Thang (VNU University of Science, Vietnam) and Professor Steven Senger (Missouri State University, USA). This course focused on introducing central topics in discrete geometry and exploring how geometric methods, discrete Fourier analysis, and algebraic techniques can be applied to solve related problems.
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Prof. Steven Senger, Missouri State University, USA teaching the second course

In addition to the intensive courses, the students presented research reports that were the result of a year of dedicated work with their academic supervisors. Each presentation not only demonstrated the students’ abilities in mathematical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving, but also reflected their spirit of learning and teamwork within research groups. Through these sessions, the students had the opportunity to share their ideas, methods, and results with experts and peers, and to receive valuable feedback for further developing their research directions.

Students presenting their research findings

During the presentation sessions, the students not only shared their ideas and results but also actively engaged in discussions, exchanged perspectives, and participated in academic debates. This process helped them improve their independent research skills, scientific presentation abilities, and deepen their understanding of modern areas of mathematics.
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Students actively participating in research discussions

Through this series of courses, presentations, and academic exchanges, the Vietnam Polymath REU 2025 Summer School not only helped students strengthen their mathematical foundation but also encouraged a spirit of independent research, inspired them to pursue new directions, and contributed to the development of a vibrant young mathematical community in Vietnam.

Some photos from the workshop:  30.6-4.7.2025 PolyMath Reu