On the afternoon of August 11, 2017, USAID experts including Karen Fowle and Robert Gasior worked with Nha Trang University (NTU). Attending the meeting was Dr. Khong Trung Thang, Vice Rector, representatives of the Department of External Affair, international collaborator network at NTU, and members of the Biodiversity and Conservation research group within the framework of the PEER projects.

On behalf of the school leadership, Dr. Thang gave the welcome speech and note USAID's support to Nha Trang University. Ms. Karen Fowle introduced the PEER program, as well as USAID strategies and priorities for Vietnam. Participants discussed and questioned the USAID experts.

Dr. Dang Thuy Binh, head of the Biodiversity and Conservation Research group, presented the results of two PEER projects and additional grants and answer the questions of experts. Afterwards, the experts visited the Molecular Biology Laboratory, exchanging academic information with team members and students participating in Peer project. Experts also participated in the survey of Hon Mun MPA with the research team and Oceanography Institute.

Since its inception in 2011, the PEER program has funded 254 scientific research projects in 32 countries to cooperate in areas such as agriculture, forestry, groundwater cleanup, biodiversity, risk reduction from volcanoes, droughts and climate change. Nha Trang University received 2 PEER project for the cycle 2 (Peer 2-7) and cycle 3 (Peer 3-100).