STARS Water Center · Tra Vinh University

Water research for a more resilient delta.

STARS Water Center is a research and innovation center at Tra Vinh University, connecting technology, nature-based solutions and communities to develop sustainable water systems for the Mekong Delta context.

Image of the STARS team at the center or in the field

A journey built through collaboration.

STARS has grown in clear steps: from a joint Vietnam–Netherlands innovation hub, to a connected research platform, and then into an official unit tasked with advancing innovation for sustainable development and water-resource management.

2022

STARS takes shape

Vietnam–Netherlands innovation hub

STARS Water Center was formed through collaboration between Tra Vinh University and Saxion University, focusing on smart water management, water reuse, the WEF nexus and nature-based solutions.

2025

Collaboration expands

Joint Research Center foundation

A strategic MoU between Tra Vinh University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences laid the foundation for the Joint Research Center on Climate Change and Water Technology.

2026

A new step forward

Official member unit

STARS was recognized as an official member unit with a mandate to advance regional innovation in sustainable development and water-resource management.

Three areas of focus, one shared purpose.

STARS combines natural processes, modern technology and learning to move water research out of the laboratory and into the contexts where it is needed most.

01 Nature-based

Nature-based solutions

Using natural processes for wastewater treatment, recyclable local materials and ecological restoration within one system.

Image of Eco-Park Wetlands and constructed wetland solutions
02 High-tech

Technology innovation

Developing monitoring, treatment and resource-recovery technologies, with AI and IoT supporting real-time water-quality observation.

03 Education

Education & training

Empowering young people and communities through workshops, practical training, academic exchange and community engagement.

From water to impact

Water is not waste. It is a resource.

STARS studies how to collect, treat, test and reuse different water sources for domestic and agricultural use, moving toward a more effective water cycle for Mekong Delta communities.

Source 01 Industrial wastewater
Source 02 Agricultural wastewater
Source 03 Domestic wastewater
Source 04 AC condensate
Source 05 Brackish water
STARS system Advanced treatment Nature-based and technology integration.
Quality layer Quality testing & monitoring
Domestic use Water suited to everyday needs.
Agricultural irrigation Water supporting adaptive production.
Resilience A more effective cycle for communities.
STARS system Advanced treatment
Quality testing & monitoring
Domestic useWater suited to everyday needs.
Agricultural irrigationWater supporting adaptive production.
ResilienceA more effective cycle for communities.

Research matters when it can reach the real world.

STARS connects research, learning and knowledge transfer in a continuous workflow — from technical trials to people-centered training and implementation partnerships.

Image of a research team testing a water treatment system
Research & innovation

Creating solutions that fit local contexts.

Research focuses include water reuse, circular aquaponics, urban agriculture, brackish-water treatment, nature-based technology and AI/IoT-enabled monitoring.

Water reuseNature-basedAI / IoT
Learning & youth

Making young people part of the solution.

STARS brings students and young people into learning, designing, testing and presenting practical water solutions through exchange, training, teaching and innovation initiatives.

ExchangeTrainingInnovation
Meet the team
Image of exchange, training and engagement with young people
Image of a workshop and technical work with partners
Consultancy & knowledge transfer

Turning knowledge into implementable capacity.

STARS connects experts, businesses, development organizations and communities to share knowledge, co-design solutions and support the transfer of models suited to real conditions.

ConsultancyCo-designTransfer
Explore projects

A center built through collaboration.

The partnership between Tra Vinh University and Saxion University creates an interdisciplinary structure connecting technical experts, researchers, students and partners in Vietnam and abroad.

Meet the team
Tra Vinh University logo, founding partner of STARS Water Center
Saxion University logo, international partner of STARS Water Center
UNESCO logo, partner of STARS Water Center
UNDP logo, partner of STARS Water Center
Nuffic logo, partner of STARS Water Center
Collaborate with STARS

From water challenges to solutions ready for action.

STARS Water Center works with universities, public agencies, businesses, development organizations and communities to research, test and scale water solutions suited to the Mekong Delta.