Upon an initiative led by Yoshihiro Kubo, Vice president of IUPS, some members of the IUPS ExCo recently held a zoom meeting with representatives of physiologists in Vietnam and Laos. The academic situation in both countries, specific requirements of physiologists in both countries with regard to research and teaching as well as the career chances for young scientists were discussed. A number of items were identified where IUPS could support further development of physiology in both countries. IUPS is looking forward welcoming the respective national societies as new IUPS members in the near future