Vietnam aims to have research findings that are in the top 5% globally.
Forming strong research groups is the goal of the Program for Excellence in Basic Research in Natural Sciences (PEBR), approved by the Minister of Science and Technology on May 25th.
The program prioritizes funding for basic research linked to strategic technology development and strategic technology products, strong research groups, and research directions with the potential to create breakthroughs in Vietnam's development advantages.
The Ministry of Science and Technology identifies this as the foundation for creating breakthroughs in knowledge and technology, forming the capacity to master core technologies and strategic technologies, and enhancing national competitiveness. Therefore, Vietnam will shift from a model of funding individual, short-term research tasks to investing in medium- and long-term research, ensuring knowledge accumulation and the formation of leading research capabilities.
The Ministry encourages new, groundbreaking ideas, accepting scientific risks appropriate to the characteristics of basic research, while applying a management mechanism based on output results and scientific impact.
The specific goal of the program is to form strong research groups in natural sciences with the capacity to lead and create international impact. The program aims to improve the quality and impact of basic research, gradually enhancing Vietnam's scientific standing in several key areas.
The Ministry of Science and Technology wants to develop several research directions with breakthrough potential, developing core technologies and strategic technologies in priority areas such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotechnology, new energy, and semiconductor technology.
According to the roadmap, by 2030, Vietnam aims to form 30 strong research groups in natural sciences, with at least 3 groups achieving leading status in the region. By 2035, the number of strong research groups will increase to approximately 50, with at least 10 groups achieving leading status in the region and having a clear international academic impact.
By 2030, the proportion of Vietnamese scientific publications in Q1 journals must increase 1.5 times compared to the average of the 2021-2025 period. By 2035, this rate should approximately double. Vietnam aims for at least one research direction to approach the top 5% globally in terms of scientific impact by 2030, and at least three research directions to reach this level by 2035.
Vietnam will also develop at least 10 new research directions, with at least three having the potential to develop into core technology platforms. By 2035, at least 10 more new research directions will be established, with at least five having the potential to become core technology platforms.
Cleanroom, Nano and Energy Center, Faculty of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, a training and research center for semiconductors. Photo: Giang Huy
The program also aims to develop a team of young scientists. The goal by 2030 is to support, nurture, and connect at least 500 PhDs, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and young scientists. Of these, at least 100 young scientists will be capable of leading independent research groups at an international level. The number of supported scientists will increase to at least 1,000 by 2035.
Regarding international cooperation, by 2030, Vietnam plans to implement at least 100 collaborative research projects with substantial participation from foreign partners. This number will increase to at least 300 projects by 2035. Each strong research group will have at least one strategic international partner.
The selection, funding, and evaluation of research projects are conducted on a competitive, open, and transparent basis, according to criteria of scientific excellence. The National Science and Technology Development Fund is assigned to lead and organize the implementation of the program.
Quang Huy
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