Breakthroughs under Resolution 57: A strategic direction for a new era of advancement in science and technology
As early as the 1960s, while the war was still ongoing, Vietnam began sending hundreds of officials to Dubna for study and research. Many of these pioneers would go on to become leading figures in Vietnam’s scientific community, particularly in physics and nuclear technology. Among them were Professor Nguyen Dinh Tu, who contributed to the discovery of the anti-sigma particle, and Professor Nguyen Van Hieu, a renowned expert in the theory of symmetry of fundamental particles and multi-particle production at high energies. Professor Hieu was awarded the prestigious Lenin Prize in 1986.
Archival images of the late Professor and Academician Nguyen Van Hieu — former Director of Vietnam Academy of Science (now Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) — during his time working in Dubna
This was not only a symbolic step toward international scientific integration, but also a testament to the foresight of Vietnam’s intellectual leaders of the time — those who believed that science and technology, particularly fundamental research, would serve as the foundation for the country’s sustainable, independent, and modern development.
That vision entered a new phase in 1982, when Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) was officially authorized by the government to serve as the country’s sole representative at what was then the most advanced scientific research facility in the Soviet Union — and one of the world’s leading centers of scientific innovation. In this capacity, VAST consistently promoted collaboration and systematically guided Vietnam’s research efforts in Dubna. Since 2022, cooperation between the two sides has entered a new stage of development, marked by a closer alignment between basic research and practical domestic needs. This has been realized through the joint formulation and implementation of numerous bilateral research projects, expanding the scope of collaboration beyond nuclear physics to include applied fields such as materials science, biology, medicine, and environmental research.
Attending conferences in Dubna
VAST attended the 136th Session of the Authorized Representatives of Joint Institute for Nuclear Research Dubna (JINR)
Prof. Dr. Tran Tuan Anh, Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and Vietnam’s authorized representative at JINR, emphasized that in the context of rapid advancements in science and technology, the research and training of Vietnamese scientific personnel at JINR have been further reinforced by a solid legal foundation — notably with the adoption of Resolution 45 on the development of the intellectual workforce and Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, both issued by the Party Central Committee.
Prof. Dr. Tran Tuan Anh expressed confidence that, with the revival of nuclear power policies and strategic plans for atomic energy development, the team of Vietnamese scientists currently working and studying in Dubna will play a pivotal role in the country’s socio-economic progress. They are expected to contribute significantly to the training of high-level scientific and technical experts, particularly in fundamental science and its practical applications.
Aligning with this perspective, Prof. Dr. Grigory Trubnikov, Academician of Russian Academy of Sciences and Director of JINR, affirmed that Vietnam has chosen the right path by prioritizing science, technology, and innovation as the primary drivers of socio-economic development.
As an experienced researcher at JINR, physicist Nguyen Van Tiep from the Nuclear Reaction Laboratory noted that Resolution 57 demonstrates Vietnam’s advancement alongside leading regional countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China in fostering the development of science and technology.
According to Dr. Nguyen Van Tiep, Vietnam’s intellectual resources studying and working abroad possess undeniable advantages, including access to advanced technologies, state-of-the-art laboratories, modern research methodologies, and extensive international expert networks. They are well-positioned to facilitate technology transfer to Vietnam, supported by a solid academic foundation and valuable international work experience. Moreover, they have the capacity to organize short-term training programs and international conferences, as well as collaborate with educational institutions to strengthen the capabilities of the Vietnamese scientific community.
Therefore, effectively leveraging this intellectual workforce not only strengthens Vietnam’s competitiveness but also advances the country toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045.
Mai Quynh Anh, a doctoral student in the field of nuclear physics at JINR
PhD student Mai Quynh Anh, currently working at the Nuclear Reaction Laboratory of JINR, appreciates the Institute’s collaborative and innovative environment. Quỳnh Anh is actively engaged in research and development of core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to support the digital transformation process. This includes applying AI and big data techniques to monitor and optimize reactor performance, analyze radiation safety, and maintain systems. Additionally, blockchain technology is being explored for nuclear fuel management to ensure transparency and safety throughout the fuel supply chain — from mining and uranium enrichment to radioactive waste management.
Quynh Anh noted that JINR attracts a large number of international scientists due to its flexible working model, which enables researchers to participate in projects without the need for full relocation. She expressed hope that, with new policy directions, Vietnam will soon establish high-quality research infrastructure and adopt similarly flexible collaboration mechanisms to engage Vietnamese scientists abroad. At the same time, she envisions the creation of an innovative scientific environment capable of attracting talent and effectively applying advanced technologies to the country’s economic and social development.
With the active support of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Russian Federation and the professional exchange activities organized by Vietnam’s science and technology representatives in Russia, the young Vietnamese research group at JINR has built a close-knit community—one that supports one another in both scientific endeavors and in maintaining material and emotional well-being.
The Embassy of Vietnam in the Russian Federation has closely coordinated with Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) to organize visits to Dubna for groups of Vietnamese students and children from the local Vietnamese community. These visits offer opportunities to learn about the research activities of a leading international organization like JINR, while also fostering connections with Vietnamese professionals working there—strengthening the sense of camaraderie and contributing to greater cohesion within the Vietnamese community in the Russian Federation.
Notably, the Vietnamese Party cell at JINR was officially approved for operation by the Party Committee of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Russian Federation in December 2022. Its establishment has contributed to strengthening the political awareness and ideological grounding of young Vietnamese scientists living and working within a culturally and nationally diverse international scientific community.
Ambassador Đặng Minh Khôi emphasized that the Russian Federation’s strength in science, technology, and nuclear research is supported by a consistently world-class standard of fundamental education. As a result, generations of Vietnamese students and researchers in Russia have benefited from an excellent environment for learning and scientific inquiry. Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, in particular, has played a significant role in training multiple generations of young Vietnamese scientists.
A selection of photos showcasing the activities of the Vietnamese team at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR)
The Ambassador expressed his belief that the young scientists in Dubna, in particular, and those at educational institutions across Russia more broadly, will carry forward the legacy of previous generations. He emphasized that they will become the backbone of Vietnam’s scientific advancement, playing a vital role in elevating the country to new heights in science and technology—ushering in a new era: the era of Vietnam’s rise.
As of 2024, the number of Vietnamese officials working at JINR has grown to 36, with projections reaching 45 in 2025—the highest figure to date and placing Vietnam among the countries with the largest representation at the Institute. This increase reflects not only growth in numbers but also significant improvements in quality. In the past year alone, Vietnamese scientists published 36 international research papers, with more than half appearing in prestigious Q1 journals. Young Vietnamese researchers have actively contributed to operating accelerator equipment, conducting experiments using neutron and heavy ion beams, researching nanomaterials, and participating in theoretical physics groups—areas that demand high levels of technical expertise and academic rigor.
Postgraduate training continues to be strengthened. In 2023, five doctoral candidates successfully defended their dissertations, and one master's student completed their program at Dubna University. Most of the research topics were closely aligned with experimental work conducted at JINR, contributing to the development of a new generation of Vietnamese scientists who are not only strong in theoretical knowledge but also proficient in operating advanced scientific equipment—well-prepared to support Vietnam’s strategic goals in developing high-tech sectors.
It is noteworthy that the fundamental research environment at JINR—focused on the nature of matter, particle interactions, and neutron reactions—provides Vietnam with a solid foundation for systematically preparing its national nuclear power program. The capability to analyze, simulate, and operate nuclear systems cannot be developed without a strong theoretical and experimental grounding in nuclear physics, which institutions like JINR are uniquely positioned to offer.
In the context of Resolution 57 being promulgated and actively implemented by the Politburo, the role of science, technology, and innovation as the primary driving force for socioeconomic development is underscored by the achievements at JINR, which stand as a vivid testament to Vietnam’s proactive, creative, and well-coordinated approach. Investment in basic science is not a luxury but the essential foundation for all applied breakthroughs.
Cooperation with JINR, under the guidance of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, alongside broader international scientific collaborations, will continue to serve as a vital pillar in Vietnam’s journey toward becoming a developed and self-reliant nation—poised to thrive in the era of global technological integration.
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
