Scientific Conference on “Biotechnology: Serving Sustainable Development and Promoting the Circular Economy”
The conference was attended by Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha – Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Director of the Institute of Biology, Director of the Biotechnology Council, and Head of the Conference Subcommittee; Prof. Dr. Hoang Nghia Son – Director of Institute of Life Sciences and Vice Chairman of the Biotechnology Council; Professor Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dong Van Quyen; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phi Quyet Tien – Deputy Director of Institute of Biology; and Professor Dr. Duong Tan Nhat – Deputy Director of Institute of Life Sciences. Also in attendance were members of the Conference Subcommittee, along with leaders and numerous scientists from universities and research institutes under VAST.
Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha – Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Director of the Institute of Biology, Chairman of the Biotechnology Industry Council, and Head of the Conference Subcommittee – delivered remarks at the conference
In his opening remarks at the conference, Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha noted that as early as 2005—20 years ago—the Central Committee of the Communist Party issued Directive 50-CT/TW on promoting the development and application of biotechnology to support the country’s industrialization and modernization. The Directive emphasized that biotechnology holds a particularly important role for Vietnam, serving as a key driver in ensuring food security, as well as in the restructuring and sustainable development of the agricultural and rural economy. On January 30, 2023, the Politburo issued Resolution 36-NQ/TW on the development and application of biotechnology for the sustainable development of the country in the new context. The resolution sets a vision for 2045 in which Vietnam aims to become one of the world’s leading countries in biotechnology, serving as a hub for smart production and services, as well as a regional leader in biotechnology-based startups and innovation. The biotechnology industry is expected to contribute 10–15% to the national GDP. Notably, on December 22, 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, identifying biotechnology as one of the key sectors for economic and social development.
In support of the implementation of Resolution 36-NQ/TW and Resolution 57-NQ/TW, the government has actively directed the development and issuance of a range of mechanisms and policies aimed at promoting the application, technology transfer, and innovation activities. These include the National Technology Innovation Program to 2030; the Scheme for promoting the transfer, mastery, and development of technologies from abroad into Vietnam in priority sectors and industries by 2025, with orientation toward 2030; and the development and enhancement of the effectiveness of a network of science and technology representatives in several developed countries. Therefore, the scientific conference “Biotechnology – Serving Sustainable Development and Promoting a Circular Economy” holds significance not only as an academic event but also as a meaningful contribution to the implementation of Resolution 36-NQ/TW and Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Central Committee. The conference serves as a platform for scientists to present and discuss key issues related to biotechnology in service of critical socio-economic sectors in the near future.
The Organizing Committee received nearly 60 full papers submitted by 150 authors. All submissions were evaluated through a confidential and independent peer-review process, following the editorial standards of national scientific journals, to ensure the scientific quality of the papers selected for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings.
At the conference, the Organizing Committee invited 15 distinguished scientists to deliver presentations across four thematic sessions, focusing on critical issues in the field of biotechnology both in Vietnam and internationally. The sessions provided updates on the latest research conducted at VAST, covering a wide range of topics including omics technologies; the breeding of crops, livestock, and aquaculture species; gene editing; stem cells; next-generation vaccines; virology; environmental pollution treatment; DNA testing; and various other practical applications.
The thematic sessions, chaired by leading scientists, reflected both the diversity and depth of biotechnology research while highlighting its broad application potential.
The first session, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam, featured three significant scientific presentations that showcased the research capabilities of institutions under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, reaffirming Vietnam’s pioneering role in certain areas of applied biotechnology.
The second session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Truong Nam Hai, focused on key research directions with high potential for practical application, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation.
The third session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Hoang Nghia Son, continued with a series of specialized presentations that provided valuable scientific insights and highlighted notable achievements within the biotechnology sector. The fourth thematic session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, placed emphasis on the accomplishments and potential applications of biotechnology in medicine, aquaculture, and agriculture—affirming the significant prospects for biotechnology development in Vietnam.
In his closing remarks at the conference, Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha emphasized the success of the event in fostering academic exchange, promoting research collaboration, and reaffirming the pivotal role of biotechnology in advancing the circular economy model in Vietnam. Within Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, biotechnology currently accounts for approximately 20%–25% of international scientific publications and over 30% of the Academy’s annually registered patents and utility solutions. Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha expressed his hope that, under the strategic direction of major policies such as Resolution 36-NQ/TW and Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, along with the supportive policies issued by National Assembly, the Government, and Ministry of Science and Technology, the biotechnology sector will not only become a driving force for growth but also serve as a cornerstone in affirming Vietnam’s global standing and achieving sustainable development.
Some photos from the Conference:
Scientists leading the sessions and presenting reports at the Conference
Taking commemorative photo
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
