UNESCO Extends the Mandate of Two Category II Science Centers of Vietnam
According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the continued recognition and extension of operation for the two science centers demonstrate Vietnam’s governance capacity and commitment to the development of basic sciences, while contributing to the promotion of scientific cooperation in ASEAN and the Asia–Pacific region.
Prof.Dr. Tran Hong Thai, President of VAST, affirmed that VAST will continue to prioritize the development of mathematics and physics by attracting young talents, expanding international cooperation, and inviting foreign experts to work long-term in Vietnam. The goal is to develop ICRTM and ICP into research centers playing a core role in scientific development, while contributing to addressing practical issues such as data modeling, weather forecasting, and the development of new technological systems.
Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, stated that the extension of the two international science centers in Viet Nam not only affirms the reputation of Vietnam’s basic sciences in the international arena but also contributes to commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–UNESCO cooperation (1976–2026).
Assoc.Prof. Phan Thi Ha Duong, Director of ICRTM, noted that the extension evaluation process provides an opportunity for the Centre to review its activities and identify new development orientations. In the coming period, ICRTM will implement cooperative programs with international scientific organizations such as ICTP, TWAS and CIMPA to promote scholar exchanges, develop strong research groups, and organize advanced research semesters.
According to UNESCO’s decisions, the Director-General of UNESCO will sign a bilateral agreement with the Government of Vietnam and a Memorandum of Understanding with VAST to continue the operation of the two centers in the period 2026–2034.
Previously, independent evaluations conducted by UNESCO for ICRTM and ICP in 2025 yielded positive results. International experts acknowledged that the two centers have achieved significant results in advanced research, postgraduate training, and the expansion of international cooperation.
In the period 2020–2025, ICRTM organized 15 international schools with more than 500 participants and 35 international lecturers, along with 13 international scientific conferences with the participation of more than 600 scientists, contributing to more than 120 international scientific publications.
In the next eight-year extension cycle, Vietnam aims to expand cooperation with international scientific organizations, ASEAN countries, and African countries, with a view to developing ICRTM and ICP into reputable basic science centers in the region, contributing to sustainable development and the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033).
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
