VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: 50 YEARS ACCOMPANYING THE CAUSE OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (1975–2025)
Attending the event were representatives of central ministries, sectors, and local authorities, as well as international partners; together with current and former leaders of VAST, current and former leaders of units under VAST, scientists, and officials and public employees of VAST.
50 years of building scientific and technological foundations and affirming a core role
In his opening remarks at the anniversary ceremony, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Executive Committee of the Government Party Committee, and President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, emphasized that the 50th anniversary celebration is an occasion to review the proud traditions; to express gratitude and appreciation to generations of leaders, scientists, and staff who have devoted their dedication to the cause of building and developing VAST; and at the same time to inspire scientific passion, a spirit of innovation, responsibility, and aspirations for contribution in the new stage of national development.
Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Executive Committee of the Government Party Committee, and President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, delivering a speech at the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Academy’s establishment
The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology was established on 20 May 1975 under Decree No. 118/CP of the Government Council, on the basis of the Scientific Research Center under the State Committee for Science and Technology. In the context of a newly reunified country with many socio-economic difficulties, VAST early defined its mission of conducting fundamental scientific research and accumulating foundational knowledge, serving as a basis for the construction and development of the national scientific system.
Over 50 years of development, under the leadership of the Party and the close attention and direction of the Government and central authorities, generations of leaders, scientists, and staff of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have continuously made efforts and pursued persistent research, overcoming numerous difficulties and challenges, gradually building VAST into a reputable center for scientific and technological research in the country and the region.
Throughout this journey, starting from specialized groups conducting fundamental research in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, Earth sciences, and related fields, successive generations of VAST leadership both focused on organizing and developing research groups into specialized research institutes, and on gathering teams of scientists and building initial research facilities and equipment in a context of many national difficulties. At the same time, they proactively implemented and concentrated research on key specialized directions such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, basic surveys in Earth sciences, and aerospace science.
Over the past 50 years, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has undertaken the role of researching scientific and technological issues of major importance and of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary nature; implementing tasks of investigation, survey, and long-term data collection and accumulation; and gradually mastering strategic technologies, core technologies, and source technologies, thereby contributing to the resolution of important and long-term national development tasks.
On the basis of advanced research groups, specialized research institutes, and new research directions, many scientific fields in Vietnam have achieved marked development, from fundamental research to in-depth and applied research; from foundational disciplines such as mathematics, mechanics, physics, chemistry, and biology to information technology, biotechnology, marine science, and space technology. Research activities have also expanded from land to seas, oceans, and outer space, and from basic surveys to in-depth, specialized, and integrated investigations.
Along with the deepening of specialized expertise, scientific publication capacity and research cooperation have been continuously enhanced. From the initial scientific and technological bulletins, VAST has to date established a system of 12 science and technology journals in accordance with international standards, of which 8 journals meet SCI and Scopus standards. The quality of research works has been increasingly affirmed through publication in reputable journals, while the network of scientific cooperation has expanded to include many countries, international scientific organizations, local authorities, economic groups, universities, and domestic enterprises.
In parallel with research activities, VAST has placed special emphasis on training high-quality science and technology human resources to serve national development. Over the past 50 years, the Academy has trained tens of thousands of master’s and doctoral degree holders, and has formed reputable training institutions such as the Graduate University of Science and Technology, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), and the Institute of Mathematics. To date, 100% of VAST doctoral candidates, upon defending their dissertations, have had at least two scientific works published in international journals, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality and standing of Vietnamese science.
One of the most prominent hallmarks of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology is its role in providing scientific and technological advice to the Party and the State. Throughout its development, VAST has proactively participated in advising the Politburo, the Central Committee, and the Government on many major issues in science and technology, such as development strategies for mathematics, physics, biotechnology, marine science and technology, space technology, energy, environment, advanced materials, rare earths, as well as issues related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
In addition, VAST has continuously expanded international cooperation, establishing and developing relations with many leading scientific organizations, research institutes, and universities worldwide; actively participating in global scientific networks; and promoting academic exchange as well as knowledge and technology transfer. Scientists of VAST have also been elected and honored by prestigious international organizations with numerous distinguished titles, and have been selected as Vietnam’s representatives in many bodies under the United Nations and major international science and technology organizations. International cooperation activities have made important contributions to enhancing research capacity, the quality of human resources, and the standing of Vietnamese science on the international stage.
Along with the development of human resources and knowledge, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has gradually built up its scientific and technological capacity, ensuring that research directions are supported by sufficient minimum human resources for implementation. From an initial research base and infrastructure concentrated solely in Hanoi, VAST now has specialized research institutes across all regions of the country; modern and synchronized equipment invested in accordance with international standards; a widespread network of stations with modern equipment ensuring continuous information 24/7; and advanced data acquisition and processing centers meeting operational requirements.
Many works, programs, technologies, and awards achieved by VAST’s units and successive generations of scientists have contributed to firmly safeguarding independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; maintaining national security; promoting socio-economic development and environmental protection; and advancing external relations and international integration in science and technology, thereby contributing to the building of foundations and vision and creating development breakthroughs in the new era - the era of the nation’s rise toward prosperity, civilization, and sustainable development.
Development orientation in the new period
Entering a new stage of development, in the context where science and technology increasingly play a pivotal role in rapid and sustainable growth, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology identifies the continued promotion of its role as the country’s leading scientific and technological research institution, maintaining a pillar position within the national science and technology system. The Academy focuses on conducting fundamental scientific research to develop knowledge and create a foundation for scientific and technological progress; at the same time, it promotes applied research, technology transfer, and technological development to serve the country’s industrialization and modernization, environmental protection, and the requirements of national defense and security. In parallel, the Academy places emphasis on training and fostering high-quality science and technology human resources, enhancing national research capacity, while strengthening its role in policy advisory and critique, and participating in the formulation of major strategies on science, technology, and innovation.
On that basis, VAST aims to become the leading scientific and technological research organization in the Southeast Asian region by 2030, with international competitiveness in several key areas. Looking toward 2045, the Academy aspires to become a high-level science and technology research center of regional significance in Asia, playing a leading role in the national science and technology system in generating new knowledge, core technologies, and breakthrough solutions, thereby contributing to the development of Vietnam into a prosperous, strong, and creative nation.
Throughout its development journey and future orientation, VAST remains steadfast in the foundational values cultivated over the past 50 years. These include: honoring knowledge, valuing science, and regarding creativity as the highest value; continuously innovating, daring to think and act, paving the way for pioneering ideas and technologies; embracing broad cooperation and absorbing the essence of global science while affirming Vietnamese resilience; linking research with the benefits of the nation and the people, for sustainable development and national security; and pursuing green science and humane technology for the future generations.
With the spirit that science and technology must take a pioneering lead, at the ceremony, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh affirmed that VAST will continue to uphold its proud and noble traditions through the ages to overcome all difficulties, innovate thinking, proactively integrate, and strive to contribute to the successful achievement of the two centennial strategic goals set forth by the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress.
By authorization of the President of the State, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, President of VAST, presented the First-Class Labor Order to the Office of VAST and the Department of Organization – Personnel and Inspection
On this occasion, VAST was honored with the First-Class Labor Order by the President of the State for outstanding achievements in international cooperation and integration in scientific research, technological development, and the training of high-quality human resources; and the Third-Class Labor Order for excellent performance in implementing Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, adopted at the sixth session of the 12th Central Committee of the Party on 20 October 2017, “On several issues concerning the continued renewal and arrangement of the organizational apparatus of the political system to be streamlined, effective, and efficient.” In addition, many subordinate units and individuals of VAST were also awarded Labor Orders by the President of the State.
Some highlight photos from the event:
Welcome cultural performance
Delegates attending the event
Presentation of commemorative medals to honor former leaders of VAST
Prof. Acad. Dang Vu Minh – Former Member of the Party Central Committee, Former President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, sharing his reflections at the event
Representing the younger generation of VAST, Dr. Phan Ke Son – Secretary of the Youth Union of VAST, delivering a presentation at the event
Group photo taken to conclude the event
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
