Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology emphasized the role of basic research in strategic technology development at the 38th Session of the World Federation of Academies of Sciences

08/10/2025

The 38th session of the International Association of Academies of Sciences (IAAS) took place from September 17-19, 2025 at National Academy of Sciences of Belarus with the theme "Modern macro trends in world science development: new challenges and opportunities" as an important forum for leaders of leading academies of sciences and research organizations to discuss the orientation of science and technology development, priorities and common challenges of the international scientific community in the global context. Reports at the session highlighted the importance of basic research and emphasized the orientation of new technology development to ensure national security and position; the role of science, technology and innovation in responding to climate change, natural disasters as well as protecting public health; the need to develop interdisciplinary research in natural sciences and social sciences to preserve heritage, strengthen national identity and enhance cultural dialogue in the context of globalization. Many discussions from the Academies appreciated the cooperation between national scientific organizations, opening up new opportunities to jointly address global challenges.

Overview of the meeting

In the report “The role of basic research in developing strategic technology in Vietnam”, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) discussed the role of academic science in shaping cutting-edge technology in the world today as well as the influence and spread of science and technology in the sustainable development of each country. With the image of a “strategic technology tree”, VAST assessed basic research as the nourishing root, the “bloodline” path to building technological autonomy. Based on the successful practice of mRNA vaccines, the leading position in semiconductor technology or advances in artificial intelligence and new energy all come from long-term investments in basic research, developing basic research is the foundation for shaping core technology, strategic technology, and the trend for autonomous science globally.

Report of VAST delegation

Several bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the Session, such as with Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow State University, Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences, etc., have shown that the National Academies of Sciences in general and Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in particular need to continue to promote their role as the leading national science and technology centers, taking the lead in basic research, while strongly promoting innovation and international integration to respond to the current trend of scientific development in the world. In addition, VAST needs to promote training and fostering of high-level scientific human resources, closely linking research with practical application, building advanced international cooperation models and developing new fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and renewable energy.

Report of VAST delegation

In recent times, VAST's practical experiences in the process of building and developing a leading national research unit in Vietnam such as developing a university under the Academy, connecting postgraduate training with specialized research units, supporting bilateral research projects with member organizations, etc. have been supported by a number of Academies in IAAS and developing similar models.

IAAS awarded a special medal to Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh - President of VAST

Within the framework of the 38t^h Session, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, President of VAST, was awarded the IAAS Special Medal for his outstanding contributions to scientific cooperation and development, along with Leaders of the Academies of Sciences of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, China and Uzbekistan. Prof. Dr. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of VAST, was also awarded the title of IAAS Academician one year after being elected at the 37^th Session. These international honors are clear evidence of the effectiveness of VAST's international cooperation and integration in the past period, contributing to making science and technology the driving force for the country's rapid and sustainable development in the era of knowledge and global integration.

Sideline discussion with Acad. Kraniskov, President of Russian Academy of Sciences

VAST President and leaders of several Academies received special medals from IAAS for outstanding contributions to scientific cooperation and development

Translated by Quoc Khanh
Link to Vietnamese version

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