Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology participates in the National Achievements Exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025).
This is a special political and cultural event; not only an occasion to reflect on 80 years of the nation’s glorious history, but also a moment to affirm Vietnam’s stature and position today, as well as its aspiration for sustainable development in the future. The exhibition also underscores the leadership role of the State, and the united, creative strength of the people in the nation-building and development process. The exhibition runs from August 28 to September 5, 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son visits VAST’s exhibition booth
Drawing inspiration from the image of the human brain – the central command of all human activities, where ideas are formed, actions guided, and great leaps of civilization relised – VAST’s exhibition space symbolically represents the creative spirit of the Vietnamese people. Througout history, Vietnamese intellect has enabled the antion to overcome harsh challenges while continuoisly innovating for progress.
The exhibition booth of VAST is a distinctive highlight, embodying creativity and reaffirming the meaning and role of science and technology in daily life. Designed in the shape of a brain, the space is divided into multiple “lobes” corresponding to major fields of natural sciences, including: Basic Research and Training; Earth Sciences; Life Sciences; Material and Energy Technology; Environmental Technology; Information Technology and Automation; Space Technology; and, from there, Cooperation for Development. Each display area is both symbolic and practical, telling stories that represent Vietnamese creativity and intellect. This is a unique and meaningful concept – a fusion of science and art – offering visitors an engaging and inspiring experience.
Historical Tunnel
The exhibition space of VAST begins with the “Historical Tunnel,” offering an overview of the Academy’s establishment and development over the past 50 years. VAST is the country’s leading scientific research institution, tasked with conducting basic and applied research and applying advances in science and technology to serve the nation’s sustainable development.
On May 20, 1975, the Council of Government (now the Government) issued Decree 118/CP establishing Vietnam Academy of Science. On May 22, 1993, the Prime Minister issued Decree 24/CP to establish the National Center for Natural Science and Technology on the basis of reorganizing Vietnam Academy of Science. On January 16, 2004, the Government issued Decree 27/2004/ND-CP, renaming the National Center for Natural Science and Technology as the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. On December 25, 2012, the Government issued Decree 108/2012/ND-CP, renaming Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology as Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). Most recently, on February 26, 2025, the Government promulgated Decree 38/2025/ND-CP defining the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
Subdivision “Basic Research and Training”
Basic research is a strength of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, with many fields reaching advanced levels in the region and internationally. Notable examples include the mathematical work of Professor Hoang Tuy, globally renowned for the concept of “Tuy’s cut.” In physics, Professor Nguyen Van Hieu was awarded the Lenin Prize in 1986 for his discovery of the law of dimensional invariance in elementary particle generation - he remains the only Vietnamese scientist to have received this prestigious award of the Soviet Union.
Over the past five years, VAST has published more than 12,000 scientific works, including 8,400 international publications - an increase of 73% compared to the previous period - averaging 1,650 international publications per year.
Representative outcomes include: databases on seas and islands and the continental shelf; national atlas collections; geological, marine, environmental, seismic, energy, and biodiversity datasets; and bioactive natural compounds.
During the 2020–2025 period, VAST was granted 292 intellectual property rights, including nine international patents - an increase of 52% compared to the previous term, with an average annual growth rate of 9%, exceeding the target set by the Resolution (5% per year). VAST not only leads but also holds a significant share of patents and utility solutions by Vietnamese inventors nationwide. VAST was honored by Clarivate (United Kingdom) with the award “South Asia and Southeast Asia Innovation Leadership” in 2020 and 2021.
In training high-quality human resources, VAST has made remarkable progress by closely linking education with scientific research, continuously enhancing training quality. The Academy has three affiliated training institutions: the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), which proudly received accreditation from the international evaluation organization HCERES; the Graduate University of Science and Technology (GUST), a prestigious graduate-level institution that meets society’s demand for highly qualified personnel in science and technology, aspiring toward a world-class research university model. GUST leverages the strengths of experienced scientists both inside and outside VAST, integrating research and training, establishing joint laboratories with specialized institutes, and incorporating research outcomes into teaching while promoting specialization, interdisciplinarity, and cross-disciplinary approaches.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Mathematics has been recognized by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) as one of the ten centers of research excellence in developing countries, and is one of only two institutions in Vietnam recognized and supported by UNESCO.
Subdivision “Earth Sciences”
Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology is an institution with a long-standing tradition and a leading position in basic and applied research in the field of Earth sciences in Vietnam. Specifically:
VAST has led numerous foundational scientific projects of great significance, notably: the Vietnam National Atlas (1996); the Atlas of Natural Conditions and Environment of the Seas of Vietnam and Adjacent Areas (2009); and various comprehensive Atlas volumes on the Central Highlands across multiple periods.
Successfully developed the national multi-purpose geochemical database, investigated strategic minerals, contributing to the sustainable management and use of natural resources (2024).
Serves as the designated institution of the Government for natural disaster warning, equipped with a modern earthquake monitoring and tsunami warning system.
Advised the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) on the National Marine Spatial Planning for the 2021–2030 period with a vision to 2050, approved by the National Assembly under Resolution No. 139/2024/QH15 dated June 28, 2024, and the Master Plan on Exploitation and Sustainable Use of Coastal Resources for the 2021–2030 period with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister under Decision 1117/QD-TTg dated October 7, 2024.
Conducted baseline surveys and assessments of natural resource values, ecological and geological wonders of Vietnam’s seas and islands; evaluated current conditions, forecasted changes, and proposed solutions for the rational use of resources in key coastal bays and gulfs.
Successfully compiled the technical dossier for UNESCO recognition of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Natural Heritage site in 2023.
On display at the exhibition booth are highly practical applied technologies, most notably the mountain cliff water-harvesting reservoir technology - a unique solution to address water shortages in highland areas; earthquake monitoring technology; and anti-seismic construction technologies.
Subdivision “Life Sciences”
VAST has conducted comprehensive surveys and monitoring of Vietnam’s biodiversity, describing nearly 10,000 species of animals and plants, and discovering 1,500 species new to science (Fauna of Vietnam and Flora of Vietnam series). It has assessed 1,400 endangered and rare species (Vietnam Red Data Book) and carried out comprehensive evaluations of the status and dynamics of biodiversity in Vietnam’s coastal ecosystems.
The Academy has provided the scientific basis for the effective exploitation and sustainable use of biological resources in socio-economic development and daily life; prepared dossiers for the establishment of more than 100 nature reserves; nomination files for 3 natural heritage sites, 5 world biosphere reserves, and 6 ASEAN heritage parks; developed institutions and policies for the management, use, and sustainable development of biological resources, and implemented international conventions. It has contributed to the conservation of endangered, rare, and endemic marine species in Vietnamese waters, such as sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and the dugong (Dugong dugon).
In applied research, VAST pioneered the extraction of Artemisinin from Artemisia annua and the synthesis of Artemether and Artesunate from Artemisinin to treat malignant malaria. More than one ton of Artemisinin and tens of kilograms of Artesunate and Artemether were produced, contributing to the eradication of malignant malaria in the 1980s-1990s. The Academy also developed the herbal medicine HEANTOS 4 for drug addiction treatment, licensed for production and circulation by the Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health.
Pilot-scale technologies for synthesizing key fragrance compounds for the soap and detergent industry were transferred, such as methyl chavicol from basil oil; geraniol, citronellal, and citral from lemongrass oil; terpinyl acetate from pine oil; ionone from Litsea cubeba oil; and anisaldehyde from star anise oil, for the company NAFORIMEX Vietnam and Duc Giang Chemical Plant.
VAST has also advanced the sustainable exploitation of Vietnam’s marine biological resources to create high-value products for human well-being.
The Academy was the first in Vietnam to conduct and disseminate plant cell technology for propagation and breeding; has implemented molecular biology and genetic engineering research, applying and developing genome sequencing of organisms and humans, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited crops, next-generation vaccines, forensic identification of fallen soldiers’ remains, and human genetic disease studies.
It is a national leader in biomedical technology, stem cells, and gene therapy. Reproductive biotechnology and embryology research have been applied in regenerating new individuals, creating valuable livestock breeds, and improving productivity and quality of animal husbandry. Indigenous microorganisms have been collected and utilized in agriculture, industry, and healthcare, forming a microbial strain bank.
On display at the exhibition booth are a Biodiversity Cabinet, Dak Nong Archaeological Site artifacts, Genetically Modified Plants, Biological Products and Healthcare Products. In addition, videos are presented, including those from the Forensic DNA Center for Martyrs’ Remains, Green Earth, Institute of Oceanography, and Vietnam National Museum of Nature.
Subdivision “Materials and Energy Sciences”
In the field of materials science, VAST has been a pioneer, opening the direction for research on materials and nanotechnology in Vietnam since 1997. The Academy has consistently led the nation in several aspects: high-level basic research in materials science with over 1,500 international publications in prestigious international journals over the past decade, approaching the research level of advanced science institutions such as NIMS (Japan) and KIMS (Korea); and innovation in materials technology with hundreds of granted intellectual property rights (accounting for an average of 8-10% of the total annual patents granted to Vietnamese individuals and organizations) and hundreds of billions of VND in successfully implemented science and technology service contracts.
VAST has taken the lead in Vietnam in developing materials and technologies for: national defense industries (special functional metals); material protection (advanced coatings); safety assurance (fire resistance, radiation shielding); healthcare (biomedical materials); energy (renewable, hydrogen); agriculture; sensors; and evaluation of material properties and reliability.
Representative products include: kinetic energy penetrators for artillery shells; active additives for fire-resistant coatings; solar reflective paints with reflectivity above 95%; polymer components for railway infrastructure; FGC nano-complexes supporting cancer treatment; X-ray fluorescence devices for rapid material composition analysis; gas sensor systems for fire and explosion safety; personal dosimeters (radiation monitoring); high-coercivity magnets for electric motors; fuel cells and proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) for hydrogen production.
On display at the booth are an 85 mm anti-tank kinetic energy penetrator, a proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE), rail fastening components such as rail clips and pads for the railway sector, and other advanced materials.
Subdivision “Environmental Technology”
VAST, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, successfully treated and remediated 3,384 m³ of dioxin-contaminated soil using bioremediation technology in burial pits at Bien Hoa Airport (Dong Nai). The bioremediation technology was transferred to the Institute of Military Environmental Chemistry under the Chemical Command of Ministry of National Defense, which then cooperated to successfully treat over 7,000 m³ of contaminated soil through biological methods, surpassing the planned target at A So Airport (A Luoi, Thua Thien Hue).
Under the direction of VAST and the Ministry of Science and Technology, VAST scientists identified the cause of the marine environmental disaster in the central provinces of Vietnam in 2016.
VAST also proposed changes to the disposal plan for dredged materials from the Vinh Tan thermal power industrial zone in Binh Thuan Province (now Lam Dong). As a result, both the method and the disposal site were adjusted, ensuring that no environmental pollution was caused in the project area.
The Academy has assessed the environmental carrying capacity of several typical coastal water bodies in Vietnam to support sustainable development.
It has conducted studies on the causes, mechanisms, and dispersion of harmful red tide phenomena caused by toxic algal blooms in the northern seas of Vietnam.
The Academy has researched, developed, and widely applied technologies and systems for the treatment of hazardous industrial and medical waste.
Notable scientific achievements include: the development of the HGRPB system for low-cost purification of biogas at an industrial scale, with the purified methane subsequently used for power generation, while the residual solid waste from anaerobic digestion is utilized for the production of organic bio-fertilizers. Another achievement is the production of microbial agents forming biofilms on biochar carriers to treat soil and water contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.
On display at the booth are: a circular economy model from waste - applying advanced biogas technology; a seawater desalination system; a cold plasma DBD disinfection chamber; and a plasma-ultrasound integrated system for aquaculture wastewater treatment.
Subdivision “Information Technology and Automation”
Since the early 1980s, VAST has been the first institution in Vietnam to successfully assemble personal computers, including the VT80, VT83, VT84, and VT86 models.
Between 1992 and 1993, VAST became the first institution in Vietnam to conduct experimental connections with the international Internet. In 1994, VAST and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (now the Ministry of Science and Technology) reached an agreement to register the “.vn” domain name with the international Internet domain management organization. The first email sent from Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet to Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt in 1994 was transmitted through VAST.
Based on the advanced open-source artificial intelligence model “LLaMA” (Large Language Model Meta AI - United States), formerly Facebook AI Research, VAST has developed and trained GPTViet - the foundational large language model for Vietnamese with 70 billion parameters, currently the largest in Vietnam. GPTViet is open source and serves as the basis for a broad ecosystem of AI applications in Vietnamese text data.
In collaboration with Meta, NIC, and AIV, VAST participates in the ViGen Project - developing standardized Vietnamese datasets and evaluation benchmarks for the quality of large language models (LLMs) in Vietnam’s AI ecosystem.
VAST has also developed language translation software for low-resource languages in the ASEAN region such as Indonesian, Malay, Khmer, Thai, and Lao. In addition, it is developing a multimodal LLM for Vietnamese, based on integrating audio, images, and video data with text into GPTViet.
The Academy integrates automation and industrial control technology (OT) with digital technology (IT), ensuring compatibility with industrial SCADA, DCS systems, and standard industrial communication protocols. This solution enables centralized monitoring and control of industrial equipment and robots via IoT and cloud platforms.
On display at the booth are: the AMMR Robot; the Mecanum 1 Robot; the humanoid robot IVASTBot; the humanoid robot IVASTBot Version 2.0; and related software solutions.
Subdivision “Space Technology”
VAST has gradually mastered the technology of satellite manufacturing and ground station operations. It has successfully developed and launched the PicoDragon (1 kg), NanoDragon (6 kg), and MicroDragon (50 kg) satellites. To date, VAST has established infrastructure in Hoa Lac capable of producing satellites weighing up to 180 kg.
The Academy has carried out major satellite projects, notably the launch and operation of Vietnam’s first Earth observation satellite, VNREDSat-1. Currently, Vietnam’s first SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) Earth observation satellite, LOTUSat-1, has been fully developed and is awaiting launch. LOTUSat-1 will be operated and exploited by VAST.
Vietnam National Space Center Project, implemented by VAST, is one of the country’s largest science and technology initiatives. The project has built a comprehensive infrastructure for satellite assembly and testing, while also training personnel abroad. This serves as the foundation for producing satellites “Made in Vietnam,” ensuring the nation’s capability to complete major missions, particularly as space technology has been identified as one of Vietnam’s strategic national technologies.
In addition, VAST is a leading institution in research and applications of space technology in areas such as fundamental surveys, disaster prevention, environmental protection, and agriculture and forestry, all serving the nation’s socio-economic development.
On display at the booth are models of the MicroDragon satellite, the Pico satellite, and the Nano satellite, along with an unmanned helicopter, a 3D hologram device, and e-books.
Subdivision “Development Cooperation”
VAST has been witnessing strong progress in technology transfer, commercialization of research outcomes, and the expansion of international cooperation. Alongside maintaining and strengthening relations with traditional partners such as Russia, France, Japan, Belarus, and South Korea.
In 2024, VAST broadened its cooperation with many new partners, including the Romanian Academy of Sciences, the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, and the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan. These steps not only promote research activities and academic exchange but also enhance VAST’s role and position within the International Association of Academies of Sciences (IAAS).
In the coming period, VAST aims to further expand its collaboration with national academies of sciences worldwide, with a focus on strengthening the training of high-quality human resources and advancing research in key fields such as space technology, new materials, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Importantly, VAST regards international cooperation as a strategic solution for effectively implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW on the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
VAST’s exhibition area is not only a showcase of the dedicated journey of Vietnamese scientists in research and application, but also a strong affirmation that Science and Technology constitute the central driving force of national development in the new era.
Some images from VAST’s exhibition area:
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien visits VAST's booth
President of Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences Phan Chi Hieu visits ViAST's booth
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
