Vietnam to Invest Billions in PhD Students’ Research
The Ministry of Science and Technology has established a large-scale direct investment mechanism for doctoral students for the first time, providing up to one billion dongs per year per person. This program aims to select one hundred exceptional doctoral students each year to conduct innovative research and develop strategic technological products.
The VREF program is recognized as an essential element of the scientific, technological, and innovation ecosystem, placing doctoral students at the forefront of cutting-edge research. Resources are allocated strategically, prioritizing projects that can generate fundamental technologies and develop strategic technological products while ensuring balanced development across various scientific fields.
The major innovation of this program lies in its results-oriented investment approach. The selection mechanism is independent, transparent, and competitive, with evaluation criteria directly linked to specific results. The program also encourages collaboration between the government, research institutions/universities, and businesses; it promotes co-financing and strengthens international ties.
In line with its established objectives, VREF will select and finance the research work of one hundred exceptional doctoral students each year. Priority will be given to teams directly involved in research to master and create fundamental technologies and develop strategic technological products; other funding will be allocated to teams conducting innovative research in other scientific areas.
VREF not only focuses on individuals but also aims to build a network of young scientists, contributing to the creation and development of high-performing research groups. Co-supervision mechanisms with foreign experts and Vietnamese intellectuals residing abroad are also encouraged, providing doctoral students with access to international scientific standards throughout their research journey.
The VREF program is implemented nationally, involving graduate students, higher education institutions, research institutes, scientific and technological organizations, national and international experts, and the business community.
The maximum support amount is 1 billion VND per year per doctoral student, for a maximum duration of 3 years. If necessary, the project duration can be extended without extending the funding period. Funds will be used for research-related activities such as product development, scientific publications, intellectual property rights protection, technological testing, and international cooperation; payments will be tied to project progress and outcomes.
The National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (VREF) is responsible for overseeing the complete implementation of the program, from regulation development, candidate selection, fund allocation, to monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment. Focused on technologies, products, and key markets, VREF aims to become a major player in developing high-level scientific human resources, thereby strengthening technological autonomy.
Context: – VREF program in Vietnam provides significant financial support for doctoral students to conduct innovative research and develop strategic technological products.
Fact Check: – The program aims to select one hundred exceptional doctoral students annually for funding. – The maximum support amount is 1 billion VND per year per doctoral student for up to 3 years. – VREF is managed by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development.
