The Ministry of Science and Technology has established, for the first time, a large-scale direct investment mechanism for doctoral students, with a maximum support of one billion dongs per person per year. This program is expected to select about a hundred exceptional doctoral students each year to carry out innovative research and develop strategic technological products.
The VREF 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 in a targeted manner, 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 links.
In accordance with the set objectives, VREF will select and finance the research work of about one hundred exceptional doctoral students each year. Priority will be given to teams directly involved in research projects aimed at mastering and creating fundamental technologies and developing strategic technological products; other funding will be allocated to teams conducting innovative research in other scientific fields.
VREF focuses not only on individuals but also aims to build a network of young scientists, contributing to the creation and development of high-performing research groups. Co-direction mechanisms with foreign experts and Vietnamese intellectuals residing abroad are also encouraged, offering doctoral students the opportunity to access international scientific standards throughout their research journey.
VREF is implemented on a national scale, with the participation of graduate students, higher education institutions, research institutes, scientific and technological organizations, national and international experts, and the business community.
The maximum amount of support 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 registration, technological trials, and international cooperation; disbursements will be contingent on project progress and results achieved.
The National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (VREF) is responsible for overseeing the complete implementation of the program, from drafting regulations, selecting candidates, allocating funds, to monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting. Focused on technologies, products, and key markets, VREF aims to become a major player in developing high-level scientific human resources, thereby contributing to strengthening technological autonomy.
TRAN BINH
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bo-kh-cn-ho-tro-toi-da-1-ty-dongnam-cho-nghien-cuu-sinh-xuat-sac-post847915.html
