The program aims to concretize the Party’s orientations, including Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of December 22, 2024 of the Political Bureau on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, as well as Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW of August 22, 2025 on the development of education and training.
On April 13, Minister of Science and Technology, Vu Hai Quan, signed Decision No. 2103/QD-BKHCN approving the “Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship – VREF” program for the 2026-2030 period.
According to the decision, doctoral students are considered an essential research force directly involved in achieving scientific, technological, and innovative breakthroughs.
Investing in the training of excellent doctoral students is not only a solution for human resource development but also a strategic investment to train high-level scientists and technological experts capable of driving the country’s development.
The program aims to shift support from training to investment in research excellence, focusing resources on strategic technological areas while ensuring balanced development of other scientific disciplines.
The goal is to support excellent doctoral students in conducting breakthrough research, prioritizing projects that can generate key technologies and develop strategic technological products to enhance technological autonomy and national competitiveness.
Every year, the program plans to select and support around 100 excellent doctoral students, with priority given to projects focusing on mastering key technologies and developing strategic products, with the rest dedicated to innovative research in other scientific fields.
The expected results are defined by specific indicators: at least 60% of works published in international scientific reference journals, at least 20% leading to intellectual property rights, and at least 15% transferred, commercialized, or applied in production and economic activities.
The program also aims to build a network of young scientists, develop high-performing research teams, and enhance international cooperation.
Beneficiaries are doctoral students meeting defined criteria, proposing research projects focused on mastering and innovating key technologies or high-level scientific works presenting innovative and breakthrough characteristics.
Vietnamese and foreign scientists and experts participate in mentoring, while businesses and organizations contribute to funding, collaborative research, and application of results in accordance with current legislation.
Funding is provided by the state budget for expenses related to science, technology, and innovation, supplemented by resources mobilized from national and international companies and organizations.
Financial support from the state budget can reach one billion dong per year for each doctoral student, for a maximum duration of three years.
These funds are allocated to research-related activities, including salaries, equipment, data, infrastructure, scientific publications, conference participation, product development, experimentation, intellectual property valorization, and technology transfer.
The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) is responsible for implementing the program.
