"Dien Hong Conference" at VAST: Paving the way to mastering strategic technologies
Under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai, the conference titled “Promoting basic research, mastering several strategic technologies, and enhancing the capacity of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology” was considered as a “Dien Hong Conference” of the technology community, a gathering of collective wisdom to delineate strategic steps for the future.
The conference, organized by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) on the morning of April 17, 2026, in Hanoi, brought together generations of leaders and leading scientists to set strategic orientations aimed at elevating VAST into the nation's core science and technology hub.
A convergence of intellect
Presiding over and delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai, member of the Central Committee of the Party, Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Board, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies, Secretary of the Party Committee, and President of VAST, emphasized that the conference held special significance by assembling a vast number of scientists, leading experts, and former Academy leaders, thereby creating a forum for in-depth academic and policy exchange.
According to the President of VAST, in the context of rapid global science and technology development and increasingly fierce technological competition, consolidating the foundation of basic research linked to mastering strategic technologies is a mission of vital importance.
"This is not only a requirement for scientific development but also a factor in ensuring national independence, autonomy, and the enhancement of national competitiveness", Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai stressed.
Three strategic pillars for developmental orientation
The conference content focused on three major pillars:
The first is promoting basic research associated with the goal of mastering several strategic technologies. This is the core foundation for creating scientific breakthroughs, which are subsequently transformed into technological applications serving socio-economic development.
The second is identifying goals and solutions to enhance the overall capacity of VAST, including research capacity, human resource quality, infrastructure systems, and operational mechanisms.
The third is developing a project to establish the Council of Academicians - an important academic institution contributing to the improvement of strategic consulting and policy criticism quality.
These three pillars are evaluated as being closely interconnected, forming a synchronized system of solutions to elevate the position of VAST within the national science and technology system.
A scientific, cautious, and profound approach
During the discussion sessions, scientists emphasized that strategic contents must be researched in a methodical, comprehensive, and profound manner.
Opinions stated that the formulation of projects must be based on a solid scientific foundation while referencing international experience to ensure feasibility. More importantly, there must be a close link between basic research and applied research to ensure that scientific results can be transformed into practical values.
Furthermore, delegates proposed building a specific implementation roadmap with clear phases to avoid the dispersion of resources or a lack of focus.
One of the issues discussed in depth was the mechanisms and policies for science and technology development.
Delegates argued that management mechanisms need strong innovation toward greater flexibility, creating conditions for scientists to maximize their creative potential. However, this flexibility must still be accompanied by transparency and accountability.
At the same time, evaluating the effectiveness of programs and projects must be conducted objectively, based on clear criteria, and avoiding mere formality.
The Council of Academicians project: Elevating academic stature
Presenting the “Project to establish the Council of Academicians of VAST”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Quy Quynh, Head of the Organization, Personnel, and Inspection Department of VAST, stated that the Council will gather highly reputable scientists with outstanding contributions to science both domestically and internationally.
The Council of Academicians will not only play a strategic advisory role but also serve as an academic bridge, contributing to the enhancement of VAST's international standing. The establishment of this Council is expected to create a breakthrough in scientific organization and governance, in line with international practices.
At the conference, many in-depth papers were presented. Dr. Nguyen Le Minh, Deputy Head of the Science and Technology Department of VAST, presented the topic “A number of goals and solutions to promote basic research to master several strategic technologies”, proposing solutions to boost basic research and emphasizing the construction of key research programs and the development of high-quality human resources.
Meanwhile, Dr. Le Tat Thanh, Deputy Head of the Planning and Finance Department of VAST, presented the topic “A number of goals and solutions to enhance the capacity of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology”, focusing on solutions to strengthen organizational capacity, including innovating financial mechanisms and improving resource efficiency.
The presentations contributed to further clarifying strategic orientations while providing many practically valuable recommendations.
From the discussion, the conference agreed that VAST needs to continue promoting basic research while selecting a number of strategic technology sectors for focused investment.
Parallel to this is the development of high-quality human resources, especially the team of young scientists; strengthening international cooperation; and building policy mechanisms suitable for the new context.
The ultimate goal is to turn VAST into a leading science and technology research center in the region, capable of international competition and integration.
The conference opened an extensive space for academic and policy dialogue, while shaping strategic steps for the next stage of development.
In the context where science and technology increasingly play a pivotal role, enhancing the capacity of VAST is not only an internal requirement but also an important national mission.
The orientations agreed upon at the Conference, if effectively implemented, will contribute to creating substantive changes, bringing Vietnamese science and technology closer to the goal of fast and sustainable development in the new era.
Within the framework of the Conference, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai presented flowers to congratulate Prof. Dr. Phung Ho Hai, former Director of the Institute of Mathematics, who was recently honored with the Humboldt Research Award.
This is a worthy recognition of the outstanding contributions of the Vietnamese scientist on the international stage, while also affirming the research capacity of the domestic intellectual community./.