Doctoral Candidates Commissioned to Master Core Technologies, with Support of up to VND 1 Billion per Year

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Illustrative photo: The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued Decision No. 2103/QĐ-BKHCN, officially approving the “Program to support outstanding doctoral candidates for the 2026-2030 period. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued Decision No. 2103/QĐ-BKHCN, officially approving the “Program to support outstanding doctoral candidates for the 2026-2030 period.” This marks the first time a large-scale, direct investment mechanism has been designed specifically for doctoral candidates, with support levels reaching up to VND 1 billion per person per year.

The Program aims to annually select and fund approximately 100 outstanding doctoral candidates. Priority will be given to those directly engaged in research tasks focused on mastering and creating core technologies, as well as developing strategic technological products. The remaining candidates will undertake breakthrough research in other scientific fields.

Output targets are clearly quantified: at least 60% of research results must be published in reputable international journals (Q1 or equivalent prestigious indexes such as the Nature Index); at least 20% of results must involve registered intellectual property protection (patents, utility solutions, or equivalents); and at least 15% must be transferred, commercialized, or applied in production and business practices. These benchmarks serve to ensure investment efficiency and raise research quality standards.

Beyond supporting individuals, the Vietnam Research Excellence Fund (VREF) aims to build a network of young scientists, thereby contributing to the formation and development of strong research groups.

Co-supervision mechanisms involving foreign experts and overseas Vietnamese intellectuals are also encouraged, enabling doctoral candidates to access global scientific standards throughout their research.

The Program will be implemented nationwide, with participation from doctoral candidates, higher education institutions, research institutes, science and technology organizations, as well as domestic and international experts and the business community.

It is conceived as an open ecosystem in which the role of enterprises is increasingly emphasized as a key link in the value chain connecting research, application, and the market.

Regarding resources, the state budget plays a leading role, while additional funding will be mobilized from enterprises and organizations both domestically and internationally.

Each doctoral candidate may receive up to VND 1 billion per year for a period of no more than three years. In necessary cases, project implementation may be extended without increasing the funding duration. Funds may be used flexibly for research-related activities such as product development, scientific publication, intellectual property registration, technology testing, and international cooperation. Disbursement is closely tied to progress and output results.

The management mechanism is designed to be both flexible and stringent, with funding allocated and adjusted based on progress and outcomes. Projects that fail to meet requirements will be revised or terminated, while scientific risks arising from the nature of research may be accepted, provided all regulations are fully observed.

Alongside increased autonomy for universities and research institutes, the Program also imposes high requirements for accountability in terms of academic quality, resource efficiency, and the impact of research outcomes.

The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) is assigned to take the lead in the comprehensive implementation of the Program, from developing regulations and selecting candidates to funding allocation, monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment. Functional units of the Ministry, together with relevant organizations, will coordinate to ensure the Program operates effectively and in line with its objectives.

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