The Minister of Science and Technology has signed Decision No. 2103/QD-BKHCN approving the “Program to Support Outstanding PhD Students for the 2026–2030 Period” (Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship – VREF), aiming to form a team of young scientists capable of independent research, contributing to enhancing technological autonomy and national competitiveness.

The implementation of the VREF Program stems from the need to develop high-quality human resources in science and technology—a key task outlined in major Party directives, particularly in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW.

The VREF Program is built on a comprehensive legal framework, centered on the 2025 Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation and associated decrees and circulars guiding finance, investment, and management of science and technology tasks. This provides an essential basis for establishing a structured, transparent, and effective support mechanism for PhD research activities.

In practice, while the scale of doctoral training in Vietnam has increased in recent years, conditions to ensure high-quality research remain limited. Many PhD students lack the resources to conduct high-quality research, have limited opportunities to participate in international academic activities, and the number of international publications and valuable scientific and technological products does not match the potential.

Moreover, the linkage between PhD research and science and technology tasks, especially in core technology and strategic product areas, remains weak; mobilizing resources from enterprises and international cooperation has not been effective.

In the context of increasingly urgent demands to enhance technological autonomy, the VREF Program is expected to create a strong shift through a new approach: targeted investment linked to tangible outputs and products.

Supporting Approximately 100 Outstanding PhD Students Annually

A key highlight of the VREF Program is its implementation approach: identifying PhD students as the core research force, directly conducting research and producing scientific, technological, and innovation results. Supporting outstanding PhD students is a strategic investment aimed at developing a team of scientists and technology experts capable of leading national development.

The VREF Program is implemented with a focus on shifting from training support to investment in excellent research, concentrating resources on strategic technology fields while ensuring balanced development in other scientific areas.

The selection mechanism will be transparent and competitive; evaluation will be based on outputs, linking support to specific products. The program also encourages co-funding, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting connections among government, research institutes, universities, and enterprises.

According to the set objectives, the VREF Program is expected to annually select and support research funding for approximately 100 outstanding PhD students, prioritizing those directly involved in research tasks to master core technologies and develop strategic technology products; the remainder is allocated to those conducting breakthrough research in other scientific fields.

The program sets specific targets for output quality: at least 60% of research results published in reputable international journals (Q1 or recognized indexes such as Nature Index); at least 20% with intellectual property protection; and at least 15% transferred, commercialized, or applied in practice.

Additionally, VREF aims to establish a network of young scientists, build strong research teams, and promote international collaboration, including co-supervision mechanisms with domestic and foreign experts.

The program is implemented nationwide, targeting PhD students, higher education institutions, research institutes, domestic and international scientists, as well as enterprises and sponsoring organizations.

The program applies strict management mechanisms, monitoring and evaluating tasks according to progress and output milestones. Funding allocation and continuation are directly linked to performance; tasks not meeting requirements will be adjusted or terminated according to regulations.

Notably, the program applies a risk-tolerant approach in scientific research, allowing flexibility for tasks with potential but facing objective challenges, while ensuring compliance and commitment. It also enhances autonomy for educational institutions and research institutes, paired with accountability for quality and efficient resource use.

Another important innovation is strengthening connections with the innovation ecosystem and promoting active enterprise participation. Enterprises are not only co-funders but also participate in proposing, implementing, and applying research results. Tasks with clear directions for technology transfer and commercialization are prioritized to ensure research results can be transformed into products and technologies for practical use.

The VREF Program is funded by the state budget and other legally mobilized sources. Support levels are determined based on the nature and requirements of the research tasks, ensuring focus, effectiveness, and alignment with objectives; up to 1 billion VND per year for one PhD student, with a maximum support period of three years. If necessary, the duration of tasks may be extended by no more than two years without increasing the state budget allocation.

Funding is used directly for research activities and disbursed according to progress, linked to results.

According to the decision, the National Fund for Science and Technology Development is the leading agency for implementing the VREF Program; relevant departments under the Ministry, educational and training institutions will coordinate in accordance with regulations.