Opportunities for young scientists

Vietnam has put in place new policies to retain young talented scientists

In recent years, according to the minister, many young Vietnamese scientists have acquired a regional and global reputation. For example, Dam Thanh Son and Vu Ha Van have achieved big successes in the US and currently work at the Silicon Valley. Other examples include young scientists at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and businesses. They have created well-known products such as the internationally-famous Flappy Bird online game created by HUST graduate Nguyen Ha Dong.

However, many young scientists have been unable to find a position in state-owned scientific and technological organizations.

Le Van Huyen, MA, from the Mobifone Telecommunications Corporation has proposed 11 initiatives helping Mobifone save VND25 billion. He said, “Good treatment will encourage scientists to conduct research. Most of my friends received scholarships and have gone abroad after graduating from Vietnamese universities. They have found good jobs abroad and don’t want to come back Vietnam. Others work for foreign companies in Vietnam or do their own business.”

Preferential treatment wanted

According to Minister Nguyen Quan, as part of efforts to stem the brain drain, in addition to the Law on Science and Technology issued in 2013, the government has issued Decree 40/2014/ND-CP governing the use of inpidual workers in the field of science and technology. The decree indicates that young scientists will be offered preferences and that the state will create favorable conditions for them to carry out research activities.

The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) under the Ministry of Science and Technology has been established, allowing young scientists to register to be assigned to implement state-level scientific and technological tasks. Under the old mechanisms, these tasks were assigned mostly to scientists with academic titles and distinctions.

The government has issued Decree 50/2015-ND-CP pertaining to the establishment of the Vietnam-Republic of Korea Science and Technology Institute which will create the best working environment for scientists, including young scientists.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Cong Tac said that Governmental Decree 40/2014/ND-CP allowed young scientists to own or use the results of state-funded scientific research projects to establish or make financial contributions to the establishment of science and technology businesses. Under the degree, young scientists will be provided with financial assistance to announce their scientific research results and use major national laboratories.

After some time working abroad, Dr. Vu Thi Thu from the VNU University of Science, a member of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, returned to Vietnam and found that the state had offered young scientists better treatment, especially under NAFOSTED’s mechanism. However, young scientists still need further support from the state because along with research activities, they have to make money to cover daily expenses, Dr. Thu emphasized.

Quynh Nga