Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam chaired a dialogue meeting with scientists from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) in Hanoi, on April 11, with the aim of removing difficulties encountered in the process of registration, research, and acceptance of scientific research topics, projects, and programmes.

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam speaking at the dialogue.

Addressing the event, the deputy PM spoke highly of the efforts made to deal with the obstacles in implementing scientific tasks over the past few years, affirming that in their scientific work, the key issue for scientists is the autonomy in profession and finance.

He urged the VAST, the VASS and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to review the mechanisms, policies and documents concerning autonomy in the fulfillment of scientific and technological tasks in order to propose specific recommendations and make the appropriate adjustments, while researching mechanisms in order to mobilise funding for the adjusted and supplementary topics in a timely manner.

The process of registration and acceptance of scientific topics and projects should be public and transparent, aiming to improve the quality of research work, increase access for the whole of society, and avoid the duplication of topics.

During the dialogue, the scientists frankly and openly discussed the difficulties faced in implementing scientific research topics, projects, and programmes. They also proposed recommendations concerning the issues of mechanisms and finance for science and technology activities, as well as the process of examining and approving topics, and the application and implementation of science and technology, towards removing obstacles, reforming administrative procedures, and strengthening the efficiency of scientific management and research and the State’s investment in science and technology.

Nguyen Dinh Cong, Vice President of the VAST, stressed the need for measures to not only enhance the effectiveness of the existing investment sources, but also expand socialisation for science and technology activities. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Minh Tri from the VASS suggested that the State issues specific policies for remote and isolated areas in order to thoroughly handle hindrances for scientists.

At the meeting, Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh frankly answered the queries and problems that were raised by the scientists.

Nhan Dan