The events are chosen based on six fields - mechanisms and policy, social sciences and humanities, fundamental research, applied research, international co-operation and honouring scientists.

1. Prime Minister meets amateur inventors and young scientists

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) hosted a meeting on May 12 to honour the intellect and creativeness of people from all walks of life who have invented quality products with high relevance to modern life and manufacturing.

Another meeting was also held on September 11 between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and young scientists who have made outstanding achievements recognised nationally and internationally.

The attendance of the Government leader in the two events demonstrated the special attention of the Party, State and Government to young scientists.

They were also good opportunities for the amateur inventors and young scientists to make recommendations and suggestions on appropriate mechanisms and policies to help develop science and technology in Vietnam.

2. Tech start-up festival launched in Hanoi

From May 15-17, the MST hosted TECHFEST Vietnam 2015, a technology start-up event. The event, the first of its kind, drew the participation of over 50 investors and 30 venture funds.

There were over 50 science-technology start-up enterprises showcasing their products and connecting investments.

Numerous programmes were organised at the event, including a start-up competition called Start-up Discovery, exhibitions and workshops on international experience with start-ups, innovations and technology market potentials.

3. Hanoi’s largest technology transfer centre opens

The research centre for technology transfers and assessment, the largest-ever in Hanoi, was inaugurated on October 29 at the Hoa Lac high-tech park.

The centre, covering 2.1 hectares, is home to a research house, testing and manufacturing factory, an administration building, a technology incubator, support facilities and other workshops and warehouses.

With comprehensive and state-of-the-art equipment, the centre serves the study and manufacturing of high-tech products in the fields of electronics, automation, information and technology and precision mechanics, among others.

In addition, it will receive study results to carry out pilot production while fine-tuning and commercialising hi-tech products.

4. International workshop celebrates great poet Nguyen Du (1765-2015)

An international workshop was held in Hanoi on August 8 to herald the 250th birthday of great poet Nguyen Du (1765-2015).

Domestic and foreign experts spotlighted the life and career of the great poet, specifically his ‘Han’ (Chinese characters) poetry and the masterpiece ‘The Tale of Kieu’ which holds cross-temporal heritage values. Nguyen Du was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Celebrity among 108 others in 2003.

5. Vietnam’s mathematics, physics institutes attain UNESCO recognition

During the 38th UNESCO General Conference in Paris from November 3-18, the UNESCO General Conference recognised the Institute of Mathematics and the Institute of Physics of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology as Category 2 centres.

The recognition helps Vietnam elevate its position and boost wider connectivity in the field of science, attracting students and researchers worldwide to the nation.

UNESCO has to date designated 94 institutes and centres as Category 2 under its auspices, including 49 facilities studying natural sciences.

6. Successful transplants of kidneys taken from ‘non-heart-beating’ patients

The success of the research has given hope to thousands of patients in need of kidney transplants. (Photo: vnexpress)

On June 18, for the first time in Vietnam, Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh successfully conducted transplants from kidneys taken from ‘non-heart-beating’ patients.

The transplants were the outcome of a State-level scientific and technological research project by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Truong Son and his partners.

The success of the research has given hope to thousands of patients in need of kidney transplants as well as helping to reduce their costs for treatment.

7. Prefabricated structures protect lake and river banks and sea dykes

Ba Ria –Vung Tau Urban Sewerage and Development Company (BUSADCO) presented a tech solution focusing on developing prefabricated structures to protect lake and river banks and sea dykes.

Products are prefabricated in the factory. Compared to traditional solutions, the construction process takes only one third of the usual time while the cost is reduced at least by 20%.

It also helps overcome numerous challenges caused by weather, climate and hydrology while being very convenient for operation and maintenance.

8. Successful demonstration of new domestically made weapons

The General Department of Defence Industry on September 18 organised live-fire tests for new weapons made by its troops.

Thanks to detailed preparations and thorough training, the tests met tactical and technical requirements and ensured safety for all involved.

9. Vietnam ranks third among ASEAN countries in Global Innovation Index 2015

Vietnam ranked 52nd out of 141 countries on this year’s Global Innovation Index (GII), up 19 places from 2014. The GII, co-published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), US-based Cornell University, and France-based INSEAD business school, surveys 141 economies worldwide, using 79 indicators to gauge both innovative capabilities and measurable results.

According to the GII report, Vietnam, together with China, Malaysia, India, Jordan and Kenya, are among a group of countries outperforming their economic peers.

Vietnam came third in the Southeast Asia region this year, after Singapore and Malaysia thanks to the considerable investment in science and technology development over the past year. The country was placed 71th and 76th in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

10. First Vietnamese woman wins L'Oreal-UNESCO award

Dr. Tran Ha Lien Phuong

Dr. Tran Ha Lien Phuong from the Ho Chi Minh City-based Vietnam National University was presented with the International Rising Talent award from the L'Oreal-UNESCO programme at a ceremony in Paris, France on March 18, becoming the first Vietnamese female scientist to receive this honour.

The 34-year-old scientist, a lecturer from the HCM City-based Vietnam National University's Department of Biomedical Engineering, was honoured for her project on the development of fucoidan-based polymeric micelles for cancer diagnosis and treatment which will reportedly help make the treatment cheaper and more effective.

Phuong was among 15 female laureates chosen from the 236 locally-awarded fellowship winners of L'Oreal subsidiaries and UNESCO around the world. She said it was an honour to be the first Vietnamese woman to receive the award, which will also fund further research into the cancer treatment.