HCMC – Outstanding doctoral candidates can receive up to VND1 billion a year under a new program by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Under the ministry’s Decision 2103/QD-BKHCN, the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) aims to select around 100 candidates annually in the 2026-2030 period. Priority will be given to research projects with the potential to develop core technologies and strategic tech products.
The selection process will be independent, transparent and competitive, with evaluation tied directly to measurable outputs. At least 60% of research results must be published in leading international journals, such as Q1-ranked publications or those listed in indexes like the Nature Index. A minimum of 20% must involve intellectual property registration, and at least 15% must be transferred, commercialized, or applied in practice.
The program encourages businesses, universities, research institutes, and science and technology organizations to propose, implement and apply research outcomes. It also promotes co-funding mechanisms and collaboration with foreign experts and overseas Vietnamese scholars.
Each candidate will receive support for up to three years. Funding will cover activities directly related to research, including product development, scientific publication, intellectual property registration, technology testing and international cooperation. Disbursement will be linked to research progress and performance.
The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development will oversee the program, including rulemaking, candidate selection, and monitoring and evaluation.
The initiative will be implemented nationwide, with participation from academic institutions, research organizations, domestic and international experts, and the business community. State funding will play a central role, alongside additional contributions from non-state sources.
