Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has affirmed the Party and State’s special attention to the development of science and technology as well as the contingent of researchers and intellectuals.

Investment in this field means investment in sustainable development, said the Party leader in an August 13 working session with the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).

The Party General Secretary laid stress on the need for a long-term development strategy for the VAST as well as plans to train high-quality human resources so as to make the best use of the potential of the intellectuals in the national construction and development.

President of the VAST Prof. Chau Van Minh said that the academy, founded in 1975, now has 32 scientific research institutes with more than 2,500 cadres, including more than 1,100 Party members.

The VAST is now leading the country in fundamental research and research and application of high technologies such as nano technology, biology, new materials, remote sensing satellite and space technology, Minh said.

VUSTA President Dang Vu Minh said that the union has paid due attention to improving the quality of professional activities and gathered outstanding scientists to take part in consultation, evaluation and supervision of many national projects including the master plan on bauxite exploration, exploitation, processing and utilisation to 2020 and until 2030, the nuclear power plant construction, a master plan for the capital city construction, the North-South Express Railway, and the 2011-2020 socio-economic development strategy.

The VUSTA has also promoted the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge among the public and actively involved in scientific and technological activities, education and training, environmental protection, health care, the development of the community and hunger eradication and poverty reduction.

However, the scientists pointed out shortcomings in facilities for scientific research, difficulties in working environment and low income so it is hard to attract young talented people into research establishments.

They proposed the State increase investment in scientific and technological development, create favourable working conditions for researchers in the field and an appropriate policy to attract talents./.