Da Nang (VNA) - The 16th Vietnam Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology (VINANST-16) took place from October 8–10 at the Furama International Conference Centre in the central city of Da Nang. The event, organised by the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM), brought together more than 400 delegates from over 80 organisations at home and abroad.
Human resources are considered the decisive factor for the development of the nuclear energy sector. According to VINATOM, Vietnam will need around 400 experts, engineers, and technicians to operate a new research reactor, most of whom must be newly trained under a long-term plan through 2030.
On May 26, 2025, the Government issued Decision No. 1012 dated May 26, 2025, approving the Human Resource Development Project for the Nuclear Energy Sector through 2035. The plan aims to train nearly 4,000 workers for the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, along with hundreds of specialised experts, lecturers, and managers. This is an essential step to ensure a high-quality workforce for Vietnam’s nuclear industry.
Dr Tran Chi Thanh, Director General of VINATOM, said: “In the nuclear sector, leading experts are always essential. Only with such a team can the industry truly develop.” VINATOM is currently working with the Ministry of Education and Training, universities, and international organisations to implement training and capacity-building programmes for highly skilled nuclear personnel, aligned with international standards.
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh affirmed: “Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector must develop sustainably and cautiously, with absolutely no trade-off between safety and progress or scale. At the same time, it must foster a culture of safety, build endogenous capacity, and master core technologies.”
At the conference, international experts from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Sweden, Russia, and China shared the latest advances in nuclear technology — from small modular reactors (SMRs) and electron beam technology to radiation applications in industry and medicine. These exchanges offered Vietnam valuable opportunities to access advanced technologies and expand international cooperation in research and technology transfer.
Maria Georgievna Mizonova, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Da Nang, said: “Russia has always been a trusted partner of Vietnam in the nuclear field. We are ready for comprehensive cooperation in human resource training, infrastructure development, and applied research. The Nuclear Science and Technology Centre project in Dong Nai stands as tangible evidence of the effective partnership between our two countries.”
Pham Duc An, Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, stated: “Da Nang has established a Steering Committee for Radiation and Nuclear Incident Response, conducted regular drills, and enforced safety management across the city.” He also expressed the city’s desire to expand cooperation in applying nuclear technology for sustainable development.
The progress in research and international cooperation in recent years demonstrates Vietnam’s growing position in the regional nuclear energy landscape. Strengthening training, advancing technology, and completing the legal framework will enable Vietnam to achieve technical self-reliance and operational safety, gradually realising the goal of developing a modern, safe, and sustainable nuclear energy sector./.
