Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has called on the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) to strengthen its role in connecting Vietnam with the global scientific community and supporting the country's science and technology development.
Receiving Professor Tran Thanh Van, President of the Rencontres du Vietnam Association and Director of ICISE, in Hanoi on July 15, the Deputy PM commended his contributions to Vietnam's scientific development.
He praised Professor Van's efforts to connect international scientists with Vietnam, saying the Rencontres du Vietnam Association has enhanced the country's reputation as a trusted destination for scientific cooperation and academic exchange.
He gave particular recognition to the ICISE, emphasising that it is a successful effective non-state model that has grown into a prestigious scientific centre in the region and the world.
Each year, the ICISE hosts thousands of scientists at international conferences and seminars in Quy Nhon, the south central province of Gia Lai. More than 20 Nobel laureates have visited the centre to participate in scientific activities, helping promote research collaboration while showcasing Vietnam and its scientific potential to the world, he said.
The Deputy PM also highlighted the achievements of the Interdisciplinary Institute for Research in Science and Education (IFIRSE), which was established on the foundation of the ICISE. Founded in 2015, the IFIRSE was recognised in 2019 as one of Vietnam's leading research institutes.
The institute has continued to expand with new research groups, including one specialising in quantum technology, a field regarded as strategically important to Vietnam's future scientific and technological development.
He noted that Vietnam is entering a new stage of development in which science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are expected to become the country's main growth drivers.
He said the Party and State are implementing the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation. After 18 months of implementation, the resolution has produced encouraging results, but significant work remains.
Achieving its objectives will require contributions from the entire political system, research institutes, universities, the public and private sectors, as well as overseas Vietnamese intellectuals, he said.
Against this backdrop, he expressed his hope that Professor Van, the Rencontres du Vietnam Association and ICISE would continue serving as bridges between Vietnam and the international scientific community, attracting leading researchers and making practical contributions to the country's scientific and technological progress.
Professor Van thanked the Government, the Deputy PM and the Ministry of Science and Technology for their continued support for the ICISE. He pledged to promote international scientific cooperation, contribute to the training of high-quality human resources and support the development of Vietnam's scientific ecosystem.
The professor also proposed that the Government consider establishing stable medium- and long-term support mechanisms for the ICISE through the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED).
Such support, he said, would help organise international scientific conferences, attract leading foreign experts and provide more opportunities for young Vietnamese scientists, doctoral researchers and university students.
He also urged continued efforts to bring science closer to the public, particularly younger generations, to inspire a passion for scientific research and help build a strong foundation for Vietnam's future scientific development./.
