VNU promotes overall strength, innovation becomes the core identity of an elite university

Attending the conference were VNU President Hoang Minh Son; Vice Presidents Nguyen Hieu, Nguyen Hoang Hai, Pham Bao Son, Dao Thanh Truong; leaders of the Office and functional departments; Chairman of the Quality Assurance Council, Chairman of the Science and Training Council; along with heads, leaders in charge of training and science and technology of units and representatives of lecturers, scientists and experts from member units of VNU.

Strong progress in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW

Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Tu, Head of the Department of Science and Innovation of VNU, said that 2025 marks a strong turning point in the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, with breakthroughs in orientation, models and resources.

Presenting the 2025 summary report, Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Tu, Head of the Science and Innovation Department of VNU, said that 2025 marks a strong shift in the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, with breakthroughs in orientation, model and resources. VNU has built 8 key technology areas with priority for investment associated with 11 national strategic technology areas, including: semiconductor chip technology, artificial intelligence and big data (AI and Big Data), robotics and automation technology, advanced biomedical technology, quantum technology, energy technology and advanced materials, smart agriculture, and environmental technology and sustainable development.

In the recent period, VNU has established 16 key interdisciplinary science and technology programs, while prioritizing the development of the Center of Excellence (COE) model to attract domestic and foreign scientists. The “Outstanding Scientists” project aims to have 500 outstanding scientists and 50 scientists meeting international standards by 2030, contributing to bringing VNU into the world’s Top 100 in 1-3 fields and Top 500 in 10-15 fields.

Professor Tran Thi Thanh Tu also said that the state budget investment in science and technology in 2025 has doubled compared to 2024, but international cooperation resources are decreasing. The goal set for 2030 is to have the proportion of revenue from science and technology reach at least 35% of total revenue and to establish 100 spin-off enterprises with a total valuation of about 200 million USD.

From mastering strategic technology to creating centers of excellence

At the conference, training and research units presented papers affirming VNU's leading role in innovation and strategic technology development.

Associate Professor, Dr. Truong Ngoc Kiem said that the High-Tech and Innovation Park has become a platform to support science, technology and innovation, an ecosystem connecting and sharing between scientists and businesses.

Associate Professor Dr. Truong Ngoc Kiem - Director of the High Technology and Innovation Park (VNU-TIP) said that the High Technology and Innovation Park has become a platform to support science, technology and innovation, an ecosystem connecting and sharing between scientists and businesses. After nearly a year of operation, the park has supported 50 scientists to register intellectual property, established 5 spin-off businesses and incubated 8 start-up projects, and operated 03 research institutes under the COE model on semiconductors, quantum and artificial intelligence.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hoai Son shares experience in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW through training and research programs associated with strategic technology.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoai Son - University of Technology shared experiences in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW through training and research programs associated with strategic technology. The school is implementing 6 national-level topics and 9 Nafosted topics, focusing on core technologies such as AI, Cloud, network security, semiconductor chips, aerospace, and at the same time implementing a policy of paying scientists according to output results (KPIs) to encourage innovation and improve investment efficiency.

Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Thi Minh Thao emphasized the importance of building a Center of Excellence in the field of basic science as a lever to improve international rankings.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Thi Minh Thao - University of Natural Sciences emphasized the importance of building a Center of Excellence in the field of basic science as a lever to improve international rankings. The University aims to form 2-3 COEs that meet international standards by 2030, each center achieving at least 30 WoS/Scopus publications Q1-Q2/year and participating in training 5-10 PhD students, contributing to bringing VNU's key fields into the world's Top 300.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Ngoc Quy clearly stated the requirement to promote cooperation and technology transfer to businesses and localities, considering this a key driving force of green growth and circular economy.

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Ngoc Quy – Institute of Natural Resources and Environment clearly stated the need to promote cooperation and technology transfer to businesses and localities, considering this as the key driving force of green growth and circular economy. He proposed a direct ordering mechanism between localities – businesses – universities to implement sustainable development models, reduce emissions and achieve the Net Zero target by 2050.

Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Tu recommended that VNU apply a pilot "block funding" mechanism associated with Research Centers of Excellence focusing on strategic areas to increase investment efficiency and promote technology transfer activities.

Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Tu – Director of the Institute of Information Technology, VNU, said that the current research funding mechanism is still scattered, inflexible and reduces investment efficiency, while Vietnam still lacks strong international scientific organizations. He recommended that VNU apply a pilot “block funding” mechanism – allocating funding for 3-5 years based on key performance indicators (KPIs), linked to Centers of Excellence (COEs), focusing on strategic areas to increase investment efficiency and promote technology transfer activities.

Professor Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized that digital transformation is not only about technology but also about people, thinking and institutions.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan – Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities emphasized that digital transformation is not only about technology but also about people, thinking and institutions. He believes that Social Sciences and Humanities must be the force that guides thinking and creates the digital future, puts people at the center and upholds ethical values ​​in the AI ​​era. Regarding institutions, he proposed building a “humane digital institution” to protect human rights, promote healthy creativity, and at the same time develop digital human resources with critical thinking, multidisciplinary cooperation and social ethics, contributing to the realization of comprehensive digital transformation at VNU.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Trung Thanh emphasized the national responsibility of scientists, especially in the fields of digital transformation, green growth, carbon market and new generation FDI.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh - University of Economics presented a paper on policy advice for the Party and the State, emphasizing the national responsibility of scientists, especially in the fields of digital transformation, green growth, carbon markets and new generation FDI. In recent years, the University of Economics has actively provided policy advice through organizing many forums with the Central Economic Committee and the Economic Committee of the National Assembly. In particular, the University has organized research and published the Vietnam Economic Annual Report for 17 consecutive years, making important contributions to development policy planning.

Solutions to develop VNU into a national center of knowledge and innovation

At the conference, representatives of leaders and scientists from member units and affiliated units of VNU discussed many contents related to the effectiveness of implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW, research management model, financial mechanism and development of elite team. Opinions unanimously agreed that it is necessary to innovate the investment mechanism according to output results, create conditions for scientists to "live by research", and at the same time build a network connecting research - business - society to spread the value of innovation.

At the conference, Prof. Dr. Mai Trong Nhuan - Chairman of the Quality Assurance Council, former Director of VNU, proposed that VNU should concretize quantitative indicators and development vision into a system of goals and KPIs for each stage, at the same time build a research brand and unique academic schools, aiming to create an innovation ecosystem with a national mission.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Duc paid attention to the problem of research human resources, especially the team of excellent graduate students and scientists - the decisive factor in forming a strong research center.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Duc – Former Vice President of VNU, Hanoi, paid attention to the problem of research human resources, especially the team of excellent graduate students and scientists – the decisive factor in forming a strong research center. He said that VNU needs to have a mechanism to attract and retain talented people, avoiding “brain drain” in strategic technology fields.

Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang - Chairman of the Science and Training Council, former Vice President of VNU

Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang - Chairman of the Council of Science and Training, former Vice President of VNU, emphasized the role of social sciences and humanities in knowledge creation and development policy, and proposed promoting interdisciplinary research to improve the capacity to advise, forecast and lead national development trends.

Prof. Dr. Phan Tuan Nghia suggested that VNU focus on investing in key laboratories and cutting-edge research projects, especially in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine.

Prof. Dr. Phan Tuan Nghia, University of Natural Sciences, suggested that VNU focus on investing in key laboratories and cutting-edge research projects, especially in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine, to create products with high application value and spread in the international scientific community. He emphasized that in order to develop excellence, VNU must have the capacity to master core technology and effectively connect basic research - application - innovation.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong said that along with developing research, VNU needs to strengthen scientific communication and spread knowledge values ​​to society.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said that along with developing research, VNU needs to strengthen scientific communication and spread knowledge values ​​to society, helping the public understand, support and accompany scientists in innovation. She emphasized that academic communication is not only promoting research results but also connecting science with life and policy.

Associate Professor, Dr. Le Thanh Ha believes that scientific topics need to be directly linked to the practical needs of businesses and localities.

Representative of the applied science sector, Associate Professor Dr. Le Thanh Ha, University of Technology, said that scientific topics need to be directly linked to the practical needs of businesses and localities, so that research products can be commercialized, creating value and sustainable revenue for universities.

Dr. Chu Dinh Toi shares his experience in developing a strong research group.

Prof. Dr. Le Sy Vinh emphasized the need to improve the quality of cooperation between universities and businesses.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Le Sy Vinh, University of Technology, emphasized the need to improve the quality of cooperation between universities and businesses, focusing on projects with practical market value, and at the same time recommended stratifying the investment mechanism and reviewing scientific topics to increase transparency, efficiency and suitability to each unit's capacity.

Promoting interdisciplinary research, linking training with solving practical problems

Deputy Director Nguyen Hieu emphasized the need to innovate the investment mechanism for science and training in the direction of "ordering by task" and prioritizing products associated with socio-economic development.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Director Nguyen Hieu emphasized the need to innovate the investment mechanism for science and training in the direction of "ordering by task" and prioritizing products associated with socio-economic development. He said that the training goal of VNU is elite, high quality and nurturing talents, in which 100% of students need to have conditions to practice and experience research in laboratories. Therefore, units need to review the system of practice laboratories, identify the industries and fields that need additional investment, and at the same time prepare a plan to relocate facilities and students to serve the development process of new academic space in Hoa Lac.

Vice President Dao Thanh Truong said that in the process of transforming itself into an elite research university, VNU needs to especially build and spread a research culture and a spirit of innovation throughout the system.

Vice President Dao Thanh Truong said that in the process of transforming itself into an elite research university, VNU needs to especially build and spread a research culture and a spirit of innovation throughout the system. He said that research must be closely linked to training, especially at the postgraduate level, so that learners can directly participate in the process of creating new knowledge. The Vice President suggested promoting the formation of strong research groups, key laboratories, and centers of excellence, linked to human resource development strategies and mechanisms for attracting and employing talents. He also noted the need to strengthen interdisciplinary coordination and promote outstanding research results, contributing to affirming the position and academic reputation of VNU in the region and internationally.

Deputy Director Pham Bao Son emphasized that research activities must be closely linked with training to form a research university ecosystem.

Vice President Pham Bao Son emphasized that research activities must be closely linked with training to form a research university ecosystem. He affirmed that the current mechanism of VNU has been resolved, resources are increasingly abundant, the key issue lies in the spirit of co-creation, focused investment and strengthening interdisciplinary connections to create overall strength for the entire system. The Vice President suggested promoting cooperation with businesses and localities, especially Hanoi, so that VNU can truly become "the knowledge and technology growth pole of the capital", contributing to solving problems of flooding, environment and traffic. He also noted the need to upgrade and plan a strong research group system, promote digital transformation in science and technology management, build a synchronous database of human resources, infrastructure and equipment, as a foundation for investment and cooperation in the coming time.

Innovation must become the core identity of elite universities

Concluding the conference, VNU President Hoang Minh Son highly appreciated the sense of responsibility, enthusiasm and intelligence of the scientists, and emphasized that VNU is entering an important strategic transition period, requiring the promotion of the overall strength of the entire system - interdisciplinarity, cooperation and solidarity between units and individuals.

Director Hoang Minh Son proposed shifting the development focus from scale to training quality, with special attention to research quality, international publications, policy consulting and social impact.

According to the Director, VNU needs to review its development process, inherit its traditions and shift from its own mission to a national mission, closely linked to the National Development Strategy and the Hanoi Capital Development Strategy. He emphasized that VNU must contribute to solving Hanoi's major problems, such as flooding, environmental pollution, traffic, urban planning and green development, thereby affirming the pioneering role of VNU in knowledge and policy creation.

Director Hoang Minh Son suggested shifting the focus of development from scale to training quality, with special attention to research quality, international publications, policy advice and social impact. The expansion of enrollment scale needs to be reasonably controlled, maintaining stable targets and focusing resources on improving the quality of training programs. He asked units to focus on postgraduate and doctoral training, aiming for an in-depth research model, while promoting digital transformation and AI application in training, administration and research to improve operational efficiency.

The Director emphasized the importance of a team of leading professors and outstanding scientists, considering them as the pillars of elite universities, which need to be positioned and invested in until 2035 to become great intellectuals with academic and social influence. He said that the capacity of VNU must be demonstrated in the ability to solve national and capital problems, attract revenue from innovation and create highly applicable research products.

Regarding the development direction, the Director proposed restructuring the organizational model, governance mechanism and revenue structure, ensuring increased autonomy, reducing intermediaries, shortening the decision-making process, and at the same time creating development space and autonomy for each unit and individual. He requested the functional departments, especially the Department of Science & Innovation, the Department of Training & Student Affairs, to review the system of new regulations, processes and policies, ensuring maximum promotion of autonomy, creativity and accountability of the units.

Delegates attending the congress took a souvenir photo

The Director also assigned the Working Group to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW to synthesize opinions at the conference to include in the implementation plan, and at the same time review and re-plan the system of research centers, laboratories, and strong research groups, aiming to form centers of excellence in national priority areas.

He especially emphasized the orientation of team development - attracting talents, promoting internal resources, connecting external resources, turning cooperative relationships with businesses, localities and scientists outside VNU into common resources for innovation and development.