Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) leverages its overall strengths, with innovation becoming the core identity of an elite university.

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

Significant progress in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW

Professor Tran Thi Thanh Tu, Head of the Science and Innovation Committee of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, stated that 2025 marks a significant shift in the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, with breakthroughs in orientation, models, and resources.

Presenting the report summarizing activities in 2025, Professor Tran Thi Thanh Tu, Head of the Science and Innovation Committee of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, stated that 2025 marks a significant shift in the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, with breakthroughs in orientation, models, and resources. Vietnam National University, Hanoi has developed eight key technology areas prioritized for investment, linked to 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, advanced energy and materials technology, smart agriculture, and environmental and sustainable development technology.

In the past period, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has established 16 key interdisciplinary science and technology programs, while prioritizing the development of Centers of Excellence (COE) models to attract scientists from both within and outside the country. The "Outstanding Scientist" project aims to have 500 outstanding scientists and 50 internationally qualified scientists by 2030, contributing to placing VNU in the Top 100 globally in 1-3 fields and the Top 500 in 10-15 fields.

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

From mastering strategic technologies to creating centers of excellence.

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

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

Associate Professor Dr. Truong Ngoc Kiem – Director of the Vietnam National University of Technology and Innovation (VNU-TIP) – stated that the park has become a platform supporting science, technology, and innovation, an ecosystem connecting and sharing between scientists and businesses. In just under a year of operation, the park has supported 50 scientists in registering intellectual property rights, established 5 spin-off businesses, and incubated 8 startup projects, while also operating 3 research institutes based on the COE model in semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoai Son shared his experience in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW through training and research programs linked to strategic technologies.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoai Son from the University of Technology shared his experience in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW through training and research programs linked to strategic technologies. The university is currently implementing 6 national-level projects and 9 Nafosted projects, focusing on core technologies such as AI, Cloud, cybersecurity, semiconductor chips, and aerospace. Simultaneously, the university implements a policy of paying scientists based on key performance indicators (KPIs) to encourage innovation and improve investment efficiency.

Associate Professor Hoang Thi Minh Thao emphasized the importance of establishing Centers of Excellence in basic science as a leverage to improve international rankings.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Hoang Thi Minh Thao from the University of Science emphasized the importance of establishing Centers of Excellence in basic science as a leverage to improve international rankings. The university aims to establish 2-3 internationally accredited Centers of Excellence (COEs) by 2030, each center achieving a minimum of 30 WoS/Scopus Q1-Q2 publications per year and participating in the training of 5-10 doctoral students, contributing to bringing the leading fields of VNU into the Top 300 globally.

Associate Professor Bui Ngoc Quy emphasized the need to promote cooperation and technology transfer to businesses and localities, considering this a key driver of green growth and the circular economy.

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

Professor Tran Xuan Tu proposed that Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) pilot a "block funding" mechanism linked to Centers of Excellence focusing on strategic fields to increase investment efficiency and promote technology transfer activities.

Professor Tran Xuan Tu, Director of the Institute of Information Technology at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, believes that the current research funding mechanism is fragmented, lacks flexibility, and reduces investment efficiency, while Vietnam still lacks strong, internationally-recognized scientific organizations. He proposed that Vietnam National University, Hanoi, pilot a "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.

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

Professor Hoang Anh Tuan – Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – emphasized that digital transformation is not just about technology, but also about people, mindset, and institutions. He argued that social sciences and humanities must be the force guiding thinking and shaping the digital future, placing people at the center and upholding ethical values ​​in the AI ​​era. Regarding institutions, he proposed building a "humanistic digital institution" that protects human rights, promotes healthy innovation, and develops a digital workforce with critical thinking skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social ethics, contributing to the realization of comprehensive digital transformation at Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

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

Associate Professor Dr. Le Trung Thanh from the University of Economics presented a paper on policy advice for the Party and State, emphasizing the national responsibility of scientists, especially in the fields of digital transformation, green growth, carbon markets, and next-generation FDI. Over the years, the University of Economics has actively provided policy advice through organizing numerous forums with the Central Economic Committee and the National Assembly's Economic Committee. Notably, the University has conducted research and published the annual Vietnam Economic Report for 17 consecutive years, making significant contributions to development policy planning.

Solutions for developing Vietnam National University, Hanoi into a national center of knowledge and innovation.

At the conference, leaders and scientists from member units and affiliated institutions of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, exchanged views on various issues related to the effectiveness of implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW, research governance models, financial mechanisms, and the development of elite teams. The consensus was that it is necessary to innovate investment mechanisms based on output results, creating conditions for scientists to "live off their research," and simultaneously building a network connecting research, businesses, and society to spread the value of innovation.

At the conference, Professor Mai Trong Nhuan – Chairman of the Quality Assurance Council and former Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi – proposed that Vietnam National University, Hanoi should concretize quantitative indicators and development vision into a system of objectives and KPIs for each stage, while building a research brand and distinctive academic schools, aiming to create an innovation ecosystem with a national mission.

Professor Nguyen Huu Duc emphasized the issue of research human resources, especially a team of outstanding doctoral students and scientists – a decisive factor in forming a strong research center.

Professor Nguyen Huu Duc, former Vice Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, emphasized the issue of research human resources, especially outstanding doctoral students and scientists – a decisive factor in forming a strong research center. He suggested that Vietnam National University, Hanoi needs mechanisms to attract and retain talented individuals, preventing "brain drain" in strategic technology fields.

Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang – Chairman of the Science & Training Council, former Vice Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Professor Vu Minh Giang, Chairman of the Science & Training Council and former Vice Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, emphasized the role of social sciences and humanities in knowledge creation and development policies, and proposed promoting interdisciplinary research to enhance the capacity for advising, forecasting, and leading national development trends.

Professor Phan Tuan Nghia suggested that Vietnam National University, Hanoi should focus investment on key laboratories and cutting-edge research projects, especially in the fields of biotechnology and biomedical science.

Professor Phan Tuan Nghia from the University of Science suggested that Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) should focus investment on key laboratories and cutting-edge research projects, especially in the fields of biotechnology and biomedical science, to create products with high application value and widespread dissemination within the international scientific community. He emphasized that to develop excellence, VNU must have the capacity to master core technologies and effectively connect basic research, application, and innovation.

Associate Professor Dang Thi Thu Huong believes that along with developing research, Vietnam National University, Hanoi needs to strengthen scientific communication and disseminate the value of knowledge to society.

Associate Professor Dang Thi Thu Huong, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, believes that along with developing research, Vietnam National University, Hanoi needs to strengthen scientific communication and disseminate the value of knowledge to society, helping the public understand, support, and accompany scientists in innovation. She emphasized that academic communication is not only about promoting research results but also about connecting science with life and policy.

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

Representing the applied science sector, Associate Professor Dr. Le Thanh Ha from the University of Technology argued that scientific research topics should be directly linked to the practical needs of businesses and localities, so that research products can be commercialized, creating value and a sustainable source of revenue for the university.

Dr. Chu Dinh Toi shared his experience in developing a strong research team.

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

Meanwhile, Professor Le Sy Vinh from the University of Technology emphasized the need to improve the quality of cooperation between universities and businesses, focusing on projects with practical market value. He also suggested stratifying the investment and scientific research project review mechanisms to increase transparency, efficiency, and suitability to the capabilities of each unit.

Promote interdisciplinary research and link training with solving practical problems.

Deputy Director Nguyen Hieu emphasized the need to innovate the investment mechanism for science and training towards a "task-based ordering" approach and prioritize products linked to socio-economic development.

Speaking at the conference, Vice Director Nguyen Hieu emphasized the need to innovate the investment mechanism for science and training towards a "task-based ordering" approach and prioritizing products linked to socio-economic development. He stated that the goal of training at Vietnam National University, Hanoi is excellence, high quality, and talent development, with 100% of students needing opportunities for practical training and research experience in laboratories. Therefore, units need to review the system of practical laboratories, identify fields and areas requiring additional investment, and prepare plans for relocating facilities and students to serve the development of a new academic space in Hoa Lac.

Deputy Director Dao Thanh Truong stated that, in the process of transforming itself into an elite research university, Vietnam National University, Hanoi needs to particularly build and spread a research culture and a spirit of innovation throughout the entire system.

Deputy Director Dao Thanh Truong stated that, in the process of transforming into an elite research university, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) needs to particularly focus on building and spreading a research culture and a spirit of innovation throughout the entire system. He argued that research must be closely linked to training, especially at the postgraduate level, so that students can directly participate in the process of creating new knowledge. The Deputy Director proposed strengthening the formation of strong research groups, key laboratories, and centers of excellence, linked to the human resource development strategy and mechanisms for attracting and utilizing talent. He also noted the need to strengthen interdisciplinary coordination and promote outstanding research results, contributing to affirming VNU's academic position and prestige in the region and internationally.

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

Deputy Director Pham Bao Son emphasized that research activities must be closely linked to training to form a research university ecosystem. He affirmed that the current mechanisms of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) have been streamlined, resources are increasingly abundant, and 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 Deputy Director proposed strengthening cooperation with businesses and localities, especially Hanoi, so that VNU truly becomes a "knowledge and technology growth pole of the Capital," contributing to solving problems related to 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, and build a synchronized database on human resources, infrastructure, and equipment as a foundation for future investment and cooperation.

Innovation must become the core identity of elite universities.

Concluding the conference, the Director of VNU, Hoang Minh Son, highly appreciated the sense of responsibility, dedication, and intellect of the scientists, and emphasized that VNU is entering a crucial strategic transformation phase, requiring the leveraging of the overall strength of the entire system – interdisciplinary cooperation and solidarity among units and individuals.

Director Hoang Minh Son proposed shifting the focus of development from scale to quality of training, with particular emphasis on research quality, international publications, policy advice, and social impact.

According to the Director, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) needs to review its development process, inherit its traditions, and shift from an independent 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 major problems in Hanoi, such as flooding, environmental pollution, traffic, urban planning, and green development, thereby affirming the pioneering role of VNU in knowledge creation and policy making.

Director Hoang Minh Son proposed shifting the focus of development from scale to quality of training, with particular emphasis on research quality, international publications, policy consulting, and social impact. The expansion of enrollment needs to be reasonably controlled, maintaining stable targets and concentrating resources on improving the quality of training programs. He requested that units focus on postgraduate and doctoral training, aiming for a model of in-depth research, while also promoting digital transformation and the application of AI in training, management, and research to enhance operational efficiency.

The Director emphasized the importance of leading professors and outstanding scientists, considering them the pillars of an elite university, which need to be positioned and invested in until 2035 to become great intellectuals with academic and social influence. He argued that the capacity of Vietnam National University, Hanoi must be demonstrated in its ability to solve national and capital city problems, attract revenue from innovation, and create research products with high practical application.

Regarding development direction, the Director proposed restructuring the organizational model, governance mechanisms, and revenue structure to ensure increased autonomy, reduce intermediaries, shorten decision-making processes, and create space for development and autonomy for each unit and individual. He requested that functional departments, especially the Science & Innovation Department and the Training & Student Affairs Department, review the system of regulations, procedures, and new policies to ensure maximum autonomy, creativity, and accountability of the units.

Delegates attending the congress pose for a commemorative photo.

The Director also assigned the Task Force for implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW to synthesize the opinions from the conference into the implementation plan, and at the same time review and reorganize the system of research centers, laboratories, and strong research groups, aiming to form centers of excellence in national priority fields.

He particularly emphasized the development orientation for the team – attracting talent, leveraging internal strengths, connecting with external forces, and transforming collaborative relationships with businesses, localities, and scientists outside of VNU into a shared resource for innovation and development.