Opportunities from open thinking and investing in the right direction
At the seminar "Bringing space technology to become a new driving force for development" organized by Tien Phong Newspaper, Dr. Nguyen Luong Quang - an expert from the Institute of Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy (CEA Paris-Saclay, France) shared his experience in converting from nuclear research to astronomy at Saclay.
Starting from the development of the nuclear reactor tracking sensor system, scientists have flexibly changed direction, using that technology to observe the sky. From the initial super lead platform, Saclay has moved towards quantum technology and product commercialization through cooperation with startups and corporations.
Saclay was very small when it was first established, but now it has become a technology valley with both laboratories for scientists and large enterprises. The reason is that the French Government not only sponsors basic research but also supports companies to bring laboratory achievements to the market, said Dr. Quang.
He also emphasized the role of open source code sharing in research: In developed countries such as France or Canada, research groups receiving funding from the budget are required to provide open source, so that companies can participate in joint development. Scientists do not have the mindset of doing business, but businesses can commercialize that research".
In addition, he said that if Vietnam wants to go far, it needs to invest in startup incubation, specialized schools and training the next generation. Currently, the public-private partnership model in science is still lacking in Vietnam.
The biggest challenge: No freedom to research, no breakthrough science
Dr. Nguyen Trong Hien - an expert from the United States Aerospace Administration ( NASA) said that all breakthrough technologies start with very small steps. For example, the web browser was originally just a tool for physicists to share research results, but it later led to the advent of Google, and now AI. Satellite cameras, which used to only serve the purpose of taking sky and ground photos, have now been integrated into the iPhone.
"The common point in all scientific advances is to start from what can be done, from the strengths of the existing school. And Vietnam's greatest strength is people, Mr. Hien emphasized.
However, Mr. Hien also frankly pointed out that the biggest barrier to Vietnam at present is the issue of management and mechanisms. We can discuss a lot about policies, resources, and budgets, but if we do not give researchers freedom, it will be difficult to develop real science, said Dr. Hien.
Mr. Hien said that to attract talent, Vietnam needs an open environment. Many overseas Vietnamese intellectuals want to return home but have not returned, because they do not find an environment suitable for their research. The current mechanism is not favorable for them to contribute, Dr. Nguyen Trong Hien shared.
