According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Luong Quang - SAGI Astrophysics Group (IFIRSE/ICISE), for many years, many research topics by young scientists have stopped at the level of initial ideas or experiments due to lack of long-term investment resources.
There are research groups that possess very good ideas, even solving practical problems of businesses and society. However, when entering the stage of product development, large-scale testing or technology completion, there is a lack of funding and a lack of supporting environment" - Mr. Quang shared.
From the reality of working with many research groups and technology startups, Dr. Doan Nam Thai - CEO of AVATECH believes that support mechanisms need to focus on the ability to "nurture" scientists in the research process, instead of just funding each short-term topic.
To have strategic technology, to master core technology, you must accept long-term investment in people. A good research student, if well supported, can completely create new technology or form technology businesses in the future" - Mr. Thai said.
Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology and many related units have implemented additional programs to directly support young researchers, notably the investment program for excellent research students.
Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh - Deputy Director of the National Science and Technology Development Fund (Ministry of Science and Technology) - said that the program aims to select research students with outstanding capacity in strategic technology, core technology and key science fields for focused investment.
A noteworthy point is that the support level can be up to 1 billion VND per year (lasting for 3 years) for an excellent research student. This investment not only serves research activities but also creates conditions for young scientists to access modern laboratories, expand international cooperation and participate in strong research groups.
Representatives of the National Science and Technology Development Fund said that investing in research students is not only aimed at training outstanding individuals but also towards building strong research groups, creating a foundation for the domestic innovation ecosystem.
