Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) has proposed offering tuition waivers and scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in basic sciences, as part of a broader strategy to develop talent and strengthen national research capacity in scientific fields.

The proposal was one of three key solutions presented by Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Kha Tu, deputy head of the university’s training department, during a seminar held on Tuesday.

The event brought together more than 60 scientists and education experts to discuss the advancement of scientific research and education in Vietnam.

In addition to tuition waivers and scholarships, Dr. Tu suggested attracting and financially supporting outstanding young scientists and leading researchers to join VNU-HCM.

He also proposed updating training programs in basic sciences to include strategic technologies and expanding access to education through the development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for key scientific disciplines.

Another component of the proposal focused on improving the teaching capabilities of university lecturers and high school teachers in STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dr. Tu also recommended implementing activities that encourage student engagement and foster interest in scientific discovery and innovation.

The second solution emphasized integrating basic research with strategic technologies and innovation.

It included the formation of strong research groups in core scientific disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and marine sciences.

The proposal also called for developing research teams in the social sciences, including philosophy, sociology, psychology, economics, linguistics, anthropology, political science, history, geography, law, and communication.

As part of this research strategy, VNU-HCM also proposed establishing centers of excellence in strategic technologies.

These would focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, biomedical technology, pharmaceutical technology, material science, nuclear energy, and renewable energy.

The creation of a dedicated innovation center was also proposed.

The third part of the initiative centers on building modern research infrastructure that supports digital transformation in science and education.

Plans include the establishment of a data center to serve as a hub for research and training in basic sciences, along with the construction of three modern laboratories dedicated to physics, chemistry, and biology.

An interdisciplinary research laboratory is also included in the proposed infrastructure.

According to VNU-HCM director Dr. Vu Hai Quan, the goal of the university’s initiatives is to position basic science research as a foundation for the country’s technological advancement and innovation.

The program is intended to contribute to sustainable national development, support social progress, and enrich both global knowledge and Vietnamese culture.

By 2030, the university aims to be ranked among the top 100-150 universities worldwide in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, economics, management, and languages, and among the top 200-250 in biology and earth sciences, according to the QS World University Rankings.

Leaders from VNU-HCM’s member universities and participating scientists expressed support for the proposals, viewing them as a significant opportunity to enhance basic science education and research at the national level.

Dr. Quan confirmed that the university would review feedback from the seminar and refine the plan before submitting it to the relevant authorities for approval.

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