VINIF looks back on its 5-year journey of supporting Vietnamese science

The program aims to review the implementation of funding programs as well as discuss and orient the development of VINIF. In particular, the event is also a place for scientists to connect, aiming to improve the quality of research projects, and cooperate to bring products and technologies to the market.

Resolute and methodical

Five years ago (August 2018), the Vingroup Innovation Fund (VINIF) was established, the first private fund with a budget of thousands of billions of VND, completely non-profit, for the development of science and technology in Vietnam. The question at that time was: "What needs to be done to build a positive scientific research environment, creating maximum conditions to help scientists focus on research, unleash their creativity, and devote themselves to carrying out breakthrough projects?"

Emphasizing practical, quick and effective actions, just over 4 months after its establishment, VINIF immediately implemented the Science and Technology Project sponsorship program. After that, a series of other sponsorship programs were implemented, such as awarding scholarships to outstanding domestic Masters, PhDs, and post-doctoral researchers; cooperating in training Masters in Data Science; supporting the organization of prestigious international Public Lectures and Scientific Conferences; as well as preserving the cultural and historical values ​​of the nation.

Along with the financial aspect, VINIF also focuses on comprehensive, effective and sustainable support. Accordingly, throughout the research process, VINIF will accompany the implementation team in accessing scientific resources, connecting with a network of consultants and accessing large databases from the Vingroup ecosystem. In particular, some application-oriented scientific projects will also be consulted by VINIF to register for exclusive patent protection and introduce investment sources to continue implementing practical products and solutions.

VINIF's goal is to join hands to change the research environment and style in Vietnam; build an ecosystem to promote applied research, connecting researchers, research institutes, universities with businesses.

Sweet fruit from persistent efforts

Not only focusing on attracting talent and finding potential scientific projects, over the past 5 years, VINIF has also strived to perfect its operating methods, optimize the funding process, and ensure the maximum quality of research output. VINIF's approach is similar to that of prestigious foreign organizations such as the Humboldt Foundation (Germany), Sloan or Fulbright (USA) and Simons (Canada), while making changes that are appropriate to practice, to ensure that funding is used effectively, to the right people and for the right purposes.

Most importantly, according to Prof. Vu Ha Van, Scientific Director of VINIF, “The Fund not only supports young scientists financially but also creates a premise to encourage them to do in-depth, honest and civilized research.” The professor added that this is demonstrated through a quick and transparent review process, and at the same time, VINIF does not accept articles published in low-quality journals during the acceptance process.

After 5 years, a total of nearly 800 billion VND has been sponsored by the Fund for 7 programs, with more than 100 Science - Technology projects; 6 Master of Data Science training projects; more than 1,100 master and doctoral scholarships; 90 post-doctoral scholarships; 8 projects and 30 cultural and historical events. In addition, over 130 prestigious scientific seminars and public lectures have been held with the participation of leading professors at home and abroad, reaching millions of people, thereby spreading knowledge and passion for science in the community.

In particular, the sweet fruit that VINIF strives to create is an ecosystem of research - training - application - connection and sharing of scientific knowledge. In the era of interdisciplinary science, this ecosystem, with the active participation of scientists - universities - research institutes and businesses, will contribute to creating a solid launching pad for Vietnamese science to go far.

On July 26-27, VINIF will organize 2 seminars: Seminar "Promoting research, application and commercialization of science and technology products" and Seminar "Opportunities, challenges, solutions in research and training in science and technology" with the participation of many scholars, experts and leading prestigious scientists in Vietnam.

PV

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/vinif-nhin-lai-hanh-trinh-5-nam-tiep-suc-cho-khoa-hoc-viet-post257748.html