Consolidated Document number 02/VBHN-BKHCN stipulates the management of activities to enhance national scientific and technological capacity supported by the National Science and Technology Development Fund.

CIRCULAR

Provisions on managing activities to enhance national scientific and technological capacity supported by the National Science and Technology Development Fund.

Circular No. 09/2015/TT-BKHCN dated May 15, 2015, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, provides for the management of activities to enhance national scientific and technological capacity supported by the National Science and Technology Development Fund, which took effect from August 1, 2015, and was amended and supplemented by:

Circular No. 10/2024/TT-BKHCN dated December 30, 2024, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Circulars stipulating the management of scientific and technological tasks and activities to enhance national scientific and technological capacity supported by the National Science and Technology Development Fund, which took effect from February 15, 2025.

Pursuant to Decree No. 20/2013/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2013 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

Pursuant to Decree No. 23/2014/NĐ-CP dated April 3, 2014, of the Government, on the Charter of Organization and Operation of the National Science and Technology Development Fund;

Pursuant to Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014, of the Government, stipulating the use and promotion of individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities;

At the proposal of the Director of the National Science and Technology Development Fund and the Head of the Legal Department;

The Minister of Science and Technology issues this Circular providing for the management of activities to enhance national scientific and technological capacity supported by the National Science and Technology Development Fund (hereinafter referred to as the Fund)^[1].

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the organization and implementation of activities to enhance national scientific and technological capacity supported by the National Science and Technology Development Fund (hereinafter referred to as the Fund), including:

1. Participating in and reporting research results at international scientific conferences and seminars.

2. Post-doctoral research.

3. Short-term internships and research abroad.

4. ^[2]Organizing specialized international scientific conferences in Vietnam and domestic basic research seminars (annually or biennially).

5. Publishing scientific and technological works domestically and internationally.

6. Improving the quality and standards of domestic scientific and technological journals.

7. Registering intellectual property protection both domestically and internationally for inventions and plant varieties.

8. Supporting talented young scientists to use national key laboratories and other laboratories.

9. Awarding organizations and individuals with outstanding achievements in conducting basic and applied research, and activities to enhance scientific and technological capacity funded and supported by the Fund.

10. ^[3]Foreign outstanding scientists coming to Vietnam for short-term academic exchanges.

11. ^[4]Enhancing the capacity of basic research organizations to reach regional and world levels.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Scientific and technological organizations of Vietnam, foreign scientific and technological organizations operating in Vietnam.

2. Individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam, individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities abroad registering post-doctoral research programs in Vietnam.

3. State agencies, other organizations, and individuals related to the matter.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

1.^[5]International scientific conference is an activity organized for scientists of different nationalities working in different countries to present and discuss in-depth research results on one or more topics or specialized fields of science.

1a. ^[6]Domestic specialized basic research seminar is a deep-seated scientific seminar on a basic science field held in Vietnam..

2International specialized scientific seminar is an international scientific seminar on a specific field of science.

3. ^[7]Talented young scientist is a scientist recognized as a talented young scientist according to Article 23 of Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014, of the Government stipulating the use and promotion of individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 27/2020/NĐ-CP dated March 1, 2020, of the Government).

4. ^[8]International reputable journal are scientific journals selected from ranked and classified journal lists based on widely used global scientific databases, approved by the Management Council of the Fund.

4a. ^[9]Principal author of an article published in scientific journals is the author who makes significant contributions to forming ideas, organizing and implementing research, and publishing research results.

5. Specialized scientific journal is a periodically published journal that publishes in-depth research results in a specific field of science.

Article 4. Objectives of Support

Enhance research capacity and quality in Vietnam through creating a favorable environment for scientists to exchange scientific knowledge, publish research results, and integrate internationally in scientific research.

Article 5. Principles of Support

1. Ensure objectivity, democracy, and equality in reviewing support applications; publicly announce the program and procedures for support on the electronic portal of the Fund.

2. Support high-quality activities according to international standards in scientific research.

3. Provide partial funding to support the activities mentioned in Article 1 of this Circular and will not duplicate funding for contents already supported by other organizations or agencies.

4. The annual funding for the activities mentioned in Article 1 of this Circular shall not exceed the total budget approved in the Fund's plan.

Chapter II. CONTENTS OF SUPPORT AND APPLICATION DOCUMENTS FOR SUPPORT REQUESTS

Article 6. Participation and Reporting Research Results at International Scientific Conferences and Workshops

The Fund considers and supports young scientists to participate in international scientific conferences and workshops, and scientists attending and reporting outstanding scientific research works at specialized international scientific workshops.

1. Conditions for Consideration of Support:

a) For young scientists applying for support to attend international scientific conferences and workshops: Not exceeding 35 years old at the time of the conference opening, having accepted presentations (in oral form) at international scientific conferences organized by reputable organizations in the field. The conference must have renowned scientists with published research in reputable international journals in the field participating and presenting reports, and must have a website for news and introductions.

b) ^[10]For scientists applying for support to attend and report outstanding scientific research works at specialized international scientific workshops: Having outstanding scientific research works accepted for presentation (in oral form) at specialized international scientific workshops. The workshop must be regularly organized by reputable organizations in the field, with renowned scientists in the field participating and presenting reports, and must have a website for news and introductions.

c) ^[11]For talented young scientists applying for support to attend international scientific conferences and workshops: Having accepted presentations at international scientific conferences and workshops organized by reputable organizations in the field. The conference and workshop must have renowned scientists in the field participating and presenting reports, and must have a website for news and introductions.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

a) Quality of the conference and workshop: evaluated based on the organization of the conference and workshop (organizing unit, organizing committee, program committee, participating scientists), reputation of the conference and workshop (quality of previous conference and workshop sessions, impact factor if available).

b) Research achievements of the applicant;

c) Reasonable budget estimate.

3. ^[12]Contents of Support:

a) The Fund supports individual scientists attending international scientific conferences and workshops with travel expenses during a period not exceeding six (06) days including travel time (including: one round-trip economy class airfare or other transportation from Vietnam to the conference location; rental fees for transportation from airport, train station, bus terminal, border gate upon entry and return; accommodation, food, and incidental expenses; health insurance) and conference registration fees.

b) The time interval between two consecutive support periods provided by the Fund for a scientist attending international scientific conferences and workshops shall not be less than twenty-four (24) months (calculated from the opening dates of the conferences and workshops). For talented young scientists, the time interval between two consecutive support periods provided by the Fund shall not be less than twelve (12) months..

4. Application Documents Include:

a) A request for support form confirmed by the working or studying organization according to Model NCNLQG 01 specified in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) Invitation letter to present a scientific report at the conference or workshop;

c) The scientific report to be presented at the conference or workshop;

d) The scientific curriculum vitae of the applicant for support according to Model NCNLQG 02 specified in the Appendix of this Circular;

đ) ^[13]Decision recognizing talented young scientists (if applicable);

e) Budget estimate requested for Fund support, specifying the expenses committed to be funded by the conference or workshop organizing committee or other organizations (if applicable) according to Model NCNLQG 03 specified in the Appendix of this Circular.

5. Application for Support Request:

a) ^[14]Application documents can be submitted through various methods: direct submission or via public postal service to the One-Stop Service Department of the Fund or online submission on the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Administrative Procedure Information System;

b) Deadline for submission of application documents: at least two (02) months before the opening date of the conference or workshop.

Article 7. Post-doctoral Research Study ^[15]

1. Conditions for Consideration of Support:

The Fund shall consider and support Vietnamese and foreign scientists who meet the following conditions to conduct post-doctoral research studies in Vietnam:

a) Hold a Doctorate degree and be the author of at least one article published in an internationally reputable journal within five years from the date of submitting the application;

b) Be sponsored by a Vietnamese scientist for the post-doctoral research study. The sponsor must meet the following criteria: be the main author of at least one scientific article published in an internationally reputable journal within five years from the date of submitting the application; not be the supervisor of the scientist applying for support at the doctoral level;

c) Have a Vietnamese scientific and technological organization accept to be the leading unit for the post-doctoral research study. The leading unit must have sufficient material resources and related conditions to implement the research, agree to accept the person coming to conduct the post-doctoral research study, and agree to support and create conditions for the implementation of the research.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

a) Quality of the research outline description;

b) Research achievements of the applicant for support;

c) Research achievements of the sponsor; professional suitability and material conditions of the leading research unit.

3. Content of Support:

a) The Fund supports a one-time travel expense directly to the leading research unit for the post-doctoral research study and back for the person conducting the post-doctoral research study who does not reside in the province or city where the leading research unit is located;

b) Remuneration for scientific research labor for the person conducting the post-doctoral research study for a period of twelve months. In case the scientist completes the post-doctoral research program on schedule and continues to submit an application for conducting the post-doctoral research study, the Fund will prioritize consideration for support. The total time the Fund supports a scientist to conduct a post-doctoral research study shall not exceed twenty-four months.

4. Expected results of the post-doctoral research study: one (1) article submitted for publication in an internationally reputable journal with content consistent with the registered research direction, authored primarily by the person conducting the post-doctoral research study.

5. Application Documents Include:

a) An application for support from the person registering to conduct the post-doctoral research study according to Model NCNLQG 04 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) Scientific curriculum vitae of the person registering to conduct the post-doctoral research study according to Model NCNLQG 02 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

c) A copy of the Doctorate degree certificate;

d) Decision recognizing talented young scientists (if any);

đ) Description of the post-doctoral research outline (clarifying objectives, contents, methods, research plan, and expected results) confirmed by the sponsor and the leading research unit;

e) An application for support from the sponsor of the post-doctoral research study according to Model NCNLQG 05 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

g) Scientific curriculum vitae of the sponsor of the post-doctoral research study according to Model NCNLQG 02 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular.

6. Application for Support Request:

a) The application can be submitted through the following methods: direct submission or through public postal services to the One-Stop Service Unit of the Fund or online via the Information System for Administrative Procedures of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) Deadline for submission of the application: no later than three (03) months before the planned start date of the post-doctoral research study..

Article 8. Internship and Short-term Research Abroad

1. ^[16]Conditions for Consideration of Support:

The Fund shall consider and support short-term internship and research abroad for scientists who fully meet the following conditions:

a) Being invited to intern or conduct research by a foreign research organization or a foreign scientist heading a research unit (foreign partner scientist).

b) Belonging to one of the following cases:

- Implementing national-level scientific and technological tasks or equivalent. The internship and research aim to address research issues that cannot be resolved domestically.

- Participating in cooperation programs between the Fund and foreign organizations aimed at enhancing the capacity and research collaboration ability between Vietnamese and international scientists.

- Being a talented young scientist.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

a) Quality of the research outline description;

b) Research achievements of the applicant;

c) ^[17]Research achievements of the foreign partner scientist; compatibility of expertise and material conditions of the foreign partner organization;

d) A reasonable budget estimate.

3. ^[18]Contents of Support:

a) Living expenses not exceeding six months;

b) Health insurance costs;

c) Round-trip travel expenses (airfare or other economy class transportation), travel expenses at departure and arrival airports, train stations, bus terminals, and border crossings when entering Vietnam from the research host unit.

4. Application Documents Include:

a) A request for support form confirmed by the working agency or organization according to Model NCNLQG 06 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) Two recommendation letters from scientists according to Model NCNLQG 07 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular. The scientists writing the recommendation letters must have the same field of expertise as the applicant, hold a Doctorate degree, and have published relevant research results in reputable international journals within five (05) years prior to the submission date.

c) ^[19]An invitation letter for collaborative research from the foreign partner organization or an acceptance letter for research guidance from the foreign partner scientist as specified in point a, Clause 1, Article 1 of this Decree, clearly stating the location, time, content of the internship and research, and responsibility for funding related expenses;

d) ^[20]A detailed research outline at the foreign partner organization (clarifying the objectives, significance, necessity of the internship and research, content, methods, research plan, and expected outcomes) approved by the foreign partner organization or the foreign partner scientist;

d) Scientific curriculum vitae of the applicant for support according to Model NCNLQG 02 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

e) Documents proving compliance with the conditions specified in point b, Clause 1, Article 1 of this Decree;

g) A budget proposal for the Fund's support, specifying the expenses committed to be funded by the foreign side (if any) according to Model NCNLQG 08 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular.

5. Application for Support Request:

a) ^[21]Application documents can be submitted through various methods: direct submission or via public postal service to the One-Stop Service Department of the Fund or online submission on the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Administrative Procedure Information System;

b) Deadline for submitting application: no later than three (03) months before the planned start date of research abroad.

Article 9. Organizing Scientific Conferences and Workshops in Vietnam^[22]

1. Conditions for Consideration of Support:

The Fund shall consider and support organizing scientific conferences and workshops as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 1 of this Circular if they fully meet the following conditions:

a) The workshop is organized by reputable organizations in the field, with an online introduction to the workshop;

b) Supported by reputable scientific and technological organizations or professional associations in the field;

c) Consistent with the activity field of the organizing unit;

d) Have renowned scientists in the field registered to attend and present scientific reports at the workshop.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

a) Quality of the workshop: evaluated based on the organization of the workshop (organizing unit, organizing committee, program committee, participating scientists), reputation of the workshop (quality of previous workshop sessions);

b) Significance of the workshop for research fields in Vietnam;

c) Research achievements of foreign scientists requesting the Fund to support participation fees for the workshop (for specialized international scientific workshops in Vietnam);

d) A reasonable budget estimate.

3. Content of Support:

a) Venue rental costs for the workshop;

b) Costs to support domestic and foreign scientists invited to attend and present reports at the workshop (no more than ten foreign scientists and ten Vietnamese scientists) including accommodation, daily meal expenses, travel expenses within Vietnam during the workshop period and one day before and after the workshop;

c) Translation costs.

4. Application Documents Include:

a) A request for support form from the main organizing agency or organization according to Model NCNLQG 09 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) Permission document for organizing the workshop from the competent authority;

c) Budget estimate for organizing the workshop, including a detailed budget proposal for expenses requested to be supported by the Fund according to Model NCNLQG 10 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

d) List, summary of personal information, and scientific reports of scientists requesting the Fund to support participation fees for the workshop.

5. Application for Support Request:

a) The application can be submitted through the following methods: direct submission or through public postal services to the One-Stop Service Unit of the Fund or online via the Information System for Administrative Procedures of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) Deadline for submitting application: no later than three (03) months before the opening of the workshop.

Article 10. Announcement of Domestic and International Scientific and Technological Works

1. Conditions for Consideration of Support:

The scientific works to be considered and supported for publication by the Fund must meet the following conditions:

a) They are the results of research conducted in Vietnam;

b) ^[23]They have been published in reputable international journals;

c) The authors of the work clearly indicate the contents related to ethical, security, political, sovereignty, and state secrets issues (if any) in the publication and commit that the publication will not violate or negatively impact these issues.

2. ^[24]Criteria for consideration and support:

Quality and significance of the proposed work for publication support; quality of the journal publishing the scientific work.

3. ^[25]Contents of Support:

a) The Fund supports publication fees for research results;

b) In cases where the publication of research results is carried out by individual scientists without using state budget funds other than the publication result research funding specified in Point a of this Clause, the Fund provides additional support for scientific labor costs to complete the research results and write articles for submission to the journal..

4. Application Documents:

a) Application form for support according to Model NCNLQG 11 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) Scientific curriculum vitae of the author according to Model NCNLQG 02 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

c) ^[26]Decision recognizing talented young scientists (if applicable);

d) Copy of the published scientific work;

đ) Legal receipts for payment of publication fees for scientific works.

5. Application for Support Request:

a) ^[27]Application documents can be submitted through various methods: direct submission or via public postal service to the One-Stop Service Department of the Fund or online submission on the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Administrative Procedure Information System;

b) Deadline for submitting application documents: maximum six (06) months from the date of publication recorded on the work.

Article 11. Improving the Quality and Standards of Domestic Scientific and Technological Journals

1. Conditions for Consideration of Support:

Domestic scientific and technological journals to be considered and supported for improving quality and standards must meet the following conditions:

a) They are specialized scientific journals of Vietnam, published in English;

b) The journal has a process for receiving, reviewing manuscripts, and publishing articles according to international standards for scientific publication.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

a) Current quality of the journal;

b) Plan to improve the quality and standards of the journal (clear objectives, content; appropriate approach, plan);

c) Reasonable budget estimate.

3. Content of Support:

The Fund considers supporting the following items:

a) Funding for evaluating the quality of the journal (no more than once every two (02) years);

b) Publication fees for up to two (02) years to enable reputable publishers worldwide to publish the journal;

c) Funding for hiring English editors for up to two (02) years.

4. Registration Documents:

a) Application form for support according to Model NCNLQG 12 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) Description of the journal's organization, its scientific work publication process, and the plan to improve the quality and standards of the journal;

c) Scientific curriculum vitae of the members of the journal's editorial board according to Model NCNLQG 02 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

d) Evaluation results of the journal's quality by an independent evaluation organization;

đ) Budget estimate for requested support according to Model NCNLQG 13 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

5. Application for Support Request:

a) ^[28]Application documents can be submitted through various methods: direct submission or via public postal service to the One-Stop Service Department of the Fund or online submission on the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Administrative Procedure Information System;

b) Deadline for submitting application documents: based on the needs of the registering organization.

Article 12. Registration of Intellectual Property Rights Protection for Inventions and Plant Varieties Domestically and Abroad

1. Conditions for Consideration of Support:

The Fund considers and supports cases meeting the following conditions:

a) Inventions and plant varieties are the results of research conducted in Vietnam;

b) Intellectual property rights protection certificates for inventions and plant varieties have been issued by competent authorities;

c) Intellectual property rights for inventions and plant varieties are entirely owned by Vietnamese organizations or individuals.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

Significance and applicability of the invention and plant variety.

3. Content of Support:

The Fund supports the initial registration fee for intellectual property rights protection for inventions and plant varieties once.

4. Application Documents Include:

a) Application form for support according to Model NCNLQG 14 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) Copy of the scientific work registered for intellectual property rights protection;

c) Detailed explanation of the significance and applicability of the invention and plant variety;

d) Copy of the intellectual property rights protection certificate for the invention and plant variety issued by the competent authority;

đ) Scientific curriculum vitae of the authors according to Model NCNLQG 02 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

e) Legal receipts for payment of the initial registration fee for intellectual property rights protection for the invention and plant variety.

5. Application for Support Request:

a) ^[29]Application documents can be submitted through various methods: direct submission or via public postal service to the One-Stop Service Department of the Fund or online submission on the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Administrative Procedure Information System;

b) Deadline for submitting application documents: maximum one (01) year from the date the competent authority issues the intellectual property rights protection certificate.

Article 13. Supporting talented young scientists to use national key laboratories and other laboratories.^[30]

1. Conditions for Consideration of Support:

The Fund shall consider and support scientists who fully meet the following conditions to use national key laboratories and other laboratories:

a) ^[31]Talented young scientists;

b) Having the need to use national key laboratories and other laboratories to carry out meaningful and practical scientific and technological activities.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

a) Quality of the research outline description;

b) Research achievements of the applicant;

c) The professional suitability and material conditions of the laboratory proposed for support.

d) A reasonable budget estimate.

3. Content of Support:

The Fund supports costs for using equipment and services at the laboratory for a maximum period of two (02) years, including:

a) Operating costs of machinery and equipment (including labor costs) at the laboratory approved by the head of the managing unit of the laboratory;

b) Funds for purchasing materials, raw materials, fuel used during the experimental process; funds for renting services provided by the laboratory.

4. Application Documents:

a) A request for support according to Model NCNLQG 15 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

b) The scientific curriculum vitae of the person requesting support according to Model NCNLQG 02 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular;

c) ^[32]Decision recognizing talented young scientists;

d) A detailed description clearly stating the significance, necessity of using the laboratory, objectives, contents, methods, research plans, and expected results;

đ) Budget proposal for requested support according to Model NCNLQG 16 stipulated in the Appendix of this Circular.

5. Application for Support Request:

a) ^[33]Application documents can be submitted through various methods: direct submission or via public postal service to the One-Stop Service Department of the Fund or online submission on the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Administrative Procedure Information System;

b) Deadline for submitting application: no later than three (03) months before the date of intended use of national key laboratories and other laboratories.

Article 14. Awarding organizations and individuals with outstanding achievements in carrying out basic research, applied research, and activities to enhance scientific and technological capacity funded and supported by the Fund.

Annually, the Fund shall consider awarding organizations and individuals with outstanding achievements in carrying out basic research, applied research, and activities to enhance scientific and technological capacity funded and supported by the Fund.

1. Conditions for considering awards:

a) ^[34]For individuals: Achieving outstanding research results through implementing projects and tasks funded and supported by the Fund, introduced and recommended by the Science and Technology Council (Science Council) of the Fund for the Fund to award and agree to participate in the Fund's award activities;

b) For organizations: Successfully implementing projects and tasks funded and supported by the Fund in accordance with regulations, having individuals within the organization awarded by the Fund and agreeing to participate in the Fund's award activities.

2. Criteria for considering awards:

a) For individuals: The significance, scientific value, and practical value of published research results, individual contributions in publications as introduced by the Science Council;

b) For organizations: The number of projects and tasks funded and supported by the Fund successfully implemented and the research achievements of scientists within the organization participating in projects and tasks funded and supported by the Fund.

3. Documents serving the Fund's work on considering awards include the results of implementing projects and tasks funded and supported by the Fund, the Science Council's recommendation for awards, and confirmation from related organizations and individuals agreeing to participate in the Fund's award activities. The Fund does not require organizations and individuals to prepare registration documents for award recommendations.

4. The Fund Management Board presents Certificates of Merit and monetary rewards according to current regulations to organizations and individuals with outstanding achievements in carrying out basic research, applied research, and activities to enhance scientific and technological capacity funded and supported by the Fund. The awards given to organizations and individuals by the Fund are recorded in the Fund's files and will be considered for priority in reviewing and evaluating funding applications for future Fund support.

Article 14a. Foreign outstanding scientists coming to Vietnam for short-term academic exchange^[35]

1. The Fund implements support for foreign outstanding scientists coming to Vietnam for short-term academic exchange through activities inviting foreign experts to work and cooperate in research related to topics funded by the Fund.

2. Content of support: accommodation rental fees, daily meal expenses, travel costs within Vietnam, and translation costs for foreign outstanding scientists coming to Vietnam for short-term academic exchange for a maximum period of three (3) months.

Article 14b. Enhancing the capacity of basic research organizations to reach regional and world standards ^[36]

1. The Fund supports enhancing the capacity of Vietnamese basic research organizations towards the following objectives:

a) Increasing the number of national-level and equivalent basic research topics, and the number of basic research topics funded by reputable international research sponsors for the main implementing organization;

b) Increasing the number of scientists under fifty (50) years old at the organization who hold doctoral degrees and have their basic research results published in reputable international journals as lead authors;

c) Increasing the number of international scientists with outstanding basic research results participating in short-term research cooperation or presenting scientific reports;

d) Increasing the number of domestic and international graduate students successfully trained according to international standards;

đ) Increasing the number of international conferences and workshops organized by the main implementing organization;

e) Increasing the number of cooperative research tasks with international basic research organizations.

2. Criteria for Considering Support:

a) The mission, vision, functions, and responsibilities of the organization aligning with the development into a basic research organization reaching regional and world standards;

b) The organization's capability in conducting basic research according to international practices demonstrated through the following indicators:

- The number and quality of scientists at the organization holding doctoral degrees and having their basic research results published in reputable international journals as lead authors at the time of review;

- The number and quality of the organization's basic research results published in the last ten (10) years;

- The number and quality of basic research tasks led by the organization in the last ten (10) years;

- The number and quality of international collaborations in research conducted by the organization.

c) The quality of the organization's website in fully displaying the information mentioned in point a and point b, Clause 2 of this Article.

3. Form of support: The Fund periodically reviews and announces potential organizations and prioritizes funding for basic research topics and international cooperation topics of the Fund, and prioritizes supporting national science and technology capacity enhancement activities as stipulated in Articles 1(1), 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 of this Circular..

Chapter III. IMPLEMENTATION

Article 15. Reviewing application support files

1. ^[37]Based on the provisions of this Circular, after receiving the application support files from organizations and individuals sent to the Fund, the Management Agency of the Fund organizes the examination and evaluation of the application files, which are then reviewed and decided upon by the Fund Management Council. The Management Agency does not examine incomplete files or those that do not meet the submission deadline requirements or fall under the cases specified in Article 16(2) of this Circular.

a) In the case of applying for support for activities stipulated in Article 1(1), 4, and 5 of this Circular, the Management Agency examines, evaluates, and proposes handling solutions;

b) In the case of applying for support for activities stipulated in Article 1(2), 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of this Circular, the Management Agency invites at least two independent consultants (from the Fund's expert database as regulated by the Ministry of Science and Technology regarding the management of basic research topics funded by the National Science and Technology Development Fund) to examine and evaluate each file to propose handling solutions to the Fund Management Council.

c) The Fund prioritizes supporting talented young scientists, scientists who have won the Ta Quang Buu Award, and scientists who have been awarded by the Fund..

2. ^[38]Application files meeting all Fund regulations, recommended for support by at least two-thirds of independent consultants (as stipulated in point b, Clause 1 of this Article) will be submitted by the Management Agency to the Fund Management Council for review and decision on support. If necessary, the Fund Management Council may seek additional opinions from independent consultants before making a decision..

3. ^[39]After the Fund Management Council decides on the application support files, the Management Agency directly notifies the result to the individual or organization that applied for support. The Fund does not return the application support files.

4. The maximum processing time and notification of the examination results of the application support files by the Fund is thirty (30) working days from the date the Fund receives the application files.

5. ^[40]The recognition and reward of organizations and individuals with outstanding achievements in implementing basic research, applied research, and activities enhancing the capacity of science and technology supported by the Fund will be carried out according to the Fund's operational plan. The Fund will notify the results to the organizations and individuals recognized for rewards by the Fund Management Council, and publicly announce the reward results on the Fund's electronic portal.

Article 16. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals receiving support from the Fund

1. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals receiving support from the Fund:

a) Implement the supported contents according to the plan and schedule approved by the Fund;

b) Use the supported funds for the intended purpose, in accordance with regulations, effectively; provide all valid receipts and conduct settlement in compliance with current regulations;

c) Adhere fully to the laws of the host country during their stay abroad to carry out activities supported by the Fund;

d) ^[41]Submit a written report to the Fund on the situation and results of the activities and tasks supported by the Fund within one (01) month after completing the task, and hand over to the Fund the relevant results upon completion. Provide information and participate in surveys about the activities carried out at the request of the Fund (if any););

đ) ^[42]Bear responsibility for the content published in accordance with the laws on science and technology, publishing, intellectual property, ensuring academic integrity and research ethics, and other provisions of Vietnamese law; acknowledge the support of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) in the research results published as the results of the activities stipulated in Clause 2, 3, and 8 of Article 1 of this Circular;

2. ^[43]Organizations and individuals violating the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article and other provisions of the Fund shall not be eligible to apply for funding or support from the Fund for a period of two (02) years from the date of the decision to handle the violation. In cases where the violation leads to the suspension of the implementation of the task funded or supported by the Fund, or criminal prosecution, or violation of academic integrity and research ethics, the individual violator shall not be eligible to apply for funding or support from the Fund for a period of five (05) years from the date of the decision to handle the violation and after fulfilling the obligations under the decision of the competent authority. If the violation is directly related to awards granted by the Fund, the Fund will issue a decision to revoke these awards;.

Chapter IV. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS ^[44]

Article 17. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from August 1, 2015. The Regulation on Funding Activities Supporting Scientific Research issued together with Decision No. 03/QD-HĐQLQ dated June 15, 2009 of the Management Board of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development ceases to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect;

2. Research support activities approved by the Fund before the effectiveness of this Circular and research support activity proposals submitted to the Fund but not yet reviewed and approved by the Fund when this Circular takes effect shall continue to be implemented in accordance with the Regulation on Funding Activities Supporting Scientific Research issued together with Decision No. 03/QD-HĐQLQ dated June 15, 2009 of the Management Board of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development;

3. Amendments and supplements to this Circular shall be proposed by the Director of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision;

ANNEX

MODEL FOR APPLYING FOR SUPPORT FOR ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CAPACITY ^[45]
(Annexed to Circular No. 10/2024Circular No. 30 the 12 Year 2024 of the Minister of Science and Technology)

1. ^[46]Model NCNLQG 01. Application for financial support to attend and report on research results at international scientific conferences and seminars

2. ^[47]Model NCNLQG 02. Scientific Curriculum Vitae

3. ^[48]Model NCNLQG 03. Budget for attending and reporting on research results at international scientific conferences and seminars

4. ^[49]Model NCNLQG 04. Application for financial support to conduct post-doctoral research in Vietnam

5. ^[50]Model NCNLQG 05. Sponsor's application for financial support to conduct post-doctoral research in Vietnam

6. ^[51]Model NCNLQG 06. Application for financial support to undertake short-term internships and research abroad

7. ^[52]Model NCNLQG 07. Letter of Recommendation

8. ^[53]Model NCNLQG 08. Budget for undertaking short-term internships and research abroad

9. ^[54]Model NCNLQG 09. Application for financial support to organize scientific conferences

10. ^[55]Model NCNLQG 10. Budget for organizing international scientific conferences

11. ^[56]Model NCNLQG 11. Application for financial support to publish scientific and technological works

12. ^[57]Model NCNLQG 12. Application for financial support to improve the quality and standards of Vietnamese scientific and technological journals

13. ^[58]Model NCNLQG 13. Budget for improving the quality and standards of Vietnamese scientific and technological journals

14. ^[59]Model NCNLQG 14. Application for financial support to register initial intellectual property rights domestically and internationally for inventions and plant varieties

15. ^[60]Model NCNLQG 15. Application for financial support to use laboratories for talented young scientists

16. ^[61]Model NCNLQG 16. Budget for using laboratories for talented young scientists

17. ^[62]Model NCNLQG 17. Report on the results of activities and tasks supported by the Fund