Decision No. 12/2025/QĐ-TTg stipulates criteria for the title of expert, leading scientist, and chief engineer in the national defense and security industry.

Pursuant to …;

Regulations on criteria for the title of leading expert, top scientist, chief engineer in the national defense and security industry sector

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Pursuant to the Government Organization Law on February 18, 2025;

Pursuant to the Law on National Defense Industry and Security Industry Mobilization dated June 27, 2024;

"Based on the proposal of the Minister of National Defense;"

The Prime Minister issues this Decision to regulate the criteria for the titles of leading expert, top scientist, and chief engineer in the national defense and security industry sector.

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. This Decision regulates the criteria for the titles of leading expert, top scientist, and chief engineer in the national defense and security industry sector.

Article 2. This Decision applies to organizations and individuals belonging to national defense industrial facilities under the management of the Ministry of National Defense, security industrial facilities under the management of the Ministry of Public Security; and individuals outside the armed forces who participate in serving the national defense and security industry sector and meet the criteria for the title of leading expert or top scientist as stipulated in this Decision.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Decision, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. An expert in the national defense and security industry sector (hereinafter referred to as an expert) is a title recognized for a certain period of time by the Minister of National Defense or the Minister of Public Security for individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities serving the national defense and security industry sector, meeting the criteria specified in Article 3 of this Decision.

2. A top scientist in the national defense and security industry sector (hereinafter referred to as a top scientist) is a title recognized for a certain period of time by the Minister of National Defense or the Minister of Public Security for individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities serving the national defense and security industry sector, meeting the criteria specified in Article 4 of this Decision.

Article 3. Criteria for the title of expert

Clause 1. General criteria

a) Having a master's degree or higher in science and technology; proficient in at least one commonly used foreign language;

b) As of the date of registration for recognition of the title, must have at least seven consecutive years of experience in research, design, manufacturing, production, repair, modification, improvement, modernization, and extension of the service life of weapons, technical equipment, technical materials, and special technical means;

For individuals outside the armed forces, must have at least seven consecutive years of experience in strategic technology research, foundational technology, core technology, new technology, dual-use technology related to the national defense and security industry sector;

c) Familiar with relevant legal regulations to develop design documents, technical documents, testing and acceptance procedures for products, product standards, and directly implement them; proficient in using modern technical tools to support professional work; keeping up-to-date with scientific and technological achievements both domestically and internationally;

d) Not violating prohibited acts as prescribed in the Law on National Defense Industry and Security Industry Mobilization and other related laws; meeting political standard requirements as prescribed by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security.

Clause 2. Criteria for scientific and technological activity results

Within seven consecutive years up to the date of registering for the title of expert, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

a) Having led at least one ministry-level scientific and technological task; or one scientific and technological task at the direct subordinate level of a ministry concerning research, production, repair, design, manufacture, modification, improvement, modernization, and extension of the service life of strategic weapons and technical equipment, resulting in products being put into use; or three scientific and technological tasks at the direct subordinate level of a ministry concerning research, production, repair, design, manufacture, modification, improvement, modernization, and extension of the service life of weapons, technical equipment, technical materials, and special technical means, with the results of these scientific and technological tasks creating products that are put into use;

For individuals outside the armed forces, having led at least one ministry-level scientific and technological task or three scientific and technological tasks at the direct subordinate level of a ministry researching strategic technology, foundational technology, core technology, new technology, and dual-use technology capable of application in the national defense and security industry sector;

b) Being the author of at least two patents or utility models related to technology and engineering that have been granted protection and applied in the national defense and security industry sector;

For individuals outside the armed forces, being the author of at least two patents or utility models related to strategic technology, foundational technology, core technology, new technology, and dual-use technology that have been granted protection and are capable of application in the national defense and security industry sector.

Clause 3. Responsibilities of experts

a) Researching, designing, manufacturing, producing, repairing, modifying, improving, modernizing, and extending the service life of weapons, technical equipment, technical materials, and special technical means, equipment, and production lines;

b) Researching and applying basic sciences; developing and mastering strategic technology, foundational technology, core technology, new technology, dual-use technology, and product manufacturing technology serving the national defense and security industry sector;

c) Developing technical standards, technical guidelines, design documents, production technical documents for national defense and security industries, quality assessment procedures for products, technical safety solutions, fire prevention and environmental protection measures in the national defense and security industry sector;

d) Searching for, decoding, applying, transferring, and receiving transfers of strategic technology, foundational technology, core technology, new technology, and dual-use technology serving the national defense and security industry sector.

Article 4. Criteria for the title of leading scientist

Clause 1. General criteria

a) Hold a Doctorate degree in science and technology; proficiently use at least one common foreign language for professional work and have the ability to communicate in English;

b) As of the date of registration for recognition of the title, have at least 10 consecutive years of experience in researching, designing, manufacturing, producing, modifying, improving, modernizing, extending the service life of weapons, technical equipment, technical materials, technical means;

For individuals outside the armed forces, have at least 10 consecutive years of experience in researching strategic technologies, foundational technologies, core technologies, new technologies related to the defense industry and security sector;

c) Have the ability to mobilize, gather, lead teams of officials, experts, scientists to implement research and development ideas for weapons and technical equipment with strategic significance, special technical means in the defense industry and security sector; have the ability to manage and direct professional activities and international integration capabilities, representing the field and specialty;

For individuals outside the armed forces, have the ability to mobilize, gather, lead outstanding scientific staff to implement research ideas on strategic technologies, foundational technologies, core technologies to develop a field or specialty related to the defense industry and security sector; have the ability to manage and direct professional activities and international integration capabilities, representing the field and specialty;

d) Be the head of a department of science and technology, laboratory or equivalent in academies, research institutes on engineering technology, key defense industry facilities, key security industry facilities;

For individuals outside the armed forces, have experience in leading national key research groups, laboratories or academic units on science and technology with prestige both domestically and internationally;

Individuals working in scientific research must have directly guided at least two doctoral candidates who have been awarded a Doctorate degree;

e) Not violate prohibited behaviors as stipulated in the Law on the Defense Industry and Security Industry and Mobilization, and other relevant laws; meet political standard requirements as prescribed by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security;

Clause 2. Criteria for scientific and technological activity results

Within 10 consecutive years up to the date of registering for the title, leading scientists must simultaneously meet the following criteria:

a) Lead at least one national key science and technology task; or lead at least three ministry-level science and technology tasks that produce products for deployment or create strategic technologies, foundational technologies, core technologies, new technologies applied in the defense industry and security sector; or lead three science and technology tasks under programs, projects, designs for researching, manufacturing, producing strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means, the results of which produce deployable products;

For individuals outside the armed forces, must lead at least one national key science and technology task or lead at least three ministry-level research and technology tasks on strategic technologies, foundational technologies, core technologies, new technologies, research results capable of being applied in the defense industry and security sector;

b) Have at least five scientific articles published in reputable scientific journals according to the List of Specialty Scientific Journals issued by the State Council for Professor Titles; or be a member of the Editorial Board of reputable international scientific journals as prescribed by the Ministry of Science and Technology;

c) Be the chief editor of at least two chapters of specialized books or one reference book for training published by reputable publishers both domestically and internationally;

3. Responsibilities of leading scientists

a) Guide the development of research programs for strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means; research and develop strategic technologies, foundational technologies, core technologies, new technologies;

b) Participate in directing programs, projects, tasks in science and technology; lead research groups to create strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means;

c) Train scientists, technical staff, build expert teams;

d) Participate in consulting, building, evaluating, and critiquing policies, plans for developing science and technology serving the defense industry and security sector; participate in resolving urgent situations regarding national defense and security;

e) Participate in selecting, accepting, and independently reviewing national and ministry-level science and technology tasks;

f) Direct innovation in scientific research and technological development, cooperation in transferring strategic technologies, foundational technologies, core technologies, new technologies serving the defense industry and security sector.

Article 5. Criteria for the title of Chief Engineer

Clause 1. General criteria

a) Currently working at defense industry facilities managed by the Ministry of National Defense or security industry facilities managed by the Ministry of Public Security; holding a master's degree or higher in a relevant field of science and technology related to the defense and security industries; having in-depth knowledge of at least one specialty and broad knowledge of areas related to products or programs, projects, research and design, production of strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means; proficiently using at least one common foreign language for professional work;

b) Having at least 10 consecutive years of experience in researching, designing, manufacturing, producing, repairing, modifying, improving, modernizing, extending the service life of strategic weapons and technical equipment, technical materials, special technical means;

c) Possessing leadership capabilities and strategic vision for developing the defense and security industries; innovative thinking and understanding of laws, macro and micro management mechanisms;

Possessing the ability to direct, organize management, and operate projects in the defense and security industries;

Possessing the ability to connect, coordinate, and manage research, design, production teams, and experts from various fields and specialties to resolve issues in defense and security industry projects ensuring progress and product quality;

d) Possessing the ability to advise on technical and technological solutions and select solutions related to the development of strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means; providing professional opinions on projects including feasibility and financial effectiveness;

Being well-versed in design, technology, and the value chain of strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means;

Possessing the ability to effectively handle technical, financial, or political risks related to projects;

e) Not violate prohibited behaviors as stipulated in the Law on the Defense Industry and Security Industry and Mobilization, and other relevant laws; meet political standard requirements as prescribed by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security;

Clause 2. Criteria for scientific and technological activity results

In the 10 consecutive years up to the registration date, must simultaneously meet the following criteria:

a) Having led at least two national-level scientific and technological tasks; or led at least three ministry-level scientific and technological tasks; or led three products under programs, projects for researching, designing, manufacturing, producing, repairing, modifying, improving, modernizing, extending the service life of strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means;

b) Having managed at least one program or project in the development of weapons and technical equipment, special technical means, with the project's products being put into use and proven effective;

Being the author or co-author of at least two technological solutions that have been granted patents or recognized as useful solutions;

3. Responsibilities of the Chief Engineer

a) Advising on strategic planning for the development of the defense and security industries; researching and mastering design, manufacturing, production, repair, modification, improvement, modernization, extension of the service life of strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means;

b) Leading the management of defense and security industry programs and projects:

Developing overall plans and deciding on technical and technological solutions for key defense and security programs and projects for the development of strategic weapons and technical equipment, special technical means;

Directing the creation of technical documents, modeling, integrating interdisciplinary technologies into complete and optimized systems;

Organizing the implementation and deployment of defense and security industry programs and projects; monitoring and supervising the entire research and production process, ensuring quality standards, reliability, and safety; approving and submitting important technical phases, including testing and evaluating product performance, for approval by competent authorities;

Establishing and maintaining technical standards and specifications to ensure synchronization and long-term maintainability;

Organizing, managing, and coordinating technical teams; collaborating with experts from different fields and specialties to solve complex technical problems;

Managing budgets and finances of defense and security industry programs and projects to ensure efficient use of financial resources;

c) Training technical staff and building expert teams for the defense and security industries; creating a work environment that promotes innovation and strategic technology research in research and development groups.

Article 6. Special cases

1. Individuals who do not meet the criteria set forth in Point a and Point b, Clause 1, Article 3 or Point a and Point b, Clause 1, Article 4 or Point a and Point b, Clause 1, Article 5 but fall into the following circumstances shall be considered for recognition of the corresponding title:

a) Individuals with deep expertise in strategic science and technology fields, high-tech, foundational technology, core technology, dual-use technology that are prioritized for development and have been effectively applied in practical research and manufacturing of strategic weapons and equipment, special technical means, shall be considered for recognition as experts;

b) Individuals holding a doctoral degree whose doctoral dissertation results have been effectively applied in research and manufacturing of strategic weapons and equipment, special technical means, shall be considered for recognition as leading scientists;

c) Individuals assigned to lead management of national key science and technology programs, projects, and technology transfer projects for five consecutive years most recently, producing products that are strategic weapons and equipment, special technical means, which have been mass-produced and effectively applied in practice, and having the appropriate qualifications and capabilities to meet the requirements and tasks, shall be considered for appointment to the position of chief engineer.

2. Other special cases that do not fully meet the criteria stipulated in Articles 3, 4, and 5 of this Decision but have outstanding professional qualifications and capabilities, capable of immediately meeting the requirements and tasks for developing strategic weapons and equipment, special technical means, shall be considered for special recognition for each corresponding title based on the specific tasks.

Article 7. Recognition, revocation of recognition, extension, appointment, and removal of titles

1. Recognition, revocation of recognition, and extension of the titles of expert and leading scientist

a) Individuals meeting the criteria specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 3 or Point a, Clause 1, Article 6 or Clause 2, Article 6 shall be considered for recognition as experts; individuals meeting the criteria specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 4 or Point b, Clause 1, Article 6 or Clause 2, Article 6 shall be considered for recognition as leading scientists;

b) The title of expert has a term of three years, and the title of leading scientist has a term of five years from the date of recognition and automatically expires at the end of the term;

The titles of expert and leading scientist may be revoked if the individual holding the title violates the law, engages in prohibited acts as defined in the National Defense Industry Law, Security Industry Law, and Industrial Mobilization Law, or is found to have falsified application documents, or fails to complete the duties of the title as confirmed in writing by the head of the core defense industry facility or core security industry facility where they work;

c) Individuals holding the titles of expert and leading scientist may be considered for extension provided they are currently active or participating in the national defense and security industries and performing the duties of the title as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 3 and Clause 3, Article 4 of this Decision.

2. Appointment and removal of the title of chief engineer

a) Individuals meeting the criteria specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 5 or Point c, Clause 1, Article 6 or Clause 2, Article 6 shall be considered for appointment to the position of chief engineer when there is a need to implement programs, projects, and plans for the production of strategic weapons and equipment, special technical means; upon completion of the task, the title of chief engineer will automatically expire;

b) The title of chief engineer may be removed if the individual holding the title violates the law, engages in prohibited acts as defined in the National Defense Industry Law, Security Industry Law, and Industrial Mobilization Law, or is found to have falsified application documents, or fails to complete the duties of the chief engineer as confirmed in writing by the head of the core defense industry facility or core security industry facility where they work.

Article 8. Responsibilities of the Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Public Security

1. Annually or in urgent cases, organize the examination for recognition, revocation of recognition, extension of titles of experts, leading scientists in their fields. Appoint the title of chief engineer when there is a requirement to implement tasks.

2. Direct training and capacity building activities to improve the qualifications of scientific and technological staff to meet the criteria for these titles.

3. Direct the allocation, arrangement, and utilization of personnel recognized or appointed to titles in accordance with task requirements to ensure the full utilization of their professional capabilities at each position.

Article 9. Responsibilities of the heads of key national defense industrial facilities and key security industrial facilities

1. Prioritize the recruitment of individuals holding titles of experts, leading scientists in their fields, and chief engineers to work at key national defense industrial facilities and key security industrial facilities.

2. Implement the appropriate regulations and policies for experts, leading scientists in their fields, and chief engineers working at key national defense industrial facilities and key security industrial facilities; utilize and create conditions for these experts, leading scientists in their fields, and chief engineers to complete assigned tasks; ensure the rights of experts, leading scientists in their fields, and chief engineers according to the provisions of the law.

Article 10. Responsibilities of individuals holding titles of experts, leading scientists in their fields, and chief engineers

1. Fulfill tasks corresponding to the titles specified in Clause 3 of Article 3, Clause 3 of Article 4, and Clause 3 of Article 5 of this Decision and other tasks assigned by the organization.

2. Bear legal responsibility for the dossier for reviewing the title of themselves; promptly update information about changes in the dossier and when requested by management agencies or units.

3. Maintain confidentiality of information in accordance with the law on protecting state secrets.

Article 11. Effectiveness and Responsibility for Implementation

1. This Decision shall take effect from July 1, 2025.

2. The Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government-affiliated agencies, and related agencies and organizations are responsible for implementing this Decision./.