Circular No. 15/2016/TT-BKHCN on the management of research application topics funded by the National Research Development Fund

CIRCULAR

Regulations on managing applied research topics

funded by the National Research Development Fund Nhà nước tài trợ học và công nghệ

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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. 08/2014/NĐ-CP dated January 27, 2014 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on 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 Research Development Fund;

At the proposal of the Director of the National Research Development Fund and the Head of the Legal Department,

The Minister of Science and Technology issues this Circular regulating the management of applied research topics funded by the National Research Development Fund.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Thông tư này quy định chi tiết khoản 4 Điều 38 Luật Thủy sản số 18/2017/QH14 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung tại điểm c khoản 21 Điều 14 Luật số 146/2025/QH15.

This Circular regulates the management of applied research topics (hereinafter referred to as topics) funded by the National Research Development Fund (hereinafter referred to as the Fund) in the fields of natural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, agricultural sciences (hereinafter referred to as natural sciences and technology); social sciences and humanities (hereinafter referred to as social sciences and humanities).

Thông tư này áp dụng đối với tổ chức, cá nhân có liên quan đến hoạt động kinh doanh đối tượng thủy sản nuôi chủ lực trên lãnh thổ Việt Nam.

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals engaged in science and technology activities in Vietnam participating in registering and implementing applied research topics funded by the Fund and other relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

2. Applied research results are research results meeting one of the following conditions:

a) Applied in practice and confirmed in writing by organizations or individuals applying them;

b) Included in experimental deployment or trial production in scientific and technological tasks using state budget or implemented by enterprises;

c) Cited for improvement or application in at least two works published in reputable national or international journals of other research groups.

Article 3. Principles of topic management

1. The Fund implements evaluation and selection, assessment of topic implementation results according to the following principles:

b) Evaluation based on documentation;

c) Ensuring objectivity, democracy, and equality;

d) Ensuring research quality according to international standards.

2. Topics selected for funding must meet the following requirements:

a) Consistent with the applied research orientation issued by the Fund;

b) Developing or applying basic research results or identifying new methods and approaches to solve specific problems serving people and society.

Article 4. International cooperation activities funding in research topics

The Fund shall implement international cooperation activities within research topics for the following contents:

1. Sending members to participate in implementing research topics to conduct studies on the contents of the research topics abroad for a period not exceeding six months.

1. Reviewers are scientists and managers invited by the Fund to advise in evaluation and selection activities, and in evaluating the implementation results of research topics. Reviewers must meet the following criteria:

a) A scientific reviewer must have knowledge and experience appropriate to the field of study of the research topic: having research results published in reputable international journals or specialized books (for social sciences and humanities fields) in the last five years; or being the author of an invention patent, utility model, plant variety protected by a certificate in the last five years, or having research results applied and those results published in the last ten years. In special cases, this is decided by the Chairman of the Fund Management Board.

A managerial reviewer must be working in the relevant field or engaged in work related to the research issue.

b) Having conditions to participate in advisory work with high responsibility, honesty, and objectivity.

2. Reviewers are responsible for their advisory opinions and evaluations; they must keep confidential information related to the research topic.

3. Reviewers shall not participate in evaluating research topics that they have registered as principal investigators or participated in implementing, topics registered as the main host by the organization where they work, or topics where the reviewer has rights and interests involved or other reasons affecting the objectivity of the evaluation.

1. The Scientific Council is established by the Fund Management Board based on the proposal of the Fund Director to advise the Fund on the following issues:

a) Applied research directions funded by the Fund;

b) Evaluation and selection, assessment of the implementation results of research topics;

c) Other issues related to the Fund's activities.

2. The Scientific Council includes members who are scientists and managers. Members of the Scientific Council are selected according to the following criteria:

a) Meeting the criteria set out for reviewers under Clause 1, Article 5 of this Circular;

b) Recommended by scientists and managers in the same field of expertise;

c) Belonging to the Fund's expert database;

d) Committing to participate and comply with the Fund's regulations.

3. The Scientific Council operates according to the charter issued by the Fund Management Board.

Chapter II

EVALUATION AND SELECTION OF RESEARCH TOPICS

Article 7. Application Form for Implementing Research Topics

2. Based on the Fund’s announcement, organizations, individuals, and scientists propose research topics, prepare the Application Form for Implementing Research Topics, and submit it to the Fund as prescribed.

a) Research Topic Registration Form (Form NCUD01);

b) Research Topic Description (Form NCUD02);

c) Scientific Curriculum Vitae of the Principal Investigator and Members (Form NCUD03) and supporting documents proving research achievements;

d) Any additional relevant documents if the organization or individual deems necessary to enhance the persuasiveness of the application.

An application form containing all required forms and meeting the requirements set forth in Clause 3 of this Article will be acknowledged by the Fund upon receipt (paper copy if submitted directly, electronic copy if submitted via postal service).

Article 8. Requirements for organizations and individuals implementing the research topic

Having legal personality, having appropriate capacity to operate in the field of expertise of the research topic, possessing all necessary material and technical conditions to serve the research activities of the topic.

- Conduct research strictly in accordance with the approved outline, ensuring schedule and quality requirements.

a) Having expertise suitable to the content of the research topic;

b) Having research capability meeting the requirements of the topic: holding a bachelor's degree or higher and having specialized research results relevant to the field of research of the topic, satisfying one of the following conditions:

- Having research results published in reputable international journals or being an inventor of patents or plant varieties granted protection within five (5) years from the date of submission of the application;

- Having research results published (articles in reputable national or international scientific journals, patents, utility models, plant varieties) within ten (10) years from the date of submission of the application and applied in practice;

3. Members of the research team must have professional qualifications and skills suitable to the content of the research topic, including:

a) Main implementer, scientific secretary: holding a bachelor's degree or higher; having research results relevant to the field of research of the topic published in reputable national or international journals or holding patents, utility models, plant varieties granted protection within five (5) years from the end date of receiving applications;

b) Members holding a bachelor's degree or higher and having research results relevant to the field of research of the topic published in national or international journals, patents, utility models, plant varieties;

c) Technicians and other supporting staff.

Article 9. Requirements for the duration of implementation and results of the research topic

a) For research topics in the social sciences and humanities, the results of the research topic are new methods and approaches to address societal and human issues;

b) For research topics in natural sciences and technology, the results of the research topic are new technologies, including technical secrets, plans, technological processes, technical solutions, production rationalization solutions, technological innovations.

3. Products of research topics in natural sciences and technology must meet one of the following requirements:

a) Two (2) patents or two (2) plant variety protection certificates or one (1) patent and one (1) plant variety protection certificate;

b) One (1) patent or one (1) plant variety protection certificate; and one (1) article published in a reputable international journal or one (1) utility model protection certificate.

In cases where patents/plant variety protection certificates have not yet been granted, there must be acceptance notices and evidence of the acceptance of examination requests by the competent authority granting patents/plant variety protection certificates, along with search results regarding the possibility of protection from authorized agencies and organizations.

4. Products of research topics in social sciences and humanities must meet one of the following requirements:

a) Two (2) articles published in reputable international journals;

In cases where it is impossible to publish in international journals due to the nature of the research issue, the research topic product must include at least one (1) monograph (published) and two (2) articles published in reputable national journals. The Scientific Council will evaluate and recommend such cases for the Fund to consider and decide.

Article 10. Methods and criteria for evaluating and selecting research topics

2. Criteria for evaluating and selecting research topics:

a) The necessity of the research issue and its alignment with the applied research direction supported by the Fund;

b) The creativity, scientific significance, applicability of the proposed research issue, practical significance, and impact on economic and social development;

c) Clear objectives and content; appropriate methods and research plans to achieve the objectives; expected results, feasibility of the research topic; reasonable budget estimate for research;

d) The capability and research experience of the principal investigator;

đ) The capability and research experience of participating members; material and technical conditions of the leading organization serving the research;

1. The Fund's management body organizes the review of the content of the research proposal and the budget estimate of the research topic recommended for funding by the Scientific Council in accordance with the Fund's regulations.

The Fund's management body prepares a report on the results of the evaluation and selection of research topics, comments on the appropriateness of the evaluation and selection process, and submits it to the Fund Management Board for consideration and decision.

2. Based on the report from the Fund's management body regarding the results of the evaluation and selection of research topics and the financial capacity of the Fund, the Fund Management Board considers and decides to approve the list of budgets for research topics funded by the Fund. In necessary cases, the Fund Management Board seeks additional opinions from independent evaluators before making a decision.

3. Within five months from the deadline for submitting applications, the Fund announces the list of funded research topics on the electronic portal, sends funding notifications, and guides necessary procedures to organizations and individuals receiving funding to complete the research proposals according to the approved content and budget.

4. From the date of the decision approving the list of funded research topics until the signing of the implementation contract, the Fund has the right to revoke the approval decision for a research topic in any of the following cases:

a) The leading organization or the principal investigator of the research topic engages in fraud, deceit, or false declarations in the application documents;

b) Violation of requirements for the leading organization and the principal investigator;

c) Overlapping funding for the research topic from other state budget sources;

d) The principal investigator and the leading organization fail to complete the research proposal and contract as required.

The leading organization and the principal investigator whose decision is revoked must bear the consequences as prescribed by current regulations.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION OF RESEARCH TOPICS

1. The Fund's management body conducts negotiations, reaches consensus, and signs a research and technology development contract (hereinafter referred to as the contract) with the principal investigator and the leading organization according to the approved budget list by the Fund Management Board (Form NCUD04) as stipulated in the Appendix issued together with this Circular. If necessary, the Fund's management body may organize an on-site inspection of the leading organization and individual before signing the contract.

2. Within three months from the date the Fund sends the funding notification, if the principal investigator and the leading organization fail to complete the research proposal and contract, the Fund's management body requests the Fund Management Board to consider and decide to revoke the funding for the research topic.

3. The contract serves as the legal basis during the implementation, inspection, evaluation of the research topic, and resolution of related issues. The approved research proposal and any amendments made during the implementation period (if any) are integral parts of the contract.

4. During the contract implementation period, if there are emerging issues that could change the contract content, the leading organization and the principal investigator have the responsibility to submit a written report to the Fund for consideration and decision.

1. Based on the progress and content of the research recorded in the contract, the project leader and the leading organization shall prepare a periodic report on the implementation status of the project and the use of funds for the project (Form NCUD05) as prescribed in the Appendix issued together with this Circular and submit it to the Fund in accordance with the regulations.

2. The Fund shall organize periodic evaluations of the progress, results, and fund usage of the project through the periodic reports on the implementation status of the project; where necessary, the Fund shall conduct on-site inspections of the project's implementation status.

The inspection results shall be recorded in minutes confirmed by all relevant parties.

3. The results of periodic evaluations and on-site inspections shall be notified to the project leader and serve as the basis for deciding whether to continue implementing the contract.

For projects that violate the terms committed in the contract, the Fund shall consider the extent of the violation and handle it according to current regulations.

Article 14. Adjustments to the Name, Objectives, and Products of the Project

1. For projects implemented under the lump-sum funding method up to the final product: Such adjustments are not permitted.

2. For projects implemented under the phased lump-sum funding method: Such adjustments shall be made upon the Fund’s consideration and decision based on the advice of the Scientific Council or independent consultants.

The adjustment of project implementation funds (under both the lump-sum funding method up to the final product and the phased lump-sum funding method) shall be carried out in accordance with Joint Circular No. 27/2015/TTLT-BKHCN-BTC dated December 30, 2015, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology and the Minister of Finance regarding the lump-sum funding method for implementing scientific and technological tasks using state budget funds and other current regulations.

1. The Fund shall consider changing the leading organization in cases where there is a decision from the competent authority regarding the merger, division, or dissolution of the leading organization or where the current leading organization does not meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 8 of this Circular.

2. The new leading organization must meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 8 of this Circular.

3. The current leading organization, the new leading organization, and the project leader must submit a written request to the Fund for its consideration and decision.

1. The change of the project leader may only be implemented when the leading organization submits a written request to the Fund and falls within one of the following situations:

a) The project leader goes abroad for long-term study or work exceeding six consecutive months and does not participate in the research activities of the project;

b) The project leader suffers from illness or disease and is unable to manage the research activities of the project (with a written request from the project leader or their authorized representative or confirmation from a health authority);

c) The project leader dies or is missing for more than six months;

d) The project leader fails to complete the project's progress and content as stipulated in the contract without a valid reason, violates financial management principles as concluded by the inspection or audit team, or must be suspended from duty;

đ) The project leader submits a written request to change the project leader due to other personal reasons preventing them from continuing the assigned work.

2. The new project leader must meet the requirements set forth in Clause 2 of Article 8 of this Circular.

1. For research topics implemented under the final product cost-reimbursement method: The Head of the Research Topic and the Leading Organization of the Research Topic may proactively adjust the content of the research topic and bear full responsibility for their adjustment decisions without changing the objectives, timeframes, research outcomes, and total implementation costs of the research topic.

2. For research topics implemented under the partial cost-reimbursement method: The Head of the Research Topic and the Leading Organization of the Research Topic must submit a written report to the Fund. Based on this, the Fund will consider and decide on the adjustment of the content for each specific case. If necessary, the Fund will seek advice from the Scientific Council or independent consultants.

1. In cases where the research topic cannot be completed within the contractual timeframe, at least 60 (sixty) days before the end of the contractual implementation period, the Leading Organization and the Head of the Research Topic must submit a written report explaining the reasons and proposing an extension of the implementation period, along with a report on the progress of the research topic up to the date of the extension request. Within 30 (thirty) days from receiving the request, the Fund will review and issue a written response regarding acceptance or non-acceptance of the extension. The maximum extension period is 12 (twelve) months.

2. In cases where the research topic has completed its work content, has implemented at least 2/3 (two-thirds) of the research time, and has sufficient scientific products according to the contract, the Head of the Research Topic and the Leading Organization must submit a written proposal and a comprehensive report on the implementation results of the research topic (Form NCUD06) stipulated in the Appendix issued together with this Circular for the Fund to organize an evaluation and acceptance of the implementation results.

1. The Leading Organization and the Head of the Research Topic have the right to make adjustments in the following cases without changing the objectives, timeframes, research outcomes, and total implementation costs of the research topic:

a) Adjustment of procurement of materials, raw materials, repairs, and fixed asset purchases: For research topics implemented under the final product cost-reimbursement method, the Head of the Research Topic and the Leading Organization of the Research Topic may independently decide to adjust the procurement plan and budget for the quantity, volume, and type of materials and raw materials purchased with state budget funds, repair plans, and fixed asset purchases without increasing the total expenditure for materials already approved.

b) Adjustment and supplementation of individuals participating in research: The Head of the Research Topic and the Leading Organization of the Research Topic may independently change individuals participating in research (excluding main implementers and scientific secretaries) to ensure the successful achievement of the approved objectives and products of the research topic. Changes in individuals participating in research must have the agreement of the person being supplemented and the person being replaced and must meet the requirements set out in Clause 3 of Article 8 of this Circular.

c) For outbound delegations: For research topics implemented under the final product cost-reimbursement method, the Leading Organization and the Head of the Research Topic may independently decide to adjust the outbound delegation plan.

For research topics implemented under the partial cost-reimbursement method, the Leading Organization and the Head of the Research Topic may independently adjust the timing and duration of organizing outbound delegations in accordance with actual circumstances.

2. The Fund will review and approve adjustments in the following cases:

a) Adjustment of procurement of materials, raw materials, repairs, and fixed asset purchases: For research topics implemented under the partial cost-reimbursement method, the Leading Organization of the Research Topic and the Head of the Research Topic must submit a written explanation to the Fund regarding the adjustment of non-reimbursed content in the research topic. The Fund will review the adjustment of the procurement plan and budget for the quantity, volume, and type of materials, raw materials, equipment, and machinery purchased with state budget funds.

b) Adjustment and supplementation of individuals participating in research: In cases of supplementing or replacing main implementers and scientific secretaries, written approval from the Fund is required. Individuals participating in research must meet the requirements set out in Clause 3 of Article 8 of this Circular.

c) Adjustment of outbound delegations: For research topics implemented under the partial cost-reimbursement method, in cases of adjusting the destination country, number of participants, and delegation organization costs, written opinions from the Fund are required.

3. For other cases, the Leading Organization and the Head of the Research Topic shall propose for the Fund to review and decide.

1. For contents within the Fund's authority to adjust:

a) The adjustment request file includes: The application for changing the research project contract content submitted by the project leader accompanied by the proposal letter from the leading organization (Form NCUD07) stipulated in the Appendix issued together with this Circular; other related documents (if any).

b) Within thirty (30) days from the date of receiving the complete adjustment request file, the Fund issues the adjustment decision or sends a reply letter to the leading organization clearly stating the reasons for not adjusting.

c) The Management Board decides on the adjustment plan for cases involving adjustments to the name, objectives, products, total budget, leading organization, and project leader as specified in Articles 14, 15, 16, and 17 of this Circular. In necessary cases, the Management Board seeks the opinion of independent experts before making a decision.

For adjustments decided by the Management Board, the Fund's Executive Office prepares the plan based on the adjustment file and submits it to the Management Board for consideration and decision.

d) The Fund's Executive Office reviews and decides on the adjustment of implementation time, implementation content, research team members, outbound teams, bidding plans for purchasing materials and raw materials for partially funded projects, and non-funded budgets as specified in Article 15, Clause 2 of Article 18, Article 19, Clauses 2 and 3 of Article 20 of this Circular, ensuring the product objectives and without changing the total project budget. In necessary cases, the Fund's Executive Office seeks the advice of independent consultants before making a decision.

Any adjustment documents (if any) are part of the signed Contract.

2. The leading organization proactively decides on adjustments to the contents specified in Article 15, Clause 1 of Article 18, and Clause 1 of Article 20 of this Circular:

a) The adjustment file and procedures are carried out according to the internal regulations of the leading organization.

b) If the leading organization does not accept the project leader's changes, within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the adjustment request, the leading organization must send a written response to the project leader clearly stating the reasons for not agreeing to the adjustment.

1. The contract terminates if it falls under any of the following circumstances:

a) There is sufficient basis to determine that the execution or continuation of the project is unnecessary, and both parties agree to terminate the contract early.

b) The leading organization or project leader is suspended from implementing the project according to the competent authority's decision or violates the provisions at Points a, b, and c of Clause 4 of Article 11 of this Circular.

c) The leading organization or project leader fails to submit the evaluation and acceptance files as required.

d) The project cannot continue due to insufficient funding provided by the Fund according to the project's progress without justifiable reasons, or failure to address the suggestions and proposals of the leading organization and project leader as prescribed by law.

2. The termination request file is established in one (1) set (original copy) including:

a) The letter from the leading organization regarding the contract termination (if any);

b) The notice of temporary suspension of project implementation by the Fund;

c) The signed contract between the project leader, the leading organization, and the Fund;

d) The report on the project implementation status including: Completed, ongoing, and yet-to-be-implemented scientific and technological content and products; financial usage and settlement situation.

6. The procedure for the Standing Committee of the National Assembly to consider the draft legislative direction proposal for the National Assembly's term shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of this Regulation."

3. Notice of contract termination:

a) In case the leading organization proactively requests contract termination: The leading organization sends the termination request to the Fund, including the explanatory letter and the project implementation status report as specified in Point a and Point d of Clause 2 of this Article.

Within thirty (30) working days from the date of receiving the valid request from the leading organization, the Fund reviews and sends the notice of temporary suspension of project implementation to the leading organization.

b) In case the Fund proposes contract termination: The Fund's Executive Office sends the notice of temporary suspension of project implementation.

c) From the date of receiving the notice of temporary suspension of project implementation, the leading organization must cease all activities related to the project. In the case specified in Point b of this Clause, the leading organization prepares the report on the project implementation status and sends it to the Fund.

4. Inspection and decision on contract termination:

a) The Fund's Executive Office organizes inspections and evaluations of the files and sites, completes the termination request file, and submits it to the Management Board for consideration and decision. In necessary cases, the Management Board organizes consultations with scientists and management experts. The termination decision must clearly specify the amount of funds to be refunded to the state budget, the handling plan for products and assets formed or purchased using the Fund's funding.

b) The Fund terminates the contract with the leading organization according to current regulations.

5. In cases where the contract is terminated according to the circumstances specified in Points b and c of Clause 1 of this Article, the project leader may not register to lead a new research project for three (3) years from the date of issuance of the termination decision.

Chapter IV

EVALUATION OF RESULTS AND PROJECT ACCEPTANCE

1. The report on the results of the research project includes:

a) Summary report on the results of the research project;

b) Documents proving that the products of the research project are published scientific works, patents/inventions/plant variety protection certificates (in cases where certificates have not been issued, there must be notifications of valid applications and search results for protection possibilities) and other scientific products (if any).

2. The file for evaluating the results of the research project includes:

a) The report on the results of the research project as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Contract (including the research project description);

c) Adjusting documents during the implementation of the contract (if any).

3. Publication waiting period: For research projects that have completed all research contents and submitted the report on the results of the research project within the prescribed time limit (including any extension periods), but international articles resulting from the research project have not yet been published or accepted for publication, the head of the research project and the main organizing institution must submit the manuscript and evidence of submission to the Fund. The head of the research project and the main organizing institution must publish the article and submit proof (the published article) to the Fund within 12 (twelve) months after the completion of the contract implementation period.

1. The head of the research project and the main organizing institution are responsible for preparing the report on the results of the research project and submitting it directly or sending it by post to the Fund:

a) Deadline for submission of the report: Within 30 (thirty) days from the date of contract completion (including any extended contract periods).

In cases where the research project is completed earlier than the time specified in the contract, the head of the research project and the main organizing institution may request the Fund to organize an acceptance inspection before the deadline as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 19 of this Circular;

b) Quantity: 01 (one) original copy (with stamp and direct signature) and 01 (one) electronic copy.

2. Within 10 (ten) working days from the date of receipt of the report, the Fund will notify (by email) the head of the research project about the validity status of the file. If the report does not meet the requirements, the head of the research project must supplement within 10 (ten) working days from the date of receiving the notification from the Fund.

3. The Fund's management agency prepares the file for evaluating the results of the research project according to Clause 2, Article 23 of this Circular and organizes the evaluation of the results of the research project through the Scientific Council as stipulated in Article 6 of this Circular.

4. Criteria for evaluating the results of the research project:

a) Degree of achievement of research objectives and research results;

b) Suitability of scientific products compared to expected outcomes according to the research project description (articles published in reputable international and national journals; patents, inventions; plant variety protection certificates and other scientific products);

All published results recognized as the results of the research project must be registered (for patents; plant variety protection certificates), published (for articles, reports, monographs) during the contract implementation period and any extension, waiting period for publication (if any);

c) Implementation organization and use of research project funds according to the contract.

5. The Scientific Council evaluates the results of the research project according to the operating regulations of the Scientific Council issued by the Fund Management Council.

Article 25. Handling the results of evaluation and acceptance of research topics

a) Within 10 (ten) working days, the Fund shall send a copy of the evaluation result of the Scientific Council to the leading organization and the topic leader;

b) Within 30 (thirty) days from the date of receiving the evaluation result, the leading organization is responsible for registering to retain the implementation results with the National Science and Technology Information Center, Ministry of Science and Technology, and submitting a copy of the Certificate of Registration of Implementation Results of Science and Technology Research Topics to the Fund.

3. The topic shall be settled and the contract liquidated according to regulations.

4. If the topic is evaluated at the level of "unsuccessful" or has its contract suspended, it shall be handled according to investment and financial mechanisms for scientific and technological activities.

Article 26. Recognition of Implementation Results of Research Topics

1. Within 60 (sixty) days from the date of receiving a copy of the Certificate of Registration of Implementation Results of the topic, the Fund shall send the Decision Recognizing the Implementation Results of the Topic to the topic leader and the leading organization.

3. The leading organization, topic leader, and members of the research group of applied research projects funded by the Fund shall be recognized for their research achievements equivalent to national science and technology tasks.

Assets formed during the implementation of research topics using funding from the Fund shall be managed and disposed of according to current regulations.

Chapter V

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

Article 28. Responsibilities of the Fund

The Fund is responsible for organizing the evaluation and selection of research topics; implementing research topics; evaluating acceptance, liquidating research topics; managing and monitoring the use of research results of topics and other obligations as stipulated by the Law on Science and Technology and related documents.

Article 29. Responsibilities of the Leading Organization of Research Topics

1. Responsibilities of the leading organization of research topics:

a) Supporting and creating conditions for the topic leader to complete the application for funding; signing the contract to implement the topic with the Fund's management agency together with the topic leader;

b) Creating favorable conditions regarding procedures; providing adequate physical facilities, technical resources, and human resources according to the contract for the research team to effectively carry out the topic;

d) Providing full information to the Fund and other related agencies in supervising, inspecting, and auditing the topic. Reporting and responding to surveys conducted by the Fund on the development and application of research results of the topic, the development of the research team participating in the topic, and other related information, serving the assessment of effectiveness and planning of the Fund's sponsorship program;

đ) Jointly with the topic leader, being responsible for the results of the topic's implementation;

e) Implementing registration for storage of research results of the topic at the National Science and Technology Information Center, Ministry of Science and Technology according to regulations;

2. If the leading organization violates the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, it shall not be eligible to register as the leading organization of topics funded by the Fund within 01 (one) year, starting from the date of the conclusion by the competent authority.

Article 30. Responsibilities of the Project Leader and Participants

1. The project leader shall be responsible for:

a) Organizing the implementation of the project in accordance with the signed contract;

b) Using funds for their intended purpose, in compliance with regulations, effectively according to the content of the contract; performing settlement and final accounting of the project's funds in accordance with current provisions;

c) Inspecting and urging organizations and individuals participating in the collaboration to fulfill the project implementation according to the contract. Reporting on the research situation, project implementation, fund usage, and project outcomes in accordance with the Fund's regulations;

d) Cooperating with the main organizing entity to register the preservation of research results at the National Science and Technology Information Center, Ministry of Science and Technology, as stipulated;

đ) The project leader shall be responsible for the content of the publication of research results of the project in accordance with the law;

2. Participants in the project shall cooperate and implement the contents according to the contract, division of labor by the project leader, and management regulations of the project and the main organizing entity, and shall be responsible for the contents and research results they participate in implementing;

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 31. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2017.

2. In cases where the referenced documents in this Circular are replaced, amended, or supplemented, the replaced, amended, or supplemented documents shall apply;

3. Amendments and supplements to this Circular shall be proposed by the National Science and Technology Development Fund to the Minister of Science and Technology for consideration and decision./.