Circular No. 18/2015/TT-BKHCN on competition and rewards in the field of science and technology

CIRCULAR

Regulations on competition and rewards in the field of science and technology.ệ

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Pursuant to DecreeNo. Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government stipulates the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards and the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;No. of the Law on Competition and Rewards and the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CPm, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP amending some Articles of the Law on Competition and Rewards;

decree No. 65/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2014 of the Government detailing the implementation of the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;"b) In addition to the lists of public services issued according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 4 of this Decree, specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees shall report to the provincial People's Committee for decision-making on amending, supplementing, or issuing the list of public services funded by the state budget within their jurisdiction and consistent with the local budget capacity within the approved budget by the Provincial People's Assembly, and send it to the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries and sectors for supervision during implementation." July 25, 2017 Government Decree on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Planning and Investment;i of the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP on Competition and Rewards;i Clause 2. The Commemorative Medal has an emblem, shape, size, and color that reflect the characteristics of the Inspection sector in Vietnam, consistent with the general regulations of the State, accompanied by the Commemorative Medal is a Certificate of Award for the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Inspection".

Pursuant to DecreeNo. Decree No. 20/2013/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2013 of the Government detailing the implementation of the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;"b) In addition to the lists of public services issued according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 4 of this Decree, specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees shall report to the provincial People's Committee for decision-making on amending, supplementing, or issuing the list of public services funded by the state budget within their jurisdiction and consistent with the local budget capacity within the approved budget by the Provincial People's Assembly, and send it to the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries and sectors for supervision during implementation.""4. As of March 31, 2021, credit card issuers that issue cards with BINs issued by the State Bank of Vietnam must comply with the Domestic Chip Card Standard."onThe Director of the Office, Heads of Payment Department, Heads of units under the State Bank of Vietnam; credit institutions, foreign bank branches, payment switching organizations, electronic transaction settlement organizations are responsible for implementing this Circular.of the Government stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairsu t, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP a) Safety equipment and labor protection equipment ensuring safe use of chemicals for conducting experiments and scientific research;

Pursuant to the proposal of the Director of the Department of Competition and Rewards and the Director of the Legal Department;i Competition and Rewards and the Director of the Legal Department;

The Minister of Science and Technology issues this Circular to regulate competition and rewards in the field of science and technology.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the awarding of the Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Science and Technology; the Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Science and Technology and the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Science and Technology" for individuals and organizations not under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 2. Applicability

Individuals and organizations that are not civil servants, public officials, employees of the Ministry of Science and Technology who have achievements and contributions in the field of science and technology.

Điều 3. Nguyên tắc khen thưởng

1. Rewards shall be implemented according to the principles prescribed in Article 2 of Decree No. 65/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2014 of the Government detailing the implementation of the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards in 2013.

2. Rewards must be based on a correct assessment of the achievements and results obtained by collectives and individuals.

Article 4. Organization of Specialized Competition Campaigns

1. Launching specialized competitions is a form of competition aimed at effectively implementing key tasks determined within a specific period or striving to complete urgent and important tasks in the assigned field. Launching specialized competitions must meet the following requirements:

a) Clearly define the goals, scope, and target audience of the competition, and on this basis, set criteria, content, and duration of the competition;

b) The content and criteria of the competition must be scientific, feasible, and appropriate to reality and the assigned field.

2. Based on their functions, tasks, and assigned fields, heads of units directly under the Ministry shall take the lead in coordinating with the department responsible for organizing and rewarding competitions at the Ministry and related agencies to propose and submit to the Minister of Science and Technology for approval the content of launching specialized competitions.

Chapter II

CRITERIA AND DOCUMENTATION FOR PROPOSING THE AWARDS OF THE FLAG OF EXCELLENCE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Article 5. Reward Criteria

The Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Science and Technology is awarded to provincial and municipal Departments of Science and Technology that have excellently managed science and technology work and meet the following criteria:

1. Meeting the criteria specified in Article 26 of the Law on Competition and Rewards.

2. Being recognized as having excellently completed tasks and meeting the criteria for the Flag of Excellence of the Provincial People's Committee in the year proposed for the Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

3. Successfully implementing state management work in science and technology, contributing significantly to the development of science and technology in the locality.

Article 6. Documentation for Proposing the Award of the Flag of Excellence

The documentation for proposing the award of the Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Science and Technology consists of two sets (one original), which must be sent directly or by post to the Ministry of Science and Technology before January 20 each year, specifically:

1. A proposal letter from the Director of the Department of Science and Technology;

2. Minutes of the meeting of the Department of Competition and Rewards of the Department of Science and Technology;

3. Report on achievements of the collective, confirmed and signed with the seal of the Head of the Department of Science and Technology (according to Form BM 01 issued together with this Circular);

4. A document from the Department of Competition and Rewards of the provincial or municipal People's Committee agreeing to the award of the Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Department of Science and Technology.

Chapter III

CRITERIA AND DOCUMENTATION FOR PROPOSING THE AWARD OF THE CERTIFICATE OF MERIT OF THE MINISTER

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Article 7. Criteria for awarding Certificates of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology for commendation achievements on specific topicsớ|||

The Certificate of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology shall be awarded to individuals and collectives under ministries, sectors, and localities that meet the criteria for commendation achievements on specific topics launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 8. Criteria for awarding Certificates of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology for outstanding achievements in the field of science and technologyb) INSPECTION OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS INCLUDES INSPECTION ACCORDING TO TECHNICAL STANDARDS, APPROVED MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES; REGULAR, PERIODIC, AND SPONTANEOUS INSPECTIONS TO DETECT SIGNS OF DEGRADATION AND DAMAGE TO THE PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLED THEREIN AS A BASIS FOR MAINTENANCE."|||

The Certificate of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology shall be awarded to individuals and collectives under ministries, sectors, and localities with outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology, specifically:

1. Criteria for awarding to collectives

Collectives proposed to be awarded the Certificate of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology for outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology must strictly implement the Party's guidelines, policies, and state laws, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Proposing effective mechanisms and policies to promote the development of science and technology at the ministry, sector, and local level;

b) Effectively implementing state management mechanisms, policies, and laws on science and technology, including managing scientific and technological tasks led by the unit such as national-level research projects and other scientific and technological tasks;

c) Managing scientific and technological activities well at the ministry, sector, and local level, with results contributing significantly to economic and social development;

d) Organizing scientific research and technological development with significant results or applying science and technology to achieve high economic efficiency, serving production and economic and social development.

2. Criteria for awarding to individuals

Individuals proposed to be awarded the Certificate of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology for outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology must strictly implement the Party's guidelines, policies, and state laws, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Making many contributions in managing scientific and technological activities at the ministry, sector, and local level;

b) Achieving success in scientific research, training scientific and technological human resources, or applying science and technology;

c) Having initiatives recognized by competent authorities as having significant socio-economic benefits, worthy of being exemplary models in the ministry, sector, and local level;

d) Achieving success in scientific research or technological development or applying technology to achieve high economic efficiency, contributing to economic and social development.

Article 9. Documentation for proposing the awarding of Certificates of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology

The documentation for proposing the awarding of Certificates of Merit by the Minister of Science and Technology consists of two sets (one original set) sent directly or via postal service to the Ministry of Science and Technology, specifically:

1. For commendation on specific topics

a) A recommendation letter for commendation from the leading unit initiating the competition;

b) A recommendation letter from the head of the recommending agency or organization;

c) Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Commendation Council of the recommending agency or organization;

d) A report on the achievements of the collective or individual recommended for commendation, confirmed and signed with the seal of the head of the recommending agency or organization (according to Form BM 02 issued together with this Circular).

2. For commendation of outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology

a) A recommendation letter from a ministry, equivalent ministry, or government agency for collectives and individuals under ministries, equivalent ministries, or government agencies (specifying the extent and scope of influence of the achievements);

b) A recommendation letter from the Department of Science and Technology for collectives and individuals under the Department of Science and Technology; People's Committee of provinces or centrally-administered cities for the Department of Science and Technology and the Director of the Department of Science and Technology or confirmation in the achievement report (specifying the extent and scope of influence of the achievements);

c) A summary report on the achievements of the collective or individual recommended for commendation, confirmed and signed with the seal of the head of the recommending agency or competent authorities (according to Form BM 03 issued together with this Circular).

Chapter IV

CRITERIA AND DOCUMENTATION FOR PROPOSING THE AWARD OF MEMORIAL CHAPTERS

"FOR THE CAUSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY"

Article 10. Criteria for awarding the Commendation Medal "For the Cause of Science and Technology"

Individuals to be awarded the Commendation Medal "For the Cause of Science and Technology" (hereinafter referred to as the Commendation Medal) must meet one of the following criteria:

In cases where an individual has been awarded a Meritorious Title or a national-level commendation, the requirement period can be reduced by three years compared to the aforementioned regulation.

2. In special cases where individuals have made significant contributions in the field of science and technology when considering the award of the Commendation Medal, they are not required to satisfy the time requirement stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article but must meet one of the following criteria:

a) Have been conferred one of the State Honorary Titles: Hero of Labor, People's Teacher, Distinguished Teacher, People's Doctor, Distinguished Doctor;

b) Are the author/co-author of works/clusters of works that have been awarded one of the following prizes: Ho Chi Minh Prize for Science and Technology, State Prize for Science and Technology;

c) Have been awarded one of the forms of State commendation: Labor Order of all kinds; title of National Model Worker; Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister;

đ. Individuals working in the field of science and technology who sacrifice while performing their duties;

d) Individuals working in the field of science and technology who sacrifice while performing their agency or unit tasks;

e) Individuals currently working at state agencies, people's armed forces units, public service organizations, political organizations, political-social organizations, social-professional organizations from central to local levels who have made outstanding contributions to the development of science and technology;

g) Overseas Vietnamese, foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to the development of science and technology in Vietnam.

3. The Commendation Medal shall not be awarded to individuals serving a criminal sentence or during the period of implementing disciplinary decisions.

Article 11. Application Documents for Awarding the Commendation Medal

The application documents for awarding the Commendation Medal consist of two sets (one original copy), which can be sent directly or through postal services to the Ministry of Science and Technology, specifically:

1. A report on the individual's achievements with confirmation from the head of the proposing agency (according to Form BM 04 issued together with this Circular).

2. A proposal letter from the head of the agency along with a list of the proposed awardees, specifically:

a) The Minister, head of a ministerial-level agency, agency under the Government, or the head of a political organization, political-social organization, social-professional organization at the central level proposes the Minister of Science and Technology to award the Commendation Medal to individuals working at state agencies, people's armed forces units, public service organizations, political organizations, political-social organizations, social-professional organizations at the central level;

b) The Director of the Department of Science and Technology proposes the Minister of Science and Technology to award the Commendation Medal to individuals working at state agencies, people's armed forces units, public service organizations, political organizations, political-social organizations, social-professional organizations at the local level;

c) The authority prescribed in Point a or b of Clause 2 of this Article proposes the Minister of Science and Technology to award the Commendation Medal to overseas Vietnamese, foreigners, and other individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of developing science and technology in Vietnam based on the recommendation of the relevant agencies, units, or organizations.

Chapter V

PROCEDURES, REQUIREMENTS AND TIME LIMITS FOR CONSIDERING AWARDS AND REWARDS

Article 12. Procedureitself, handling|||specialized agency under the People's Committee of the province/city.

1. Based on the results of the commendation meeting of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council, based on the proposal of the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council, the agency responsible for competition and commendation work at the Ministry shall submit to the Minister of Science and Technology for a decision to award the Ministry of Science and Technology's Flag and the Minister of Science and Technology's Certificate of Merit.

2. Based on the results of the review of the application file for the Award of the Commemorative Medal, the agency responsible for competition and commendation work at the Ministry shall submit to the Minister of Science and Technology for a decision to award the Commemorative Medal.

Article 13. Time for Commendation

1. The time for the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council to meet and consider commendations is based on the content of the commendation proposal and on the basis of the proposal of the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council (through the agency responsible for competition and commendation work at the Ministry):

a) Meeting to consider commendations according to topics based on guiding documents or plans initiated by the Ministry;

b) In cases of urgency, the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council may hold extraordinary meetings to consider commendations.

2. The process of awarding the Commemorative Medal is conducted annually based on the proposal of the agency responsible for competition and commendation work at the Ministry.

Article 14. Notification of Commendation Results

The agency responsible for competition and commendation work at the Ministry shall be responsible for notifying the commendation results to the agencies and units that proposed commendations within seven working days after the Minister of Science and Technology signs the Commendation Decision.

Chapter VI

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS AWARDED COMMENDATIONS

Article 15. Responsibilities of groups and individuals involved

1. Individuals and groups must be honest in declaring achievements for commendation proposals. If dishonesty in declaring achievements is discovered, individuals and groups will have their decisions revoked, awards and monetary rewards withdrawn; disciplinary action, administrative penalties, or criminal responsibility will be pursued depending on the nature and severity of the violation by the group or individual.

2. Heads of agencies or organizations who confirm false information or forge files to propose commendations will be subject to disciplinary action according to the regulations depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

Article 16. Benefits of individuals and groups awarded commendations

Individuals and groups receiving honorary titles and forms of commendation from the Ministry of Science and Technology shall receive monetary rewards according to the levels of commendation stipulated in Articles 71, 75, and 76 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Commendation and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Commendation.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 17. Responsibility for Implementation

The Department of Competition and Commendation of the Ministry of Science and Technology, assigned as the lead unit, assists the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council and the Minister of Science and Technology in competition and commendation work, has the responsibility to coordinate with related units under the Ministry to advise, assist the Minister in guiding, inspecting, urging the implementation of this Circular.

Article 18. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from December 1, 2015 and replaces Circular No. 34/2011/TT-BKHCN dated December 14, 2011 on guiding commendation work in the field of science and technology, Decision No. 13/2008/QĐ-BKHCN dated October 10, 2008 of the Ministry of Science and Technology on promulgating the Regulation on awarding the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Science and Technology".

2. Heads of relevant agencies and units are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular. During the implementation process, if there are difficulties, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly report to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consideration and resolution./.