Decree No. 27/2020/ND-CP amends and supplements some articles of Decree No. 40/2014/ND-CP dated May 12, 2014 of the Government on the use and promotion of individuals engaged in science and technology activities and Decree No. 87/2014/ND-CP dated September 22, 2014 of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology activities who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in science and technology activities in Vietnam.

DECREE

Provincial People's Committees set specific pricesto amend and supplement some provisionsPursuant to Decree No. 24/2018/NĐ-CP dated February 27, 2018 of the Government on handling complaints and reports in the fields of labor, vocational education, dispatching Vietnamese workers abroad under contracts, employment, occupational safety and health;This Circular guides the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of District Health Centers in districts, towns, urban districts, and cities under provinces and cities directly governed by the central government (referred to collectively as District Health Centers).No.of Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014 of the Government on the use and promotion of individuals engaged in science and technology activities and Decree No. 87/2014/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2014 of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology activities who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in science and technology activities in Vietnam.service chargesThe Government promulgates this Decree to amend and supplement some provisions of Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014 of the Government on the use and promotion of individuals engaged in science and technology activities and Decree No. 87/2014/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2014 of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology activities who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in science and technology activities in Vietnam."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."The Government shall prescribe regulations on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam.

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||| Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Law on Science and Technology dated June 18, 2013;

Pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Science and Technology;

of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology activities who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in science and technology activities in Vietnam.Pursuant to Decree No. 24/2018/NĐ-CP dated February 27, 2018 of the Government on handling complaints and reports in the fields of labor, vocational education, dispatching Vietnamese workers abroad under contracts, employment, occupational safety and health;This Circular guides the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of District Health Centers in districts, towns, urban districts, and cities under provinces and cities directly governed by the central government (referred to collectively as District Health Centers).No.of Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014 of the Government on the use and promotion of individuals engaged in science and technology activities and Decree No. 87/2014/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2014 of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology activities who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in science and technology activities in Vietnam.service chargesThe Government promulgates this Decree to amend and supplement some provisions of Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014 of the Government on the use and promotion of individuals engaged in science and technology activities and Decree No. 87/2014/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2014 of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology activities who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in science and technology activities in Vietnam."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."The Government shall prescribe regulations on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam.

Article 1. Amend and supplement certain articles of Decree No.Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014 of the Government on the use and promotion of individuals engaged in science and technology activities is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:

1. Amend Article 5 as follows:

"Article 5. Special cases in recruitment and appointment to scientific positions and technological positions

1. Special cases in recruitment and appointment to scientific positions and technological positions for individuals engaged in science and technology activities in public institutions with science and technology activities shall be implemented in accordance with the laws on recruitment, use, and management of civil servants.

2. Individuals with outstanding achievements in science and technology activities, meeting the requirements of the job position, may be accepted as civil servants and appointed to scientific positions and technological positions without probation and shall be classified into a salary grade appropriate to the job position in accordance with the regulations."

2. Supplement Article 5a as follows:

"Article 5a. Procedures, formalities, and authority for accepting into civil servant status and appointing to research scientist positions and technological positions for individuals with outstanding achievements in science and technology activities118/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 09, 2025 of the Government on implementing administrative procedures under the one-stop shop mechanism at the One-Stop Service Center and the National Public Service Portal;Bestowal of titles of scientific research and technological titles for individuals with outstanding achievements in scientific and technological activities.

1. Notification of acceptance into civil servant status

Public institutions with science and technology activities shall publicly announce their need to accept individuals into civil servant status and appoint them to research scientist positions and technological positions on at least one mass media outlet (print, radio, television) at least 30 days before the start of the application period; simultaneously, they shall post online on the institution's official website and publicly display at the institution's office for at least 30 days.

2. Application dossier for acceptance into civil servant status

Individuals who meet the job position requirements, recruitment conditions stipulated by the laws on recruitment, use, and management of civil servants, and have achieved results in science and technology activities according to the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology shall submit directly one set of the application dossier for acceptance into civil servant status at the public institution with science and technology activities (at the One-Stop Service Center) or online through the public institution's e-service portal or via postal service. The dossier includes:

a) Application form for acceptance into civil servant status (Model No. 01/KHCN issued together with this Decree);

b) A self-written curriculum vitae with confirmation from the competent authority within six months from the date of submission of the dossier;

c) Copies of diplomas, certificates, and academic records, as well as scientific and technological achievements according to the requirements of the recruitment position. In case of diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions, they must be recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training;

d) Health certificate valid for use issued by a healthcare facility authorized to conduct health examinations in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health;

đ) Scientific resume of the person applying for acceptance into civil servant status.

3. Public institutions with science and technology activities shall check the completeness and validity of the dossiers and compile a list of individuals who meet the criteria and conditions for consideration or propose to the competent authority for consideration of acceptance into civil servant status and appointment to research assistant, technical officer (Grade IV), researcher, engineer (Grade III) positions.

4. The process of considering acceptance into civil servant status and appointment to research assistant, technical officer (Grade IV), researcher, engineer (Grade III) positions shall be carried out as follows:

a) Within 15 days from the end of the application period for acceptance into civil servant status, the head of the public institution with science and technology activities (or the competent authority for acceptance into civil servant status) shall establish a Review Board to select candidates who meet the criteria and conditions for acceptance into civil servant status and appointment to Grade IV and Grade III positions;

b) Based on the selection results of the Review Board, within 15 days, the head of the public institution with science and technology activities (or the head of the competent authority for recruitment) shall review and decide to recognize the results of the acceptance into civil servant status. The results of the acceptance into civil servant status shall be posted on the official website of the agency or unit and publicly displayed at the agency or unit's office;

c) Within 15 days from the date of the decision recognizing the results of the acceptance into civil servant status, the head of the public institution with science and technology activities (or the head of the competent authority for recruitment of civil servants) shall issue a decision to accept into civil servant status and appoint to the rank of position.

5. The process of considering acceptance into civil servant status and appointment to senior researcher, senior engineer (Grade II) positions shall be carried out as follows:

a) Public institutions with science and technology activities shall send the dossier of individuals who meet the criteria for acceptance into civil servant status and appointment to Grade II positions to the managing agency, which is a ministry, an agency equivalent to a ministry, a government agency, or a provincial People's Committee for consideration of acceptance into civil servant status;

b) Within 15 days from the receipt of the dossier, the Minister, the head of an agency equivalent to a ministry, a government agency, or the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall establish a Review Board to consider acceptance into civil servant status and appointment to Grade II positions;

c) Within fifteen days from the date of having the results of the examination for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the second-level position by the Examination and Assessment Board, the ministry equivalent agency, the government-affiliated agency, and the provincial People's Committee shall send the examination results of the Examination and Assessment Board and the file of individuals proposed for acceptance as civil servants and appointment to the second-level position to the Ministry of Science and Technology to request comments on whether each individual meets the conditions and criteria.

d) Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the proposal from ministries, ministry-equivalent agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial People's Committees, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall examine and provide a written response regarding whether each individual proposed for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the second-level position meets the conditions and criteria.

đ) Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the opinion of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Minister, the head of a ministry-equivalent agency, the head of a government-affiliated agency, and the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall announce the results of the examination for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the second-level position. The results of the examination for acceptance as a civil servant shall be published on the electronic portal of the agency or unit and publicly posted at the office premises of the agency or unit.

6. The examination for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the senior research scientist and senior engineer positions (first-level positions) shall be carried out as follows:

a) A public service institution with scientific and technological activities shall submit the file meeting the conditions for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the first-level position to the competent authority, which is a ministry, ministry-equivalent agency, government-affiliated agency, or provincial People's Committee, requesting consideration for acceptance.

b) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the file, the Minister, the head of a ministry-equivalent agency, the head of a government-affiliated agency, and the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall establish an Examination and Assessment Board to examine for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the first-level position.

c) Within fifteen days from the date of having the results of the Examination and Assessment Board, the ministry, ministry-equivalent agency, government-affiliated agency, and provincial People's Committee shall send the results and the file of individuals proposed for examination for acceptance as a civil servant and special appointment to the first-level position to the Ministry of Science and Technology to request comments on whether each individual meets the conditions and criteria.

d) Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the proposal from ministries, ministry-equivalent agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial People's Committees, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall examine, compile a list of individuals who meet the conditions and criteria for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the first-level position, and send it to the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide comments on the appointment and salary classification for the first-level position.

đ) Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the opinion of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Home Affairs shall examine and provide a written response on the appointment and salary classification for the first-level position for each case that meets the conditions for acceptance as a civil servant, and send it to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the ministries, ministry-equivalent agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial People's Committees for implementation.

e) Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the opinion of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Minister, the head of a ministry-equivalent agency, the head of a government-affiliated agency, and the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall announce the results of the examination for acceptance as a civil servant and appointment to the first-level position. The results of the examination for acceptance as a civil servant shall be published on the electronic portal of the agency or unit and publicly posted at the office premises of the agency or unit.

7. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall specify in detail the scientific and technological achievements, the Examination and Assessment Board, and the method of scoring to determine individuals accepted as civil servants and appointed to scientific and technological positions as provided in this Article.”

3. Amend and supplement Article 6 as follows:

“Article 6. Special appointment to higher scientific and technological positions without passing a promotion examination, regardless of years of service

1. An individual holding a scientific or technological position at a public service institution with scientific and technological activities, who meets the criteria for a higher position, may be specially appointed to a higher scientific or technological position without passing a promotion examination, regardless of years of service, if during the period of holding the current position at the time of special appointment, they achieve one of the following conditions:

a) Winning an international award or a reputable domestic award in science and technology as prescribed by the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) Leading or implementing a special scientific and technological task or a particularly important national scientific and technological task that has been accepted at a level of achievement or higher, or leading a scientific and technological task at the ministry or provincial level that has been applied and brought about high economic and social benefits;

c) Being awarded a doctorate degree and having outstanding achievements in scientific and technological activities;

d) Being awarded a doctorate in science or being appointed as an associate professor;

đ) Being appointed as a professor.

2. Each achievement or result of scientific and technological activities can only be used once to examine for special appointment to a higher scientific or technological position without passing a promotion examination, regardless of years of service.”

4. Add Article 6a as follows:

“Article 6a. Procedures, formalities, and authority for examining special appointment to higher scientific and technological positions without passing a promotion examination, regardless of years of service

1. The authority responsible for special appointment to scientific and technological positions shall base on the review of job positions and the structure of scientific and technological civil servant ranks to notify individuals holding research scientist and technological positions about the examination for special appointment to higher positions.”

2. Individuals who meet the required conditions and standards for direct appointment to higher scientific research titles or high-tech positions without taking a promotion examination and regardless of years of service shall submit their application directly to the public institution where they work (at the One-Stop Service Center, if available) or online through the Government Public Service Portal. The application package includes:

a) An application form for direct appointment to a higher scientific research title or high-tech position without taking a promotion examination and regardless of years of service (in accordance with Form No. 02/KHCN issued together with this Decree);

b) A curriculum vitae of the staff member, confirmed by the competent authority managing the staff member's file;

c) An evaluation and assessment by the head of the employing agency regarding the level of performance of the staff member in the year immediately preceding the year of consideration;

d) Copies of diplomas, certificates, and other documents proving achievements in scientific and technological activities as required for the proposed title;

đ) A scientific resume confirmed by the personnel management agency.

3. For direct appointment to the Researcher or Engineer (Grade III) title without taking a promotion examination and regardless of years of service:

a) The public institution engaged in scientific and technological activities shall prepare a list of staff members meeting the required conditions and standards for direct appointment to a higher title, along with their files, for review or submission to the competent authority for review;

b) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the application and supporting documents, the head of the agency or unit authorized to make direct appointments shall establish a Direct Appointment Review Board to examine and assess the application;

c) Within fifteen days from the date of the Direct Appointment Review Board's decision, the competent authority shall notify the result of the review and issue a decision on direct appointment to the Researcher or Engineer title without taking a promotion examination and regardless of years of service.

4. For direct appointment to the Senior Researcher or Senior Engineer (Grade II) title without taking a promotion examination and regardless of years of service:

a) The public institution engaged in scientific and technological activities shall prepare a list of staff members meeting the required conditions and standards for direct appointment to Grade II, along with their files, and submit them to the ministry, agency at ministerial level, government agency, or provincial People's Committee as the main managing body;

b) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the application and supporting documents, the Minister, Head of the agency at ministerial level, government agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall establish a Direct Appointment Review Board to examine and assess the application;

c) Based on the Direct Appointment Review Board's results, within fifteen days from the date of the board's decision, the Minister, Head of the agency at ministerial level, government agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall send the results and files of individuals applying for direct appointment to Grade II to the Ministry of Science and Technology for comments on whether each individual meets the required conditions and standards;

d) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the request from the ministry, agency at ministerial level, government agency, or provincial People's Committee, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall review and provide comments on whether each individual meets the required conditions and standards for direct appointment to Grade II;

đ) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the comments from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Minister, Head of the agency at ministerial level, government agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision on direct appointment to Grade II.

5. For direct appointment to the Senior Researcher or Senior Engineer (Grade I) title without taking a promotion examination and regardless of years of service:

a) Follow the procedures specified in point a and b of Clause 4 of this Article;

b) Based on the Direct Appointment Review Board's results for Grade I, within fifteen days from the date of the board's decision, the Minister, Head of the agency at ministerial level, government agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall send the results and files of individuals applying for direct appointment to Grade I to the Ministry of Science and Technology for comments on whether each individual meets the required conditions and standards;

c) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the request from the ministries, agencies at ministerial level, government agencies, or provincial People's Committees, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall review and compile a list of individuals meeting the required conditions and standards for direct appointment to Grade I and submit it to the Ministry of Home Affairs for comments on appointment and salary grading for Grade I;

d) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the request from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Home Affairs shall review and provide comments on the appointment and salary grading for Grade I for each case, and send these comments to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the ministries, agencies at ministerial level, government agencies, or provincial People's Committees for implementation;

đ) Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the comments from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Minister, Head of the agency at ministerial level, government agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision on direct appointment to Grade I;

6. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall provide detailed guidance on scientific and technological achievements and the Direct Appointment Review Board for direct appointment to higher scientific research titles or high-tech positions without taking a promotion examination and regardless of years of service as stipulated in this Article.

5. Amend and supplement Clause 1 of Article 7 as follows:

"Article 7. Exceptional Salary Increase for Individuals with Achievements in Scientific and Technological Activities

1. Individuals holding scientific or high-tech positions in public institutions engaged in scientific and technological activities may be granted an exceptional salary increase within the same grade if they have not violated discipline and have achieved one of the following accomplishments during the immediate preceding grade period:

a) Lead national science and technology tasks that have been accepted and applied to achieve significant socio-economic benefits;

b) Be awarded State Orders of Vietnam in accordance with the Law on Competition and Rewards;

c) Be awarded the title of Labor Hero;

d) Be awarded the title of National Model Worker.”

6. Amend and supplement Article 10 as follows:

“Article 10. Personal incentives for individuals engaged in science and technology with professor and associate professor titles

Individuals engaged in science and technology with professor and associate professor titles in public scientific and technological organizations, who meet the criteria specified by the Ministry of Science and Technology, shall be specially appointed to the position of senior research scientist or senior technological scientist and shall enjoy policies and benefits equivalent to those of individuals holding similar positions in public higher education institutions if such policies and benefits are more advantageous.

7. Amend and supplement Article 15 as follows:

“Article 15. Criteria for leading scientistsê1. Individuals engaged in science and technology may be considered and selected as leading scientists in fields of science and technology as prescribed by the Minister of Science and Technology.

2. General criteria for leading scientists:

Individuals engaged in science and technology may be recognized as leading scientists if they simultaneously meet the following general criteria:

a) Not violating any prohibited acts stipulated in Article 8 of the Law on Science and Technology, not currently undergoing disciplinary action at the level of reprimand or higher, or serving a criminal sentence;

b) Having experience in managing and directing professional activities and the ability to participate in international integration, representing the field or specialty in academic exchange activities:

- Being the head of a department, laboratory, or equivalent unit in universities, university faculties, research institutes, and scientific and technological organizations established under the authority prescribed in points a, b, and d of Clause 1, Article 12 of the Law on Science and Technology, or being an individual with leadership experience in research groups, laboratories, or reputable academic units;

- Possessing the ability to gather and mobilize outstanding scientific staff, leading a research group to implement scientific research ideas and develop new technologies to advance and lead a field or specialty;

- Being invited to teach at a university ranked among the top 500 globally according to the annual ranking of universities by the Quacquarelli organization in the United Kingdom or the Times Higher Education World University Rankings; or participating in or collaborating with reputable foreign scientists, achieving joint scientific results published; or having reports presented at reputable international conferences and seminars in their field; or chairing national-level conferences and seminars in their field;

- In the field of scientific research, having directly guided at least five doctoral students.

c) Educational qualifications and language proficiency:

- Holding a doctorate degree or higher;

- Proficient in English or another official language of the United Nations.

d) Meeting the conditions regarding achievements and results of scientific and technological activities as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article;

đ) Having a proposal for the development orientation of a scientific specialty approved by the Councils prescribed in Article 16 of this Decree and possessing the ability to mobilize a research team to implement the development orientation proposal for the scientific specialty.

The proposal for the development orientation of a scientific specialty must aim to develop a new research direction, solve a national scientific and technological issue, pioneer the implementation of new scientific research ideas, or transfer research results and technological developments that produce valuable scientific and technological products for society.

3. Conditions regarding achievements and results of scientific and technological activities and international integration capabilities for considering, selecting, and recognizing leading scientists.

a) Individuals engaged in science and technology, in addition to meeting the general criteria stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, may be considered and recognized as leading scientists if they simultaneously meet the following conditions:

- Being a member of the editorial board of a reputable international scientific journal as prescribed by the Ministry of Science and Technology; or having a H index (according to Google Scholar) of 10 or higher; or winning an internationally reputable science and technology award as prescribed by the Ministry of Science and Technology; or having at least ten scientific articles published in reputable international scientific journals as prescribed by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

- In the last five years up to the time of submitting the application for selection, having at least one invention granted a patent and applied in practice, achieving high socio-economic benefits; or being the principal investigator of at least one national-level scientific and technological task; or being the principal investigator of two ministry-level scientific and technological tasks that have been accepted with satisfactory results and the results/products of the tasks have high economic and social value and impact; or being the principal investigator of one ministry-level scientific and technological task that has been accepted with satisfactory results and being the main author of one scientific article published in a reputable international scientific journal as prescribed by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

- Within the five most recent years counted from the date of submitting the application for selection, having at least one invention patent granted and protected, applied in practice, and yielding high economic and social benefits; or being the principal investigator of at least one national-level scientific and technological task; or being the principal investigator of two ministry-level scientific and technological tasks that have been accepted with satisfactory results or higher, and the results/products of these tasks have significant, high economic and social value and impact; or being the principal investigator of one ministry-level scientific and technological task that has been accepted with satisfactory results or higher, and being the main author of one scientific article published in an internationally reputable scientific journal according to the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

b) In the field of social sciences and humanities, individuals engaged in science and technology activities, in addition to the general criteria stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, may be considered and selected as leading scientists if they are the main author of at least three scientific articles published in reputable international scientific journals according to the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology; or have at least five scientific articles published in scientific journals with an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) included in the annual list of journals for scoring by the National Council of Professors' Industry and Interdisciplinary Councils, each article being scored from one point or more and being the chief editor of at least one monograph in their specialized field, published by a reputable publisher, or have participated as the principal or a key member in research activities, advisory work on drafting Party documents, policy development strategies for national development that have been issued, or research projects contributing to the formulation of policies recognized by competent authorities.

4. The Minister of Science and Technology shall provide detailed regulations regarding the Project on the Orientation for the Development of Specialized Scientific Fields as prescribed in this Article.”

8. Amend and supplement Article 16 as follows:

“Article 16. Procedures and formalities for selecting and recognizing leading scientists

1. Before June 30 of each year, individuals engaged in science and technology activities who meet all the criteria set forth in Article 15 of this Decree shall proactively submit or upon proposal of the public scientific and technological organization where they work, submit the application for recognition as a leading scientist to the scientific and technological organization where they work. Individuals engaged in science and technology activities who do not belong to public scientific and technological organizations shall submit their applications for selection as leading scientists to the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.

a) The application for selection as a leading scientist includes:

- A registration form for recognition as a leading scientist (according to Model No. 03/KHCN issued together with this Decree);

- Copies of relevant certificates and diplomas related to their specialty;

- A scientific curriculum vitae (certified by the managing agency if the individual belongs to a public scientific and technological organization);

- Other documents proving compliance with the criteria specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 15 of this Decree; the Project on the Orientation for the Development of Specialized Scientific Fields.

b) Applications can be submitted directly (or at the One-Stop Service Center, if available) or online through the Public Service Portal of the public scientific and technological organization or the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (for individuals not belonging to public scientific and technological organizations).

2. Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the application for selection as a leading scientist, the head of the scientific and technological organization where the scientist works shall establish a Basic Assessment Board to review and assess the application, send the assessment results and the application of individuals meeting the criteria for leading scientists to the ministry, agency equivalent to a ministry, government agency, provincial People's Committee which is the supervising agency of the scientific and technological organization where the scientist works for consideration and confirmation, and then send it to the Ministry of Science and Technology for the implementation of the selection and recognition of leading scientists.

The Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations shall establish a Basic Assessment Board to review and assess the application, send the assessment results and the application of individuals meeting the criteria for leading scientists to the Ministry of Science and Technology for the implementation of the selection and recognition of leading scientists.

3. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall establish Selection Boards for leading scientists comprising representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies which are the supervising agencies of public scientific and technological organizations where individuals engaged in science and technology activities work, and other components to evaluate and propose the selection of leading scientists (regardless of whether the individual belongs to a public scientific and technological organization or not) based on the provided application and the Project on the Orientation for the Development of Specialized Scientific Fields.

4. Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the Selection Board's evaluation results, the Minister of Science and Technology shall decide to recognize the evaluation results and apply preferential policies for leading scientists for candidates selected by at least two-thirds of the Board members.

5. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall specify the composition, tasks, and principles of operation of the Boards established under this Article.”

9. Amend Clause 2 of Article 17 as follows:

“Article 17. Tasks of Leading Scientists

2. Specific tasks:

a) Implement and ensure the progress and quality of work according to the Project on the Orientation for the Development of Specialized Scientific Fields approved by the Selection Board established by the Minister of Science and Technology, including achieving at least one of the following results:

- A scientific article published in a reputable international scientific journal according to the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology or a domestic scientific journal with an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) included in the annual list of journals for scoring by the National Council of Professors' Industry and Interdisciplinary Councils; organizing an international scientific conference within the specialized field; or participating as a member of the editorial board of a reputable international scientific journal according to the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

- A scientific work receiving an international award, a reputable domestic award; or a patent granted a protection certificate; or a technology, technical solution applied in practice;

b) Annually, guide postgraduate students and doctoral candidates in their specialized research field; participate in training the next generation of scientific and technological human resources in the industry and field;

c) Participate in consulting, building, evaluating, and providing critical feedback on policies, plans for national and sectoral science and technology development; participate in resolving urgent scientific and technological tasks of the sector;

d) Participate in selecting, accepting, and independently reviewing national, ministerial, and provincial-level scientific and technological tasks.”

10. Amend Clause 1 and supplement Clause 8 of Article 18 as follows:

"Article 18. Policy on Promoting Leading Scientists

1. Shall be provided with funds to implement scientific and technological tasks approved according to the research program for the development of specialized fields of science, which has been reviewed and approved by the Selection Council for Leading Scientists established by the Minister of Science and Technology, in accordance with the annual progress schedule to implement the program.

8. Shall be honored and considered for awards and prizes related to outstanding scientific and technological activities in accordance with relevant laws."

11. Amend and supplement Article 19 as follows:

"Article 19. Funding for the Promotion of Leading Scientists

1. The funding for promoting leading scientists shall be allocated from the budget for scientific and technological affairs.

2. Annually, the Ministry of Science and Technology will allocate appropriate funding to leading scientists based on their assigned tasks for the year to implement the research program for the development of specialized fields of science that have been approved.

3. For leading scientists not belonging to public scientific and technological organizations, the Ministry of Science and Technology will provide funding to implement the promotion policies stipulated in Article 18 of this Decree.

For leading scientists belonging to public scientific and technological organizations, the organization with such leading scientists will prepare a budget for implementing the promotion policies stipulated in Article 18 of this Decree, excluding the funding specified in Clause 2 of this Article, and submit it to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consolidation and proposal to the competent authority for allocation."

12. Amend and supplement Article 20 as follows:

"Article 20. Continuation or Suspension of Policies for Leading Scientists

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies managing sectors and fields, in coordination with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Association for Science and Technology (in cases where leading scientists do not belong to public scientific and technological organizations), will conduct regular supervision and evaluation of the implementation results of leading scientists' tasks once a year, to continue recognizing leading scientists who complete the tasks stipulated in Article 17 of this Decree. By December 31 each year, leading scientists must report the results of implementing the tasks stipulated in Article 17 of this Decree to the ministry, ministerial-level agency, government-affiliated agency, provincial People's Committee, or the Vietnam Association for Science and Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology (if the leading scientist does not belong to a public scientific and technological organization).

2. The policy for leading scientists will be suspended in the following cases:

a) Failure to complete tasks according to the schedule and results of work implementation as stipulated in the approved program for three consecutive years since the application of the promotion policy for leading scientists without legitimate reasons accepted by the management agency;

b) Dishonesty in declaring documents that misrepresent the results of recognition of leading scientists;

c) Violation of prohibitive acts in scientific and technological activities as stipulated in Article 8 of the Law on Science and Technology.

3. Leading scientists whose policies are suspended will not enjoy the benefits stipulated in Article 18 of this Decree from the date of the Minister of Science and Technology's decision based on the recommendation of the Minister, head of a ministerial-level agency, government-affiliated agency, or Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee as the management agency of the scientific and technological organization where the leading scientist works, or the Vietnam Association for Science and Technology (for leading scientists not belonging to public scientific and technological organizations). Leading scientists whose policies are suspended under Clause 2 of this Article will not be eligible for recognition in subsequent rounds and must refund the state budget the amount of funding they received under the promotion policy for leading scientists.

The scientific and technological organization where the leading scientist works will decide and be responsible for the continued implementation plan of the research program for the development of specialized fields of science stipulated in Point e, Clause 2 of Article 15 of this Decree in the event of suspension of the promotion policy for leading scientists, after reporting to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the ministry, ministerial-level agency, government-affiliated agency, or provincial People's Committee as the management agency. The continued implementation plan of the research program for the development of specialized fields of science for leading scientists not belonging to public scientific and technological organizations will be decided by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

4. The Ministry of Science and Technology will specify detailed guidelines for implementing this Article."

13. Amend and supplement Article 23 as follows:

"Article 23. Criteria, Conditions, and Procedures for Selecting and Recognizing Talented Young Scientists and Their Tasks

1. A talented young scientist is an individual engaged in scientific and technological activities under 35 years old, holding a doctoral degree or higher, with excellent academic performance during university studies, and meeting one of the following criteria and conditions:

a) Being the principal investigator of a project that won a reputable award in domestic or international scientific and technological competitions as stipulated by the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) Is the main author of at least five scientific articles published in reputable international scientific journals as defined by the Ministry of Science and Technology; or is the author of at least two patents granted with at least one patent being applied and generating significant economic and social benefits; or is the principal investigator of a scientific and technological task that has been accepted and whose results/products have high value, impact, and economic and social benefits. Individuals working in the field of social sciences and humanities who do not meet this condition must have at least five scientific articles published in scientific journals with an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) included in the annual list of journals for scoring by the State Council of Professors' Sectoral and Intersectoral Councils and must have participated at least three times as the main organizer of national specialized conferences or international scientific conferences.

2. Procedures and formalities for selecting and recognizing outstanding young scientists

a) By March 31 each year, individuals submit applications to be recognized as outstanding young scientists to the National Research Development Fund. Applications can be submitted either directly (at the One-Stop Service Center) or online through the National Research Development Fund's public service portal.

The dossier for consideration and recognition as an outstanding young scientist includes:

- A registration form for the assessment and recognition of outstanding young scientists (according to Model No. 04/KHCN issued together with this Decree);

- Copies of certificates and diplomas;

- A scientific curriculum vitae (certified by the managing agency if the individual belongs to a public scientific and technological organization);

- Other documents proving compliance with the criteria set forth in Clause 1, Article 23 of this Decree.

b) By May 1 each year, the National Research Development Fund organizes the examination and verification of dossiers and reports the results to the Chairman of the Management Board of the National Research Development Fund. By May 15 each year, the Chairman of the Management Board of the National Research Development Fund issues a decision recognizing outstanding young scientists for those meeting the criteria and informs in writing those individuals who do not meet the criteria for recognition as outstanding young scientists.

c) Within fifteen days from the date of the Chairman of the Management Board of the National Research Development Fund's decision, the decision recognizing outstanding young scientists is sent to relevant individuals and organizations to implement preferential policies for outstanding young scientists.”

14. Amend and supplement Clause 5 of Article 24 as follows:

“Article 24. Preferential Policies for Outstanding Young Scientists"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."5. To be supported financially to participate in domestic and international specialized scientific conferences up to once a year; financial support for publishing scientific and technological results and registering intellectual property rights for patents and plant varieties domestically and internationally, except where such funds have already been budgeted for task implementation.”

“Article 25. Funding for Implementing Preferential Policies for Outstanding Young Scientists

15. Amend and supplement Article 25 as follows:

1. Funding for implementing preferential policies for outstanding young scientists as stipulated in Article 24 of this Decree shall be allocated from the science and technology research and development budget within the annual budget assigned to scientific and technological organizations or provided from the National Research Development Fund; other legitimate sources of funding if available. Specifically, funding for supporting training and capacity building activities for outstanding young scientists as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 24 of this Decree shall be allocated within the annual budget for implementing training and capacity building activities for science and technology human resources according to the Prime Minister's Decision and other legitimate sources of funding.

2. The National Research Development Fund shall prepare a budget and implement support for outstanding young scientists benefiting from preferential policies as prescribed.”

"2. The National Research and Development Fund shall budget and implement support for talented young scientists benefiting from preferential policies as prescribed."

Article 2. Amend and supplement some articles of Decree No. 87/2014/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2014 of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in science and technology who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam as follows:

1. Amending and supplementing Clause 3 as follows:

"Article 3. Conditions for applying the policy of attraction

1. Overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts shall be entitled to the policies stipulated in this Decree when they are in charge of or participate in implementing important scientific and technological tasks that have national-level influence or make substantial contributions to the economic and social development of Vietnam or a locality, or contribute to the development of specific fields of science and technology in Vietnam and meet one of the following conditions:

a) Possess an invention patent or plant variety right protected by intellectual property rights certificates and have applied such patents or varieties to produce practical products, or have extensive experience and expertise in a field relevant to the scientific and technological tasks being implemented in Vietnam and are currently working in research units of Research Institutes, Universities, or reputable enterprises abroad;

b) Have outstanding scientific and technological research works, won awards in scientific and technological fields, or have widely applied their research with significant effects and relevance to the scientific and technological tasks being implemented in Vietnam;

c) Hold a doctoral degree and have been teaching and participating in scientific research and technological development for at least three years in reputable research institutions abroad in a field relevant to the scientific and technological tasks being implemented in Vietnam;

d) Hold a doctoral degree and have worked for at least three years in a research position in international cooperation programs/projects on science and technology or in research units of reputable enterprises abroad."

2. Based on actual circumstances and upon the request of agencies requiring the participation of overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial People's Committees shall coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to report and seek the Prime Minister’s opinion to consider and decide on the application of the attraction policy for cases not meeting the conditions specified in Clause 1 of this Article but can prove their ability to effectively contribute when participating in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam."

2. Amend and supplement Clause 1 of Article 5 as follows:

"Article 5. Policies on recruitment, labor, and education

1. Overseas Vietnamese during their time working in Vietnam may be hired to hold leadership positions in public scientific and technological organizations; assigned to lead the implementation of scientific and technological tasks funded by state budgets at all levels; recognized and appointed to scientific and technological titles according to the provisions of the Law on Science and Technology."

3. Amend and supplement Article 6 as follows:

"Article 6. Policies on salary

When performing scientific and technological tasks in Vietnam, overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts shall receive salaries based on agreements. The agreed salary level shall be determined based on:

1. The nature, scale, and impact of the scientific and technological task.

2. The qualifications, capabilities, and contributions of the individual.

3. The salary level of equivalent positions in foreign organizations or 100% foreign-owned enterprises."

4. Supplement Clause 3 of Article 8 as follows:

"Article 8. Policies on access to information

3. Domestic agencies and organizations are responsible for publicly disclosing fully and specifically in accordance with the law and actively promoting information about programs, projects, and tasks in science and technology that require cooperation and participation from overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts (detailed information about cooperative tasks; requirements for overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts when participating in cooperation, rights and obligations related to the work; commitments to create favorable conditions for cooperation and other necessary information)."

5. Amend Point e and supplement Point i of Clause 2 of Article 10 as follows:

"Article 10. Other policies

e) During the period of participating in the implementation of scientific and technological activities in Vietnam, they shall be supported with funds to attend international scientific conferences and seminars related to ongoing scientific and technological tasks in Vietnam, not more than once a year; supported with funds to organize scientific and technological seminars suitable to their field of expertise in Vietnam; supported with funds to publish research results in reputable international scientific journals, to register protection of intellectual property rights for inventions, and to register protection of plant varieties resulting from cooperation with Vietnamese scientific and technological agencies and organizations. The support funds mentioned herein shall be provided from the National Science and Technology Development Fund or from lawful sources (if available);

i) Participate in programs and projects aimed at enhancing cooperation and attracting overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to engage in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam."

6. Supplement Point c of Clause 1, amend Clause 2, supplement Point c of Clause 3, and amend and supplement Clause 7 of Article 14 as follows:

"Article 14. Responsibilities of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and Provincial People's Committees

1. Ministry of Science and Technology:

c) Develop and implement bilateral and multilateral cooperation programs to support and attract overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam and promote cooperation in science and technology with domestic agencies, units, and organizations.

2. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall guide on the criteria, conditions, procedures for hiring overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to hold leadership positions in scientific and technological organizations in Vietnam.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

c) Take the lead and coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities to introduce and provide information on mechanisms and policies; the cooperation needs of overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts with domestic agencies, units, and organizations in science and technology; promote and connect cooperation activities and attraction efforts."

7. The ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities:

a) Direct subordinate agencies and units to review and publicly disclose scientific and technological activity plans and scientific and technological tasks in accordance with the law to facilitate the participation of overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts; provide information about organizations and scientific and technological institutions with cooperation needs and potential to overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts, and publicly disclose such information in accordance with Clause 3, Article 8 of this Decree;

b) Develop and implement international cooperation programs and projects on science and technology to create conditions and attract overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam;

c) Coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to implement the attraction policy in this Decree for eligible subjects as prescribed;

d) Report on the utilization and attraction of overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before November 20th each year for the Ministry of Science and Technology to compile and report to the Prime Minister.

Article 3. Effectiveness

1. This Decree takes effect from April 15, 2020.

2. For special recruitment into scientific and technological civil servants without examination (now known as special consideration for acceptance into civil servant positions); or for special consideration for promotion to higher ranks without examination regardless of years of service; or for the application of preferential policies for young talented scientists who have been notified by competent authorities about the organization of examinations or have received applications for consideration prior to the effective date of this Decree, such cases shall continue to be implemented in accordance with Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP dated May 12, 2014 of the Government on the use and preferential treatment of individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities.

3. For overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts who have been notified or received applications for consideration of policies prior to the effective date of this Decree, such cases shall continue to be implemented in accordance with Decree No. 87/2014/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2014 of the Government on attracting individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities who are overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to participate in scientific and technological activities in Vietnam.

Article 4. Responsibilities for Implementation

1. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall take the lead in guiding, inspecting, and urging the implementation of this Decree.

2. The ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, chairpersons of provincial and centrally governed city People's Committees, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Decree./.