A boost to attract and retain foundational scientific talent.

GD&TĐ - Scholarships for students studying basic sciences, including Earth sciences, are an investment in the nation's fundamental scientific capabilities.

Motivation for students to pursue Earth Sciences

Recently, the Government issued Decree No. 179/2026/ND-CP stipulating scholarship policies for students studying basic sciences, key engineering fields, and strategic technologies (Decree 179).

According to Associate Professor Pham Trung Hieu, Head of the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), disciplines in the fields of basic sciences and Earth sciences are directly linked to national problems such as climate change, landslides, urban flooding, water resources, new materials, energy transition, strategic mineral exploitation, and engineering geology for large-scale infrastructure. Therefore, scholarships for students in basic science disciplines are not only a form of enrollment support but also an investment in the nation's fundamental scientific capacity.

Associate Professor Pham Trung Hieu stated that over the past 10 years, Earth science disciplines such as Meteorology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Geology, and Geological Engineering have faced difficulties in student recruitment.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training's annual enrollment report, the Natural Sciences and Life Sciences fields consistently have the lowest enrollment rates.

Talented students often tend to choose Information Technology and Economics majors because these fields offer higher salaries and less demanding work environments compared to the fieldwork required in Earth Sciences.

Associate Professor Pham Trung Hieu observed that many students with outstanding abilities in natural sciences in rural and mountainous areas – places where people have a certain level of connection to and understanding of resources and the environment – ​​still face significant economic barriers.

The scholarship policy is expected to make Earth Science majors a less financially burdensome option, thereby enabling students to confidently pursue their STEM passions and develop long-term careers in scientific research.

Around the world, many countries have implemented long-term investment programs for fundamental science, such as South Korea's Brain Korea 21 program, which primarily supports scholarships for postgraduate studies, or Singapore's A*STAR fund, which provides full funding for basic science personnel.

Associate Professor Pham Trung Hieu believes that, in this context, Vietnam's new scholarship policy is in line with the general trend of countries focusing on the development of science and technology. This is considered a significant step forward compared to the current situation, where most students still have to cover their own study expenses or only receive modest scholarships to encourage academic achievement.

Scholarships need to be integrated with the ecosystem.

The Department of Geology, Faculty of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) with members of the Hong Kong TV expedition team. Photo: VNU.

Associate Professor Pham Trung Hieu stated that the University of Science (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) has implemented a 100% tuition scholarship for outstanding students studying majors that serve national strategies, but more open mechanisms are still needed in the future. Therefore, the new scholarship policy is expected to open up a more flexible and sustainable support mechanism in the coming time.

However, Associate Professor Pham Trung Hieu argues that scholarship policies can only create sustainable appeal when accompanied by a synchronized training and research ecosystem, including adequately equipped laboratories, field funding, research supervisors, business linkages, internship opportunities, and mechanisms for commissioning research projects from local authorities and businesses.

More importantly, students need to see a clear career path after graduation. If only living expenses are supported without linking it to career opportunities and a quality research environment, the ability to attract and retain talented personnel will remain limited.

The University of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) has a strong tradition of nearly 70 years in basic science education. Associate Professor Dr. Tran Manh Cuong, Vice Rector, stated that the majority of the university's students and trainees come from provinces outside Hanoi. Therefore, if they receive scholarships under Decree 179, they will have more opportunities to focus on their studies, research, and professional development.

With financial support, Associate Professor Tran Manh Cuong noted that the scholarship program will have a strong guiding impact on parents and students in their academic and career paths. Students will prioritize studying Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science at the high school level; and prioritize choosing basic sciences, technology, and engineering fields at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Therefore, scholarships will contribute to attracting talented individuals to study, research, and work in fields of the knowledge economy such as basic science, earth science, technology, engineering, and innovation, while also motivating universities to develop their strengths in training.

Therefore, Associate Professor Tran Manh Cuong believes that the policy is not only significant for higher education but also has strategic importance for the long-term development of high-quality human resources in the country.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/cu-hich-de-thu-hut-va-giu-chan-nhan-luc-khoa-hoc-nen-tang-post779020.html