Proposed policy to support female scientists to contribute to the country

(NLDO) - Many female scientists are pioneers in research in the fields of climate change, biomedicine, smart agriculture... bringing practical benefits to the country.

That was the sharing of Professor - Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City National University, at the workshop "Intellectual imprints of Vietnamese female scientists and the aspiration to break through in the new era" jointly organized by the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, Ho Chi Minh City National University and Ho Chi Minh City Women's Newspaper on August 28.

Female scientists play an important role

Editor-in-Chief of Ho Chi Minh City Women's Newspaper Ly Viet Trung said the conference aimed to honor the outstanding contributions of Vietnamese female scientists in many fields. Currently, the number of female scientific research human resources in our country has increased (accounting for about 46% of the total research and development human resources of the whole country). Women are increasingly making great contributions to scientific and technological research, thereby contributing to promoting the development of the country's economy .

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City National University, affirmed that female scientists play an important role, an indispensable link to connect the "three houses" (the state, schools and businesses). Reality shows that many Vietnamese women have pioneered in the fields of climate change, biomedicine, smart agriculture ... bringing practical solutions to the country.

"At work, I have participated in and directly led many projects with the coordination of all "3 houses". In particular, in the process of negotiating a number of strategic cooperation, I directly played the role of a bridge, promoting trust and consensus between the parties. These experiences clearly showed me that when female intellectuals are empowered and given opportunities, they can take on a core role in connecting the state - schools - businesses, contributing to creating scientific and technological breakthroughs for the country in the new era" - Professor - Dr. Mai shared.

Professor Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City National University, said that to break down barriers and help female intellectuals maximize their roles, a system of synchronous solutions is needed.

Associate Professor - Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa, expert in Sociology and Urban Development, affirmed that female scientists have made great contributions to the country in many fields. In addition to strong fields such as agriculture, biology, medicine, pharmacy, some new fields also need female scientists to promote research such as: Gender inequality, domestic violence, social violence against women and children, child sexual abuse, poverty of ethnic minority women, women's employment...

"However, we cannot deny that female scientists also face many difficulties, especially in having to complete research on time while also having to manage family and childcare. Some female scientists are still too lenient, indecisive, and afraid of losing the favor of colleagues..." - Associate Professor Hoa added.

Create the best conditions for women to develop

Dr. Bui Hong Dang, Chairman of the Council of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, said that in the 2024-2025 school year, the school has 135 basic-level scientific research topics. Of these, 69 topics have female participants, 104 people, accounting for 51%.

Dr. Bui Hong Dang - Chairman of the Council of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, said that in 2024-2025, the school will have 39 female lecturers applying for associate professorship (33.33%); 21 female staff and lecturers have completed doctoral and master's programs.

In commercialization and transfer of research results, the school has 12 consulting and technology transfer contracts with a total budget of 7.4 billion, in which 33 female lecturers participated, accounting for 39.2%.

Many female lecturers also coordinate interdisciplinary research groups, lead highly applicable topics, contribute to international publications and deploy scientific and technological products to serve businesses.

Dr. Dang emphasized that Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo is a strategic decision, orienting the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation. In particular, the presence and contribution of female scientists at the school is a vivid proof of the right direction in the development of Vietnamese higher education.

At the workshop, Dr. Dang proposed strengthening support policies specifically for female lecturers and scientists; developing a women-centered innovation ecosystem; enhancing international cooperation; building a flexible, women-friendly working environment; and promoting communication and honoring.

In addition, Professor Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai suggested establishing networks of female scientists in different fields to connect, share experiences and support each other. Successful women who go first "pick up those who come after", play the role of advisors, and guide the younger generation to overcome difficulties.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tao-dieu-kien-thuan-loi-cho-cac-nha-khoa-hoc-nu-cong-hien-196250828120603148.htm