Professor Chu Tuan Nha devoted his whole life to Vietnamese science and technology.

The mark of a great intellectual

Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha was born on January 10, 1939 in Co Nhue ward, Bac Tu Liem district, Hanoi (now Nghia Do ward, Hanoi). He is one of the typical intellectuals who grew up from the self-reliance spirit of the generation in the early years of building the country.

Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha.

From August 1962, he started working and by October 1964, Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha had the honor of joining the Communist Party of Vietnam . He has devoted more than 42 years to higher education, science, technology and environment, including 21 years with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, now the Ministry of Science and Technology.

His career began on the podium of Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 1962. Not long after, he was sent to study in the Republic of Poland, an important turning point that opened a systematic academic journey, nurturing scientific thinking according to the model of Eastern European countries at that time. Upon returning to Vietnam, he continued to teach at the University of Mining and Geology and was soon entrusted with important responsibilities: Party Secretary, Vice Principal of the University.

From 1983 onwards, his talent and mettle continued to be affirmed when he held many important positions at the State Committee for Science and Technology, then the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

From 1997 to 2002, he was Minister of Science, Technology and Environment. After the organizational structure change, he became Minister of Science and Technology, leading the Science and Technology sector in the pivotal period of innovation and integration.

In 2003, he was appointed Chairman of the National Council for Science and Technology Policy to advise the Prime Minister on important issues related to the country's science and technology development.

Looking back at his life and career, it can be seen that Professor Chu Tuan Nha is one of the intellectuals who has a journey from teaching, research to scientific management and left a strong mark both in academia and in reforming the national science and technology institutions.

With more than four decades of dedication, Professor Chu Tuan Nha is not only a scientist, but also a great teacher, manager, and policy maker.

The founder of modern Vietnamese science and technology

During his tenure as Minister, Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha was one of the people who laid the important foundation for the modern science, technology and environmental policy system that Vietnam is operating today. He has made profound contributions in many aspects:

Building key strategies and policies: Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha directly directed and participated in building many important strategies, creating the foundation for science and technology to become the driving force for socio-economic development. In particular, Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha played a prominent role in the process of forming a system of fundamental legal documents such as: Law on Science and Technology, Law on Environmental Protection, along with many decrees, circulars and management policies related to research, technology transfer and development of science and technology potential. These are legal documents that are meaningful in establishing a system, creating a mechanism for scientific activities to enter production and life practices.

Innovation in scientific management mechanism: Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha is one of those who have made important contributions to innovation in the management mechanism, in the direction of: Respecting research, reducing administrative procedures, taking application efficiency as a measure, encouraging the connection between institutes - schools - enterprises. These reforms create momentum for the applied research movement, bringing many scientific topics closer to production life, becoming the premise for extensive innovations later.

Prime Minister Phan Van Khai works

with the National Council for Science and Technology Policy, 2003.

Building the national scientific and technological potential: Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha paid special attention to training and developing a team of scientific staff. Under his direction, Vietnam has established key national laboratories, modern research facilities, and basic scientific institutions that are still being upgraded and effectively promoted today.

Promoting international cooperation and integration: With his experience studying and working abroad, and his acumen in the context of integration, Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha is the one who laid the foundation for many large-scale international scientific and technological cooperation programs. He has held many important foreign affairs positions such as: Vice President of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, President of the Vietnam - US Association, President of the Vietnam - Poland Friendship Association, contributing to expanding cooperation between Vietnam and international friends in the fields of science, education and culture.

Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha has been a familiar face in a series of important councils, such as: Chairman of the National Council for Science and Technology Policy, Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Science and Technology, Member of the National Council for Education, Vice Chairman of the State Council for Academic Titles, Vice Chairman of the Mineral Reserves Assessment Council... Each position marks the determination and dedication of Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha to the selection, assessment, and development of the country's intellectual resources.

For a scientist - manager like Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha, contributions do not lie in loud words, but in mechanisms, strategies, and persistent, quiet but effective decisions, the important "bricks" that create a solid foundation for Vietnamese science and technology in the modern era.

Farewell to a great personality, a life dedicated to science

Despite being treated wholeheartedly by a team of professors, doctors, and nurses and always receiving attentive care from his family, comrades, and colleagues, Professor Chu Tuan Nha passed away at 5:31 a.m. on December 1, 2025 (October 12, At Ty year) at his home, at the age of 87.

The persistent contributions and unceasing dedication of Prof. Dr. Chu Tuan Nha have been recognized by the Party and the State with noble awards: Second-class Independence Medal, First-class Labor Medal, Third-class Resistance Medal, Medal for the cause of science and technology, Medal for peace and friendship among nations, medals for the cause of construction, for the cause of transportation, scientific and technological innovation, and Medal of Merit of the Republic of Poland (Krzyz2 Komandorski order). He was also awarded the 60-year Party membership badge, proving a life of loyalty, dedication and integrity.

Those who have worked with Professor Chu Tuan Nha always remember him with respect. Professor Chu Tuan Nha possesses the qualities of a great intellectual: understanding, responsibility, honesty, and humility.

In the Vietnamese science and technology sector, the name of Professor Chu Tuan Nha is forever associated with the period of laying the foundation for a modern science and technology management system, the period of transition from a subsidized mindset to a mechanism of application, innovation and international integration.

The greatest legacy of Professor Chu Tuan Nha is not only the legal documents, national programs, or key laboratories that were built. The legacy of Professor Chu Tuan Nha is the belief that Vietnamese intelligence can absolutely reach far; science and technology must serve the people and the country; the dedication and integrity of officials are values that never grow old.

Professor Chu Tuan Nha has passed away, but what he left behind continues to be inherited, continued and developed by the science and technology sector. His life will forever be an example of an intellectual who devoted his whole life to knowledge, to science, and to the future of the country.

Some pictures of Professor Chu Tuan Nha (photos provided by family):