Basic science ensures sustainable development

According to scientists , global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and natural disasters cannot be solved without the contribution of basic science . From climate forecasting models to advanced material technology for fuel cells, from AI in weather forecasting to big data for early warning – all require sustainable investment in scientific research and high-quality human resources.

Scientists and delegates take souvenir photos. Photo: Mai Loan.

Emphasizing the creative role of basic science in policy making, technology development and promoting green growth - the foundation for sustainable development in the 21st century, experts have provided proposals and solutions.

Application of artificial intelligence in natural disaster warning

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Nga , Director of the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, said that Vietnam is one of the countries most severely affected by natural disasters and climate change in the Asia- Pacific region. Given this reality, hydrometeorology needs to be developed as a solid foundation for forecasting, early warning and disaster response.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Nga, Director of the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change. Photo: Mai Loan.

Currently, the quality of forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods is still inadequate. Detailed warning maps are lacking, and the monitoring system, although expanding, does not provide full coverage and lacks uniformity in data quality. At the same time, human resources in science and technology specializing in AI, big data, and modern forecasting models are limited.

In recent years, the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IHMCC) has been actively modernizing by applying new technologies such as AI and big data to improve forecasting, while undergoing comprehensive digital transformation. The Institute also aims to build an open ecosystem of hydrometeorological services, supporting multi-sectoral adaptation (especially agriculture ) to climate change and creating additional value. At the same time, the Institute is reforming its financial mechanism and increasing investment in climate research.

To better prevent and combat natural disasters and respond to climate change, Ms. Nga proposed a development orientation for the hydrometeorology sector towards modernization, digitalization, increased application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, combined with upgrading high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and expanding public-private and international cooperation. In particular, it is necessary to form strong interdisciplinary research groups, while focusing on training high-quality human resources capable of mastering new technologies and methods.

Investing in hydrometeorological science is investing in sustainable development, green growth and Vietnam's proactive adaptation to climate change in the long term.

Green Hydrogen – the Energy of the Future

Discussing “Green hydrogen: energy of the future”, Associate Professor, Dr. Doan Dinh Phuong (Institute of Materials Science) pointed out the role of hydrogen – especially green hydrogen – as an important link in the CO₂-free energy ecosystem. According to him, the global energy transition to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 cannot be without the participation of hydrogen.

Associate Professor, Dr. Doan Dinh Phuong (Institute of Materials Science). Photo: Mai Loan.

Hydrogen has the potential to store renewable energy on a large scale, overcoming the instability of wind and solar power – sources that depend on weather and day-night cycles. Technologies for producing hydrogen from water electrolysis, especially using proton exchange membranes (PEM), allow direct integration with renewable electricity to create a clean energy source.

The Institute of Materials Science has now successfully manufactured a PEM electrolyzer with a capacity of 250–350 liters/hour, a 500–1000W hydrogen fuel cell, and safe solid hydrogen storage materials for transportation applications. In particular, the research team has built a closed-loop hydrogen power station model: using solar energy to electrolyze water, storing hydrogen with compressed air, and generating electricity with a fuel cell.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Van Trung (Director of Institute of Physics).

Associate Professor Dr. Doan Dinh Phuong affirmed: “Green hydrogen is an important means to store renewable energy and reduce CO₂ emissions in the long term. Investing in research, development and application of hydrogen will make an important contribution to the energy transition and sustainable development of the country.”

Seminar "Basic Science for Sustainable Development" organized by the Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Institute of Mathematics on the occasion of Vietnam Science and Technology Day.

At the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Van Trung (Director of the Institute of Physics) affirmed that to achieve sustainable development, we must focus on basic science. However, in reality, many countries and scientists often choose applied research because this field can produce immediate results.

“For developing countries like Vietnam, investing in basic research is also investing in the future of the country's science and technology, contributing to the development of highly qualified human resources at the forefront of knowledge, especially at the postgraduate level,” Mr. Trung emphasized.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Van Trung said that basic research takes a long time and is more difficult, but when successful, it brings great benefits. For example, research on biotechnology, genetic modification, new materials, artificial intelligence... originating from basic science has brought great value. This discussion is an opportunity for experts and scientists to exchange and propose directions for basic science development to ensure sustainable development and breakthroughs in the future.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/khoa-hoc-co-ban-bao-dam-phat-trien-ben-vung-post1541977.html