Applied research is the driving force, accompanying the 80-year journey of Posts and Telecommunications, Science and Technology

On the 80-year journey of building and developing the Post and Telecommunications sector, Science and Technology, applied research has increasingly affirmed its role as an effective bridge between scientific knowledge and practical life. With its strategic funding mission, the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (Nafosted) has continuously promoted the transformation process from research ideas to specific technological products, making practical contributions to socio-economic development and the national digital transformation process.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of construction and development of the industry, the reporter had an interview with People's Teacher, Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien, Chairman of the Science Council of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology of Nafosted Foundation (terms 2020-2022 and 2022-2024) about outstanding results, challenges as well as key directions in the coming time.

People's Teacher, Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien was interviewed at the Ministry of Science and Technology .

- Could you please give an overview of the activities of the Applied Research Science Council in the two terms 2020-2022 and 2022-2024?

- Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien: The Fund's Scientific Council for Applied Research was established with 9 members, covering many fields such as computer science, physics, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, engineering and technology, materials science, and one member specializing in law and intellectual property. Although the members' scope of expertise is relatively broad, there are still research proposals in narrow fields, beyond the Council's direct expertise. Therefore, each dossier must have two to three independent reviewers to ensure objectivity and quality of assessment.

During its two terms, the Council reviewed nearly 400 proposals and selected to fund more than 80 applied research projects, of which over 50 were in the fields of natural sciences, engineering and technology. Notably, each project has created on average one to two intellectual property products, including patents and utility solutions. This is a clear demonstration of the Fund's correct orientation: Taking scientific knowledge as the foundation, but the final product must be technology and inventions that can be applied to life.

- What is the significance of those results for the journey of building and developing the Post and Telecommunications, Science and Technology sectors, especially in the context of the 1st Patriotic Emulation Congress, Professor?

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien: Applied research funded by the Fund has brought about three outstanding impacts.

Firstly, promoting the shift from academic research to technological solutions directly linked to practical requirements, effectively supporting key areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and information security.

Second, forming a connection mechanism between scientists - businesses - localities - management agencies, thereby bringing research products to hospitals, farms, factories, and urban areas, contributing to improving productivity, saving costs and increasing national competitiveness.

Third, to create motivation to spread the emulation movement in science, when the evaluation criteria are not only limited to the number of topics but are measured by the effectiveness of application, commercialization value and contribution to the goal of socio -economic development. This is also the spirit that the 1st Patriotic Emulation Congress aims for: competing by quality and practical value.

- Could you please share some typical topics that have been sponsored recently?

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien: We can mention the topic of research and manufacture of rehabilitation equipment for treating spinal calcification and supporting wound healing, led by Dr. Tong Quang Cong, Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. This device combines modern physical therapy principles with traditional medical knowledge, especially applying the photobiological window (600-980 nm), effectively restoring damaged tissue and reducing inflammation.

It is noteworthy that the research team has transformed complex theories into practical, easy-to-use devices, suitable for a wide range of subjects from the elderly, patients with spinal degeneration, manual workers to people recovering from surgery. The devices are designed in a "personalized" and "at-home" direction, allowing patients to take care of themselves at home, contributing to reducing the burden on the health system. The products have a simple structure, low cost, can be mass-produced and easily transferred to businesses in the field of medical equipment and health care.

The social impact of the project is also very clear: Improving the quality of life, reducing treatment costs, limiting risks due to drug abuse, and promoting the development of public health and green economy through the use of indigenous medicinal herbs. It can be said that this is an important step forward in the development of "made in Vietnam" medical equipment, both serving domestic needs and having the potential to reach the international market.

Another example is the project on developing small-capacity grid-connected power generation modules from domestic and production waste in rural areas, led by Prof. Dr. Bui Van Ga. The research results contribute to solving energy and environmental problems, promoting circular economy in rural areas. These products not only have scientific significance but also affirm practical applicability, creating a ripple effect on economic and social life.

- Besides the achievements, what difficulties are applied research activities currently facing?

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien: The biggest challenge is the diversity and depth of research fields, requiring an open review mechanism and the participation of many experts outside the Council. In addition, the time for reviewing and granting intellectual property certificates is still long, on average three to four years, sometimes up to five years, while the time to implement the topic is usually only two to three years. This affects the recognition and commercialization of applied research products. This is an issue that needs to be improved to encourage scientists to boldly pursue highly applicable research.

- According to the Professor, what should the funding orientation for applied research in the coming period focus on?

- Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien: First of all, it is necessary to clearly define the scope and objectives of applied research, ensuring that the output products are associated with inventions, useful solutions or specific technological models and processes. In addition, the funding mechanism needs to be more flexible, not imposing a hard ceiling on funding but depending on the scale, feasibility and expected impact of each topic.

In particular, it is necessary to speed up the process of reviewing and granting patents, and develop a "fast-track" mechanism for research results from topics funded by the Fund. At the same time, encourage the connection between basic research - applied research - implementation, so that scientific knowledge is transformed into products serving the country's development.

- In the atmosphere of celebrating 80 years of building and developing the Post and Telecommunications - Science and Technology sector, what message would you like to send to the generation of young scientists today, so that they can continue the 80-year tradition of the sector, engage in applied research and innovation, and serve the Fatherland in the coming period?

- Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien: Over the past 80 years, the Post and Telecommunications - Science and Technology sector has demonstrated the power of knowledge and the spirit of innovation, contributing greatly to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. Our generation is always proud to have lived, researched and contributed in that historical flow.

For today's young generation, I hope you will nurture great aspirations and strongly engage in applied research, because this is the shortest path for science to enter life, creating products and technologies of practical value, improving labor productivity and national competitiveness.

Let us constantly learn, practice honesty and objectivity, and persistently pursue scientific goals; at the same time, know how to link research with the country's socio-economic development requirements. Every project and invention, no matter how small, but successfully applied, is a practical contribution to the nation's development journey.

I believe that the generation of young scientists will continue the 80-year tradition of the industry, turning aspirations into actions, making science, technology, innovation and digital transformation the main driving force for a strong and prosperous Vietnam.

- Thank you very much, Professor!

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/nghien-cuu-ung-dung-dong-luc-thuc-day-dong-hanh-cung-hanh-trinh-80-nam-buu-chinh-va-vien-thong-khoa-hoc-va-cong-nghe-197250924171218246.htm