Strengthening cooperation in the selection process for pioneering research projects.

On December 9, 2025, in Moscow (Russian Federation), the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) and the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on coordinating the selection and funding of advanced research projects in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. This event marks a significant step forward in scientific cooperation between the two countries, opening up many new opportunities for Vietnamese and Russian research groups to implement pioneering projects.

Strengthening bilateral cooperation in cutting-edge research areas.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. Andrei Blinov, Deputy Director General of RSF, and Mr. Ngo Sy Quoc, Deputy Director of NAFOSTED, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), affirming their commitment to jointly promote scientific research cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy Director of NAFOSTED Foundation Ngo Sy Quoc and Deputy General Director of RSF Blinov Andrei, representing the two Foundations, signed the memorandum of understanding.

According to the MOU, NAFOSTED and RSF will strengthen bilateral cooperation in implementing programs to select joint research topics, aiming to leverage the strengths of research groups in both countries, promote pioneering, cutting-edge research with high knowledge content, and make practical contributions to scientific development.

The collaboration is implemented in the form of funding for bilateral international research groups: Each project must involve a Vietnamese research group and a Russian research group. This is an effective cooperation model that helps scientific groups enhance academic exchange, access modern research infrastructure and methodologies, and create a favorable environment for young scientists to improve their research capabilities in the context of deep international integration.

The first selection round is scheduled to take place in September 2026, focusing on two priority areas with strong potential for cooperation: Physics and Marine Science . These are both in-depth research fields requiring advanced knowledge and technology, and are of significant importance to the science and technology development strategies of both Vietnam and the Russian Federation.

Subsequent selection rounds will be developed through a joint consultation mechanism between the two agencies, ensuring alignment with each country's research priorities and the international context.

A transparent, independent, and effective funding mechanism.

One of the key aspects of the MOU is the clear regulation of the funding mechanism and implementation organization based on the principles of parallel, transparency, and non-overlapping funding.

Accordingly, each side will directly fund research groups in their respective countries according to internal regulations. RSF will fund Russian research groups with 4-7 million rubles per year depending on the scale of the project, while NAFOSTED will support Vietnamese research groups with a maximum of 10 billion VND for a 3-year period, and may consider increasing support for projects with exceptional academic value or high application potential.

In addition to funding from the fund, projects may also receive co-funding from businesses or related organizations, aiming to promote the link between scientific research and industrial development needs, contributing to national innovation.

The project evaluation process is conducted independently at each fund, adhering to scientific standards and ensuring objectivity. Results are ranked on three levels: A, B, and C; only proposals receiving the highest ratings from both sides are selected for funding. This mechanism aims to ensure research quality and optimize the efficient use of resources, while selecting projects with outstanding academic value and high application potential.

The MOU also emphasizes the requirement to adhere to ethical and legal standards in scientific research, particularly for research involving humans, laboratory animals, biological materials, and the environment.

Each party is responsible for ensuring compliance with the laws and professional standards of its respective country. Intellectual property rights for research results are established according to the laws of both countries and cooperation agreements, ensuring a balance of interests among participating parties, especially when there is co-financing by businesses.

Representatives from the NAFOSTED Foundation and the RSF Foundation pose for a commemorative photo.

The signing of the MOU between NAFOSTED and RSF not only creates a foundation for research groups from both countries to carry out pioneering tasks, but also contributes to strengthening the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia in the field of science and technology. At the same time, it opens opportunities for Vietnamese scientists to access international resources, participate in prestigious research networks, enhance the country's scientific standing on the international stage, and make practical contributions to socio-economic development.

The signing of the MOU also demonstrates the joint efforts of the two foundations in promoting scientific research in a standardized, sustainable, and integrated manner, in line with global development trends. The event was held in a friendly and trusting atmosphere, reflecting the determination of NAFOSTED and RSF to deepen, strengthen, and enhance the effectiveness of Vietnam-Russia scientific cooperation, aiming to build a modern science and technology foundation that is widely connected to the world .

Center for Science and Technology Communication, National Science and Technology Development Fund

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/tang-cuong-hop-tac-trong-to-chuc-tuyen-chon-nhiem-vu-nghien-cuu-tien-phong-197251209204919924.htm