PM urges academy to bring science and tech to reality

December 28, 2016 - 10:15

The Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) should spend more time applying scientific achievements to reality, especially in production, business and start-ups.

Addressing a conference in Hà Nội yesterday, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc pointed to existing problems in scientific research, including impractical studies. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) should spend more time applying scientific achievements to reality, especially in production, business and start-ups.

Addressing a conference in Hà Nội yesterday, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc pointed to existing problems in scientific research, including impractical studies. 

He said local scientists were busy pursuing unattainable issues without paying attention to the down-to-earth needs of businesses. 

The PM asked the VAST to study the reasonable use of mineral resources to increase value and avoid national resource waste. 

He urged the academy to put forth scientific and technological measures to monitor, control and handle the environment  and address consequences caused by climate change, as well as create environmentally-friendly products, reduce production costs, and increase competitiveness. 

The Government leader suggested applying science and technology into processing and food preservation while expanding the high added value chain for farm produce. 

He told the VAST to increase the competitiveness of such key sectors as hi-tech agriculture, nanotech, artificial intelligence, and new-generation material production. 

In 2016, the VAST announced a total of over 2,000 fundamental scientific works, including 996 published in international journals. 

The institution has presented 28 intellectual property certificates, encompassing 11 inventions and 17 useful solutions, representing a year-on-year increase of 56 per cent, and published 39 monographs. 

Units under the VAST have conducted 1,070 scientific and technological contracts worth over VNĐ233 billion (US$10.23 million), up nearly 17 per cent against 2015. 

The VAST also made significant contributions to identifying the cause of the abnormal massive fish death in the central provinces; providing important scientific evidence on violations in the case; and addressing consequences in the affected areas. — VNS

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