BÌNH ĐỊNH — Leading scientists, including Nobel laureates and key figures in international research institutes, are gathered in central Quy Nhơn City for a two-day workshop to discuss the role of fundamental science and how to boost its development in emerging economies.

Participants at the workshop, entitled "Fundamental Science and Society", include Dr. Kurt Wuthrich, the 2002 Nobel Chemistry laureate; Prof. David Gross, the 2004 Nobel Physics laureate;  Dr. Jean Jouzel, deputy president of GIEC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change); and Prof. Pierre Léna from the French Academy of Sciences. It was organised by Rencontres du Vietnam (Meetings of Việt Nam) and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam speaks at the workshop on July 7. — VNS Phước Bửu

Speaking at the workshop’s opening ceremony yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam highlighted the significance of fundamental science to the development of Việt Nam, in particular, and of the world in general.

“The Vietnamese Government gives strong support to the research and development of basic science,” said Đam, adding that budget allocation for science research has increased 10 times since last year. The deputy PM also affirmed the governmental consensus on developing a space research complex in the city.

Đam also spoke highly of activities arranged by Meetings of Vietnam, which helped the country access advanced sciences and technologies in the world, significantly contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.

According to Rencontres du Vietnam’s chairman, Prof. Vân, the workshop’s key objects were to highlight the impact of fundamental science on our world and the relevance of fundamental science applications to the development of various sectors and society.

Discussions focused on the role of basic science in peace, climate and health.

Discussing measures to boost the development of fundamental sciences in emerging countries, including Việt Nam, the speakers emphasised government support and passion among scientists.

Dr. Yu Lu Chinese Academy of Science, who won Tate medal in 2007, said “the most important thing to grow fundamental science in a country is the strongest support of the government.”

Prof. Kok Khoo Phua, director of the Singapore Institute of Advanced Studies, agreed, saying the growth of fundamental science study depends on the understanding by a country’s leadership of the significance of fundamental science.

Prof. Ngô Bảo Châu, who won Field medal in 2010, said that in Việt Nam, young scientists now get the chance to make a living while doing research. However, Lu argued that higher pay was a subordinate factor to the passion for science among young scientists. — VNS