Scientific and Technological Cooperation Between Vietnam and Russia Enters a New Era
The scientific partnership between the two countries is developing with a focus on joint production in areas such as nuclear physics, space technology, and artificial intelligence.
Vietnam and Russia are moving their scientific and technological cooperation beyond traditional areas into a new phase focused on fundamental sciences and joint capability building. The year 2026 has been declared the Vietnam-Russia Year of Scientific and Educational Cooperation.
From Historical Foundations to a New Era
Past cooperation between Vietnam and the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation was generally limited to oil, natural gas, energy, defense, and education. Today, these relations are being reshaped around science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Strong Infrastructure in Fundamental Sciences
Russia has a deep-rooted tradition in fundamental science branches such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, materials science, atomic energy, space technology, and marine science. These areas provide the infrastructure required for nations to develop their own technologies in the long term.
Nuclear Physics and Research Institutes
Scientists have been trained in nuclear physics and materials science for decades at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna. Currently, about fifty Vietnamese personnel continue their work at this institution.
New Areas of Cooperation
It is planned to expand cooperation models in the future to areas such as peaceful nuclear energy, quantum technology, new materials, small satellites, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Space research is also among the promising sectors.
Marine Science Studies
Joint studies conducted via the research vessel Akademik Oparin constitute an important part of cooperation in marine sciences. The two countries have agreed to continue marine research during the 2026-2035 period.
Result-Oriented Partnership Model
Under the guidance of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the process is evolving from partnership to problem-oriented cooperation. Targeted programs encompass concrete products such as prototypes, joint laboratories, and databases.