Grant program for basic research in natural sciences

The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development funds basic research and research supporting activities in natural sciences of the following areas: mathematics; physical sciences and astronomy; chemistry; computer sciences; mechanics; life sciences; earth sciences and interdisciplinary sciences.

1. Objectives:

  • Build a durable, innovative and conducive environment to natural science research activities at universities and institutes
  • Improve the research capacity of young scientists and establish research centers that meet international standards and develop high-quality human resources in natural science
  • Enhance the quality of scientific research and increase the number of Vietnamese research published in ISI-covered journals.
  • Promote international cooperation and integration in basic research and scientific research in general.

2. Scope of funding:

Basic research in Mathematics; Physical sciences and astronomy; Chemistry; Computer sciences; Mechanics; Life sciences; Earth sciences and interdisciplinary sciences.

3. Eligibility of applicants:

All scientists affiliated with universities, research institutions of science and technology in Vietnamthat that meet following requirement:
a. Principal Investigator:;
– has appropriate expertise, is doing research at an organization of science and technology. In the case that the project leader is not affiliated to any organization, he must be sponsored and approved by a reputable organization in appropriate field;
– has research capability that meets the demands of the project: he must have a Ph.D degree or be entitled  associate professor or professor, have proper research results published in ISI-covered journals in the period of 5 years prior to the application submission date;
-must not violate the criteria to register as princiapl investigator: Principal investigator of funded project that is evaluated as not-passed or ceased research contract cannot register to lead a research project in 24 months from the date of result announcement.
b. Members of research team: have appropriate expertise and ability to the project content; research students participate in the research must have thesis suitable to the project content

4. Grant application

  • Application form
  • Document Checklist
  • Research proposal (Form M2e)
  • Curriculum vitae of Principal Investigator and members (From OMS)
  • Proof of research results ( copies of 02 scientific publications in the last 5 years )
Complete project proposal must be sent to NAFOSTED Executive Office under two formats:
  • Hard copy: 03 copies of research proposal in Vietnamese (01 original version certified by the leading organization and 02 copies) and 01 copy of research proposal in  English
  • Electronic copy:  use Online Management System – OMS to create and submit the application. After signing in, click on “Create a new application” and follow the instruction.
  • The supported documents (papers published in ISI journal, patent…): only 01 copy not to be bound with the application.

When doing the research proposal, applicants must pay attention to following points:

  • The valid host/sponsor organization must be a scientific and technological organization with independent legal status, have its own seal and account at the State’s treasury
  • One original application must be sealed and reproduced in 2 copies
  • The application must strictly follow the Foundation’s regulation. An incomplete application will not be considered. If possible, the Foundation will have the English application evaluated by foreign professors (peer review) before sending  it to the Scientific Committee
  • Scientific CV (hard copy) must be signed by the author and quote the ISSN index for each international publication
  • Expected research results  must be distinct for national and ISI-covered journals
  • Vietnamese participant working abroad for over 6 months is credited for maximum 3 working months of that same year.

Source: nafosted