Institute of Physics

Developments

The Institute of Physics was established under Decision No. 25/CP, dated February 5, 1969, by the Government Council, signed by Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, regarding the establishment of the Institute of Mathematics and the Institute of Physics under the State Committee for Science and Technology (now the Ministry of Science and Technology).

On May 20, 1975, the Government Council (now the Government) issued Decree No. 118/CP, establishing the Vietnam Academy of Science.

On May 22, 1993, the Prime Minister signed Decree No. 24/CP, establishing the National Center for Natural Sciences and Technology on the basis of reorganizing the Vietnam Academy of Science. The Institute of Physics, which was under the Vietnam Academy of Science, became the Institute of Physics under the National Center for Natural Sciences and Technology.

On January 16, 2004, the Government issued Decree No. 27/2004/ND-CP, defining the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. According to this decree, the National Center for Natural Sciences and Technology was renamed the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. The Institute of Physics, under the National Center for Natural Sciences and Technology, was renamed the Institute of Physics and Electronics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

On May 12, 2008, the Prime Minister signed Decree No. 62/2008/ND-CP, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. Under this decision, the Institute of Physics and Electronics was renamed the Institute of Physics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Based on Decree No. 62/2008/ND-CP, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology issued Decision No. 1104/QD-KHCNVN on June 20, 2008, defining the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Institute of Physics, and Decision No. 1106/QD-KHCNVN on June 20, 2008, promulgating the regulations on the organization and operation of the Institute of Physics.

On December 25, 2012, the Government issued Decree No. 108/2012/ND-CP, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. According to this decree, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology was renamed the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Based on Decree No. 108/2012/ND-CP, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology issued Decision No. 32/QD-VHL on February 19, 2013, regarding organizational transformation; transferring the Institute of Physics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to the Institute of Physics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Decision No. 300/QD-VHL on February 28, 2013, promulgating the regulations on the organization and operation of the Institute of Physics.

On May 15, 2017, the Prime Minister signed Decree No. 60/2017/ND-CP, effective from July 17, 2017, replacing Decree No. 108/2012/ND-CP dated December 25, 2012.

On December 24, 2022, the Prime Minister signed Decree No. 106/2022/ND-CP, replacing Decree No. 60/2017/ND-CP dated May 15, 2017. Based on Decree No. 106/2022/ND-CP, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology issued Decision No. 273/QD-VHL on March 1, 2023, promulgating the regulations on the organization and operation of the Institute of Physics.

Key Development Periods

1. Early Years (1969–1975): The Institute of Physics was established in 1969 under the State Committee for Science and Technology. The first leadership laid the foundation for research in fundamental and applied physics in Vietnam.
2. 1975-1993: During this period, the Institute operated under the Vietnam Academy of Science. Leadership focused on building research capacity and expanding collaborations with socialist countries.
3. 1993-2004: The Institute became part of the National Center for Natural Sciences and Technology. Its activities emphasized modernization of research facilities and integration into the global scientific community.
4. 2004-2012: The Institute was renamed the Institute of Physics and Electronics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. Its activities prioritized research in emerging fields such as quantum electronics, nanotechnology, and computational physics.
5. 2012-present: The Institute was reorganized under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). Its activities focused on strengthening international collaborations, enhancing research output, and promoting technology transfer.