Fields Medalist Ngo Bao Chau's math institute targets top-tier research in Asia

Science and Technology Minister Vu Hai Quan visited the institute (VIASM) for discussions on Sept. 13. Founded in 2010, the institute operates with an open framework and without permanent resident scholars.

Instead, it brings together Vietnamese and foreign academics through a rotating fellowship model, hosting researchers from other institutions on short-term visits or temporary assignments.

Science and Technology Minister Vu Hai Quan (R) visits the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics, where Ngo Bao Chau (L) serves as scientific director, on Sept. 13, 2026. Photo by Trong Dat

During the working session, Chau proposed three major shifts in the institute’s development strategy.

When VIASM first opened its doors, its primary mission was to revitalize mathematical research and raise the standard of math education across the country.

But 15 years later, both research output and math education across Vietnam have improved substantially, making strategic direction changes necessary, he said.

The first should moves the institute from broad support to deep specialization, he said.

While VIASM initially served as a collaborative resource hub for university faculties in the country, he now wants to channel more resources into pioneering breakthroughs, targeting elite research output that stands out across Asia.

The second shift is to transition it from a passive recipient of global expertise into an active, leading driver of international partnerships, he said.

In the past, Vietnam primarily leaned on visiting international scholars for support, but Chau said the country is now ready to step into a leadership role, at least regionally.

Ngo Bao Chau, scientific director of VIASM. Photo by Trong Dat

One key initiative involves building an Asian mathematics alliance bringing together 12 to 15 regional institutes alongside several European partners to train young researchers and build competitive research clusters.

Partner institutions are scheduled to meet in Hanoi in late November to sign a memorandum of understanding establishing this Vietnam-led network.

The third transition centers on talent and staffing.

To pioneer research areas where Vietnam can take the lead and achieve high regional rankings, VIASM needs a core lineup of permanent researchers.

Over the past year, IT reached out to private enterprises and math enthusiasts to fund a scholar fellowship initiative, successfully attracting six to seven top international scientists.

Chau hoped the Ministry of Science and Technology would step in to turn this into a government program.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan visits the VIASM in Hanoi on Sept. 13, 2026. Photo by Trong Dat

Quan emphasized that the institute does not need a large permanent payroll, and its true strength lies in the ability to bring brilliant minds under one roof.

Over the next five to 10 years, he wanted it to establish specialized research groups and tracks so that the international academic community immediately recognized Vietnam's distinct expertise in those areas.

Backing the vision of visiting fellows, joint appointments, and rotating scholars, he expressed the hope that VIASM would pioneer fresh ways to attract and engage scientific talent.

He said bringing world-class researchers back to Vietnam full-time is not essential, and what matters most instead is channeling their talent into advancing the nation’s science and technology.

Visiting academics could manage research teams, mentor doctoral candidates, cultivate a distinct Vietnamese school of thought, and nurture the next generation of scholars, he pointed out.

He pledged to boost human resource funding for VIASM through targeted science and technology initiatives proposed by the institute, alongside sustained, deep-seated investment in fundamental mathematical research.