Tran Hong Thai's appointment as president of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology follows his interim leadership of the Academy for over 10 days, succeeding Professor Chau Van Minh, who transitioned to a new role.

Tran Hong Thai. Photo: Xuan Hoa

Tran Hong Thai, 52, hails from Ha Tinh. He is a professor and doctor of Earth and Mathematical Sciences, and a member of the Party Central Committee, 14th term. He pursued his studies in Russia and completed his doctoral thesis in Earth and Mathematical Sciences at Heidelberg University (Germany).

Throughout his career, he spent many years working within the hydrometeorological system. He served as deputy director general of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, then as director general of the General Department of Hydrometeorology. In these roles, he directed disaster forecasting and warning operations and developed hydrometeorological monitoring and data analysis systems to support state management and disaster prevention.

He was later appointed deputy minister of Science and Technology. His responsibilities included state management of science, technology, and innovation, promoting research programs, technology development, and the transfer of scientific findings into production and daily life.

In 8/2024, he was elected chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee (PPC). Following an administrative unit merger, he continued as chairman of the new Lam Dong Provincial People's Council (PC), contributing to the direction of local socio-economic development.

The prime minister appointed him permanent vice president of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in 9/2025. He began leading the Academy on 26/2, following Professor Chau Van Minh, 65, who moved to become secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, a government agency, conducts basic research in natural sciences and technology development. It provides scientific arguments for policy, strategy, and socio-economic development planning, and trains high-level scientific and technological human resources.

Vu Tuan