According to a prime minister's decision on 26/2, Thai will lead the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology until a competent authority appoints a new president.

Thai assumes leadership of the academy, replacing Professor Chau Van Minh, whom the prime minister relieved from his position as president of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to become secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations. Professor Chau Van Minh, 65 years old, served as the academy's president for 18 years. He was a member of the Party Central Committee for terms 11, 12, and 13, and did not seek re-election for term 14.

Tran Hong Thai. Photo: Khanh Huong.

Tran Hong Thai is 52 years old and hails from Ha Tinh. He holds a professorship and a doctorate in earth sciences and mathematics, and is a member of the Party Central Committee for term 14.

Thai studied in Russia and defended his doctoral thesis in earth sciences and mathematics at Heidelberg University in Germany. He has many years of experience in meteorology and hydrology, having served as deputy director general of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, then director general of the General Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, and deputy minister of science and technology.

In 8/2024, he was elected chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee. One year later, following the provincial merger, he became chairman of the new Lam Dong Provincial People's Council, a position he held for one year.

In 9/2025, the prime minister appointed Tran Hong Thai as permanent vice president of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, a role he has held since.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, an agency under the government, conducts fundamental research in natural sciences and technology development. Its functions include: providing a scientific basis for science and technology management and for developing policies, strategies, and plans for socio-economic development; and training high-level science and technology personnel.

Vu Tuan