The Institute of Chemistry under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) was founded by Decision No. 230/CP dated September 16, 1978 of the Government of Vietnam.

ICH is responsible for carry out various problems in different areas of chemistry such as Organic Chemistry, Natural Product Chemistry, Heavy Metals Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry and also to conduct the postgraduate training. It includes the collaboration relating to research, development and training activities with higher educational institutions and with other research and industrial establishments, both in Vietnam and abroad.