In 2024, seven PhD holders from world-renowned universities ranked in the top 100 by QS World Rankings have returned to work at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), contributing to the country’s academic and research development.

According to Dr. Vu Hai Quan, Director of VNUHCM, these individuals bring expertise from some of the world’s leading universities.

Among them, Dr. Can Tran Thanh Trung, a graduate of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), has joined the University of Science.

At the University of Health Sciences, Dr. Hoang Tung, who earned his PhD from Seoul National University, South Korea, and Dr. Tran Thi Thuy Linh, a graduate of Paris-Saclay University, France, have commenced their academic tenures.

The University of Technology welcomed two new faculty members: Dr. Van Phung Truong Son, who completed his doctorate at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States, and Dr. Nguyen Sy Ngoc, another graduate of Seoul National University.

Meanwhile, at the International University, Dr. Vu Gia Phong, a PhD graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, has joined the faculty. An Giang University also gained a notable addition with Dr. Pham Ngoc Thanh, who earned his doctorate from Osaka University in Japan.

These scholars are among the 23 individuals recruited through the VNU350 program, an initiative aimed at attracting highly qualified academics to strengthen Vietnam’s academic and research ecosystem.

Under this program, early-career scientists receive substantial support, including funding for research projects, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and guidance to attain the state-recognized title of Associate Professor.

For young researchers, the program provides funding for an initial two years to support a type-C research project. In the third year, they are eligible for type-B funding of up to 1 billion VND.

By the fourth year, they can access laboratory investments worth up to 10 billion VND. In the fifth year, they receive comprehensive guidance to achieve academic recognition at the national level.

For senior researchers, the program offers type-B project funding in the initial years and up to 30 billion VND for laboratory development in subsequent years.

Additionally, they are supported in establishing robust research groups and leading high-level projects. Alongside these benefits, participants are entitled to competitive salaries and performance-based bonuses.

Dr. Vu Hai Quan emphasized that these returning scholars represent a significant milestone for VNUHCM. Their presence will elevate the university’s academic standing and foster innovative research, aligning with the broader goals of the VNU350 program to attract world-class talent and enhance Vietnam’s position in the global academic landscape.

Le Huyen