Nineteen PhD holders who graduated from world-leading universities and research institutes have returned to Vietnam to teach and conduct research at various member institutions of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC).

They are part of a cohort of 20 scientists selected for the prestigious VNU350 program, which aims to bring highly qualified scholars back to Vietnam.

The 20 new hires will work at the following VNU-HCMC member institutions: University of Technology (8 PhDs), University of Social Sciences and Humanities (1), International University (2), University of Economics and Law (3), An Giang University (1), University of Health Sciences (4), and the Institute for Advanced Materials Technology (1).

Among the 19 foreign-trained scholars are graduates of prestigious institutions such as the National University of Singapore, Chonnam National University (South Korea), Ghent University (Belgium), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), University of Orléans (France), Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands), and Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand).

Many of them boast impressive research records, including one individual who has published 69 scientific papers.

Multi-year support and incentives under the VNU350 program

VNU350 offers robust support to young researchers in the first five years of their academic career in Vietnam.

In the first two years, each will receive funding for a type-C research project (USD 8,200).

In the third year, they are eligible for a type-B project grant worth up to USD 41,000.

In the fourth year, they may receive up to USD 410,000 to establish a research lab.

By the fifth year, they are provided support and mentorship to navigate the process of achieving national-level associate professorship accreditation.

Stronger support for senior researchers

Top-tier scholars hired under the program receive even greater backing.

In their first two years, they are granted a type-B research project of up to USD 41,000.

From the third year onward, they can receive up to USD 1.23 million for lab development and are encouraged to form strong research groups and lead national-level projects.

In addition to research funding, scholars are entitled to salaries and bonuses in accordance with university policies, with some earning up to USD 4,100 per month.

Le Huyen