An initiative to attract PhDs and develop outstanding young scientists returning home began with an intimate dinner, where the distance between teacher and student dissolved in shared stories, memories, concerns and aspirations.

Phòng Thí nghiệm Công nghệ sinh học tại Trường ĐH Quốc tế.jpg
Biotechnology Laboratory at the International University - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.

Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, now Standing Deputy Minister of Science and Technology and at the time Director of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, recalls the warmth of that gathering.

“Students who were studying and working at leading universities around the world shared with me many reflections: How can Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City become a destination for the most outstanding scientists? How can young experts trained abroad return to contribute to their homeland? Though working in some of the world’s most favorable research environments, their hearts still turn toward Vietnam.”

Around a modest table of familiar dishes, the leader of one of Vietnam’s largest higher education institutions and young researchers from advanced countries spoke animatedly about academic culture, research ecosystems, career development mechanisms and how to build an environment where talent feels inspired to stay and give their best.

From that conversation emerged the idea of a large-scale, systematic and long-term program to attract and develop elite intellectuals. The VNU350 Program aims to recruit around 350 talented scientists between 2024 and 2030, all holding doctoral degrees or higher, supported by preferential policies, mechanisms and income packages.

For young scientists, the first two years include a Category C research grant of up to VND200 million (US$8,000). In the third year, they are eligible for a Category B grant of up to VND1 billion (US$40,000). By the fourth year, they may receive laboratory investment of up to VND10 billion (US$400,000), and in the fifth year they are supported in meeting criteria for associate professorship.

For leading scientists, the first two years include a Category B grant of up to VND1 billion (US$40,000). In subsequent years, they may receive support of up to VND30 billion (US$1.2 million) to build laboratories, establish strong research groups and register as principal investigators for major projects.

Income packages are provided by member universities at competitive levels. A PhD holder may earn VND40-50 million per month (US$1,600-2,000) or more, while a professor may receive close to VND100 million per month (US$4,000), alongside other benefits.

The journey of one who returned

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Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan - Standing Deputy Minister of Science and Technology.

Dr Can Tran Thanh Trung, born in 1995, is an alumnus of the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. He won a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Colombia in 2013, later received a full scholarship to Duke University, one of the top universities in the US, and graduated as valedictorian in mathematics in 2018. He then pursued a PhD at the California Institute of Technology, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities.

During ten years of study in the US, Trung observed that Vietnamese students possess talent and passion equal to their international peers, yet often lack early opportunities for development. At his undergraduate institution, a Summer research program in big data launched in 2015 attracted millions of US dollars in funding from businesses and local authorities, nurturing a new generation of experts.

Recognizing that “early cultivation of talent is priceless,” in 2016 Trung used his own scholarship funds, together with fellow students, graduate researchers and the University of Science, to organize the PiMA Mathematical and Applied Research Summer Camp. Over eight years, PiMA has introduced cutting-edge applications in machine learning, data science and bioinformatics to hundreds of talented students. Many now pursue research at leading universities worldwide or work at major technology corporations.

“This initial success made me seriously consider returning to Vietnam long term to contribute to my homeland,” Dr Trung shared. While weighing the decision between staying abroad and returning home, he learned about the VNU350 Program. Seeing that its objectives aligned with his own aspirations and motivations, he applied and was selected as a lecturer in the Faculty of Information Technology at the University of Science.

“Returning home, each day carries meaning. Beyond the new professional challenges, I have the chance to understand my homeland more deeply,” he said. He also participates in selecting and mentoring gifted high school students in mathematics, inspiring young people in provinces where access to experts remains limited.

Horizons for those who fly

Cấn Trần Thành Trung
Dr Can Tran Thanh Trung (born 1995), PhD graduate of the California Institute of Technology, the US.

After more than a year of implementation, by November 2025 the VNU350 Program had received 145 applications, selected 49 scientists and had 32 candidates from the second 2025 round awaiting interview results.

Many applicants come from countries with advanced education systems such as the US, France, Germany, Japan and South Korea, trained at leading institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of Vienna, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Seoul National University, the University of Tokyo and the National University of Singapore. They lead key research areas such as artificial intelligence, computer science including intelligent systems and cybersecurity, biotechnology, renewable energy, medicine, robotics and information security models.

Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan noted that after joining Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, these scientists have maintained strong research momentum, publishing around 60 papers in reputable international journals, many in Q1 and Q2 categories. They are also proactively developing high-impact applied research, including AI-based medical diagnostic systems, medical and biomedical robotics, pharmaceutical research, logistics solutions and advanced information security models.

Dr Trung identifies three major challenges facing young scientists who return home.

First, administrative procedures remain complex. Scientists should not be constrained by excessive processes or rigid expectations of results, he argued, but need academic freedom and the acceptance of risk when pursuing ideas that may not guarantee success. He hopes that with the Government’s digital transformation agenda, procedures will become more streamlined, transparent and accessible.

Second, collaboration culture between universities and enterprises is still limited. Businesses have real-world problems; universities possess experts and high-quality research capacity. Both sides need forums and joint projects to build trust, share benefits and create practical applications.

Third is the challenge of retaining talent. In developed countries, this is a top priority. In Vietnam, it remains significant and requires a professional, fair working environment and appropriate remuneration so young scientists can commit with confidence.

“Attracting talent is only the first step. Retaining and developing talent is the true measure of a research university’s capacity,” Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan reflected.

The Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City has designed a development model built on three spaces: autonomy, growth and contribution. Beyond financial support and facilities, what matters most is academic freedom and the space for each scientist to fully realize their potential.

According to the Government’s action program implementing Resolution 71 on breakthrough reforms in education and training, the target is to recruit 2,000 outstanding lecturers from abroad by 2030.

“On the horizon, there are those who fly” - a poetic line by Tran Dan that titles a book about Vietnamese researchers whose work shapes the nation’s intellectual journey. When the space for return is wide enough and high enough, those who once flew will always find their horizon at home, ready to accompany the country in its renewal and development.

Le Huyen