VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HO CHI MINH CITY (VNU) IMPLEMENTED THE VNU350 PROGRAM

On the morning of February 28th, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU) held a workshop called “VNU350 Program: Attracting, retaining, and developing outstanding young scientists and leading scientists working at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU)”. This program aims to realize the vision of developing VNU into a top-ranking Asian research university system, where talents converge and Vietnamese knowledge and culture are disseminated.

Overview of the VNU350 Program Workshop.

At the VNU350 Program Workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan, Secretary of Party Committee and Rector of VNU, emphasized three crucial factors to attract top young scientists and leading researchers.

The first factor is the provision of autonomy and creativity, or in other words, empowerment. Scientists at VNU will have the chance to lead prominent research groups, key laboratory managers, or new head of training. Furthermore, they will receive financial support to independently execute their research projects.

The second is the provision of ample opportunities for contribution. With the mission assigned by the Party and State to conduct research, develop, apply science and technology, and foster innovation to address national, regional, and global challenges, scientists at VNU will have the chance to lead major research projects. Additionally, these scientists can expand their domestic and international collaborations and participate in training and mentoring outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to fulfill their aspirations of contributing to the nation’s progress.

The last one is the provision for development and advancement. Young scientists will build their career development paths, such as plans to become associate professors, professors, and leading scientists, and aim for prestigious scientific awards both domestically and internationally. VNU is committed to accompanying and supporting scientists in their career development path.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan, Secretary of Party Committee and Rector of VNU delivered the opening speech at the workshop.

Dr. Le Thi Anh Tram, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Head of the Party Organization Board, and Head of the Human Resources Department at VNU, presented the VNU350 Program, a recruitment initiative aimed at attracting top young scientists and leading researchers to join the program with various attractive benefits offered by VNU and the specific support provided by each recruiting unit.

Dr. Le Thi Anh Tram, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Head of Party Organization Board, and Head of Human Resources Department at VNU presented the VNU350 Program.

At the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang, President of International University (IU), shared: “Attractive benefits, an ideal working environment, and opportunities for young researchers to enhance their knowledge and experience have drawn many young scientists to work at the member universities of VNU”.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang, President of IU shared at the workshop.

Like many other overseas students, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Toi, former Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department at International University (IU), decided to return to Vietnam due to family ties. Recognizing the need for biomedical engineering in Vietnam and the warmth of the Vietnamese people, he believed that his return would contribute significantly to the advancement of this field in teaching and research.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Toi, former Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department at IU shared his journey of “touchdown” at VNU.

Also at the workshop, Dr. Ha Thi Thanh Huong, Head of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Department at IU, shared her reasons for returning to Vietnam and choosing IU as her workplace: “Here, I have passionate colleagues and access to state-of-the-art equipment, not only at IU but also throughout the entire VNU system, which supports my research projects and brings them to fruition.”

Dr. Ha Thi Thanh Huong, Head of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Department at IU shared at the workshop.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Quang Vinh, Head of the Science and Technology Board at VNU, representing the chairman, addressed and answered questions related to the VNU350 program. Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Vinh emphasized: “People are the key to an organization’s development. Therefore, VNU has implemented various practical financial mechanisms and policies to attract top young talents to teach and conduct research. Moreover, VNU will also support the establishment of research groups, registration for projects at all levels, and the construction of modern laboratories to promote scientific research and technological activities.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Quang Vinh, Head of the Science and Technology Board at VNU, representing the chairman shared at the workshop.

With general recruitment criteria for VNU350 candidates, including PhD, independent teaching and research capabilities, and a strong desire to contribute to the development of the country and VNU, VNU hopes to attract 350 scientists by 2030.