Vietnamese universities open door to world’s best minds in sci-tech

At the Centre for Innovative Materials and Architectures (Photo: VNA)

In a bold step toward advancing sci-tech, many of Vietnam’s leading universities are rolling out innovative policies to lure top global talent.

At the forefront of this movement is the Vietnam National University (VNU) - Ho Chi Minh City, which is bringing the world’s brightest scientific minds to Vietnam.

VNU - HCM City Director Asso. Prof Vu Hai Quan has identified four critical factors that will make Vietnam an attractive destination for exceptional young scientists and industry leaders, namely spaces for creative autonomy, professional growth opportunities, and the promise of a stable life, complete with secure housing and educational prospects for their families.

To bring this vision to life, the VNU - HCM City already kicked off the VNU350 Programme in February, aiming to attract 350 top-tier young scientists and industry experts by 2030.

This programme offers a structured pathway for exceptional young scientists to thrive, starting with a scientific research project (type C) that provides funding of up to 200 million VND (8,000 USD) in the first two years. Progressing to the third year, they will move to a type B project, with a budget of 1 billion VND, followed by substantial laboratory investment support of 10 billion VND in the fourth year. By the fifth year, they will be guided through the process of applying for the title of Associate Professor at the state level.

For leading industry experts, the programme offers a type B research project with a funding limit of 1 billion VND during the initial two years, followed by laboratory investments up to 30 billion VND in subsequent years.

A lab at the VNU-HCM City (Photo: VNA)

Additionally, they will receive assistance in forming robust research groups and spearheading projects at various levels.Through three recruitment rounds, the VNU - HCM City has welcomed 27 outstanding talents, including seven graduates from universities ranked among the top 100 globally.

Quan is hopeful about the impact of the Politburo's Resolution No. 57, saying that it will further accelerate advancements in sci-tech, innovation, and national digital transformation, effectively break down all barriers and nurture an environment where the best minds can flourish.

In another strategic move, VNU-HCM City is developing a Visiting Professor Programme to invite Vietnamese professors from leading global universities and tech corporations. These esteemed academics will spend around 10 days in Vietnam, sharing their knowledge by teaching graduate students, mentoring faculty members, and collaborating on research projects. The programme also extends a warm welcome to those who wish to return and contribute to the homeland./.