Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, then Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology and Director of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, recalled the warm atmosphere of the meeting: “My students, who were studying and working at leading universities around the world, shared many concerns with me: How can the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City become a destination for the most outstanding scientists? How can young experts and scientists, who have received thorough training abroad, return to contribute to their homeland? Even though they are in leading research environments in the world, their hearts are still with Vietnam.”
Over a meal with familiar dishes, the leader of a major university in Vietnam and scientists from advanced countries enthusiastically discussed the academic environment, research culture, and mechanisms for career development in science; and how to create an ecosystem where talented individuals are inspired to stay and dedicate themselves fully.
From that conversation, the idea for a large-scale, systematic, and long-term program to attract and develop a team of elite intellectuals was formed. VNU350 aims to recruit approximately 350 talented scientists between 2024 and 2030 with doctoral degrees or higher, along with preferential mechanisms, policies, and income levels.
For young scientists, the first two years are allocated a Category C research project (maximum 200 million VND), the third year a Category B project (maximum 1 billion VND), the fourth year receives laboratory investment of up to 10 billion VND, and the fifth year receives support for the associate professor qualification assessment.
For leading scientists, the first two years are allocated one Category B research project (up to 1 billion VND), and in subsequent years, they receive support for laboratory construction up to 30 billion VND, the formation of strong research groups, and the right to lead research projects.
The salaries for scientists paid by member universities are quite high; PhD holders can earn 40-50 million VND/month or more, while professors can earn nearly 100 million VND/month, along with many other benefits.
The journey of the returnee
Dr. Can Tran Thanh Trung (born in 1995) is a former student of the High School for the Gifted (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City). Trung won a Gold Medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Colombia in 2013, then received a full scholarship to Duke University - one of the top 10 universities in the US - and graduated as valedictorian in Mathematics in 2018. He continued his doctoral studies at the California Institute of Technology - a university ranked among the "top 10" best universities globally.
During his 10 years of studying in the US, Trung realized that Vietnamese students possess qualities and passions that are no less impressive than those of their international counterparts, but they lack opportunities for early development. At his university, there is a summer research program on big data, launched in 2015, attracting millions of dollars in investment from businesses and local governments, creating an environment to nurture a new generation of experts.
Recognizing that "nurturing talent early is invaluable," in 2016, Trung used his personal scholarship, along with students, researchers, and the University of Science, to organize the PiMA Summer Camp for Mathematical and Applied Research. After eight years, PiMA has brought the most advanced applications in machine learning, data science, and bioinformatics to hundreds of talented students. Many of them are now pursuing research at top universities worldwide or working at major technology corporations.
“This initial success made me seriously consider returning to Vietnam permanently to contribute to my homeland,” Dr. Trung confided. While debating whether to stay or return home, he learned about the VNU350 program at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. Seeing that the program's goals “aligned with my initial aspirations and motivations,” Trung decided to apply and was selected as a lecturer in the Faculty of Information Technology, University of Science.
“Returning to my homeland, every day has meaning for me. Besides the challenging new job, I also have the opportunity to learn more about my own country,” Dr. Trung shared. He also had the chance to participate in selecting and training gifted mathematics students at the high school level, thereby inspiring students in many localities where access to experts is limited.
The horizon holds people flying.
After more than a year of implementation, by November 2025, the VNU350 Program had received 145 applications, with 49 scientists selected and 32 candidates from the second round of 2025 awaiting interview results from various units. Many candidates come from countries with advanced education systems such as the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, having been trained at leading educational institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), California Institute of Technology, University of Vienna, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich (LMU), Seoul National University (SNU), University of Tokyo, and National University of Singapore (NUS). They are leading research in key areas such as artificial intelligence, computer science (intelligent systems, cybersecurity), biotechnology, renewable energy, medicine, robotics, and information security modeling.
Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan stated that after being admitted and working at units under the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, the scientists maintained an active research pace, regularly publishing in prestigious international journals with approximately 60 articles (many of which are in Q1 and Q2). At the same time, they proactively implemented projects with high application value, developing advanced technological solutions such as AI-powered medical diagnostic systems, medical support robots, biomedical science, pharmacology, logistics, and information security models…
Dr. Can Tran Thanh Trung believes there are three major challenges for young scientists returning to Vietnam. Firstly, administrative processes and procedures remain complex. He argues that scientists shouldn't be constrained by too many procedures and imposed results, but rather need academic freedom and the willingness to take risks when pursuing new ideas that may not necessarily succeed. He hopes that with the government's digital transformation orientation, procedures will become more streamlined, clearer, and more accessible.
Secondly, the culture of collaborative research and training between universities and businesses is still limited. Businesses have practical problems, while universities have experts and high-quality research personnel. Both need forums and joint projects to build trust, share benefits, and create practical applications.
“Retaining talent is not just about compensation, but about creating an inspiring environment that nurtures academic aspirations, expands international collaboration, and allows each individual to see their own progress year after year. When this is backed by a consistent strategy and long-term commitment, scientists will choose to stay – not because they were invited, but because they genuinely want to contribute.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan
Thirdly, there's the challenge of retaining talent. In developed countries, this is a top priority. In Vietnam, this challenge remains significant and requires a professional, fair working environment with appropriate compensation so that young scientists can confidently dedicate themselves to their work.
Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan observed: “Attracting talent is only the first step. Retaining and developing talent is the true measure of a research university's capacity.” The Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City has designed a development model with three “spaces”: autonomy, development, and contribution. Besides financial support, facilities, and a research environment, the most important thing is academic freedom and space for each scientist to fully develop their abilities.
According to the Government's Action Program to implement Resolution 71 on breakthroughs in education and training, the goal is to recruit 2,000 excellent lecturers from abroad by 2030.
"The horizon is where people fly" is a poetic phrase by poet Tran Dan, which is the title of a book about Vietnamese researchers whose work has impacted the nation's intellectual journey. When the space for return is wide and high enough, "those who fly have horizons" in every generation are willing to return and work together to build and develop the country.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/bua-com-binh-di-va-to-quoc-goi-ten-hang-chuc-tien-si-ve-nuoc-2489438.html
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