Quy Nhon University speaks out

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Cong Huong, who is accused of selling scientific research papers, worked for over a decade at Quy Nhon University (Binh Dinh province). In March 2023, he transferred to a university in Ho Chi Minh City. He currently works at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry.

The sale of the research paper occurred while he was a full-time lecturer at Quy Nhon University. At that time, he had signed scientific research cooperation contracts with Ton Duc Thang University and Thu Dau Mot University.

On October 4th, in response to VTC News, a representative of the leadership of Quy Nhon University stated that the university only learned about the controversy after the incident, that Professor Huong had worked for several other educational institutions throughout his career.

The Civil Servant Law stipulates that lecturers have the right to sign contracts for work outside of working hours, but they must complete the assigned tasks at their current workplace and obtain the approval of the school's leadership before cooperating with another unit.

"Therefore, Mr. Huong was wrong according to civil servant regulations because he completed his duties but did not report to the school's leadership," this person said.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Cong Huong. (Photo: HN)

The leader added that in all the school's meetings, no lecturer had complained about the school's income level; in fact, many wanted to apply to work at the school. Therefore, Mr. Huong's statement about economic difficulties is incorrect.

"The university always creates the best conditions for its faculty and staff to ensure their material and spiritual well-being. In the case of Professor Huong, the university even facilitates several-month overseas assignments for him to collaborate on scientific research projects," the leader of Quy Nhon University added.

"If there are any violations, research topic disputes, or issues related to finances, the school will provide clarification and take action. Following this incident, the school also hopes for specific regulations and sanctions regarding the development of intellectual resources and the management of intellectual property and products. This will allow units to apply and regulate these regulations more appropriately and comprehensively," the leader added.

Quy Nhon University (Binh Dinh province), where Professor Huong worked for more than a decade.

According to Mr. Pham Trung Kien, Head of the Administrative and Organizational Department of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, Professor Huong started working at the university in March 2023. During that time, he consistently complied with the university's regulations and successfully fulfilled his duties as a lecturer. Professor Huong also pledged to strictly adhere to the university's regulations and contribute to the development of education .

Previously, on October 31st, a "report on violations of scientific integrity by Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Cong Huong" was sent to the Nafosted Foundation's executive board, the Nafosted Foundation's mathematics sector council, and numerous agencies and scientists.

According to MathSciNet statistics (an online mathematics directory database of the American Mathematical Society), author Dinh Cong Huong has a total of 42 scientific research works, of which 13 are affiliated with Ton Duc Thang University and 4 are affiliated with Thu Dau Mot University.

His scientific articles published in journals from 2020 to 2022 did not list Quy Nhon University as his workplace, but instead listed the addresses of two other institutions.

According to scientists, this is "a serious violation of scientific integrity resulting from the buying and selling of international publications for emerging universities."

Mr. Huong has requested to withdraw his name from the list of members of the Nafosted Foundation's Mathematics Council and has apologized for any impact on the council.

"To earn money and improve my economic situation, I only know how to rely on my abilities and intelligence. I use my intelligence to earn extra income and build a better life."

Regarding the extent of right and wrong in this matter, I honestly don't know what to say right now. It depends on each person's perspective, but I personally feel very uneasy," Mr. Huong told Dan Tri newspaper.

Lam Ngoc

Source: https://vtc.vn/vu-nha-toan-hoc-bi-to-ban-bai-nghien-cuu-truong-dai-hoc-quy-nhon-len-tieng-ar831863.html