Le Thi Anh Tram, Head of the VNUHCMC Personnel Organization Department, stated that visiting professors will be appointed by the university's director. They will work part-time, conducting either teaching or scientific research, directly or online.

VNUHCM plans to appoint 100 visiting professors in 2025-2030, with 50 invitations and appointments in 2025 and 2026.

The program targets distinguished associate professors, professors, experts, and scientists from universities and research institutes who have outstanding achievements. Those who have a doctorate only need to have at least 10 years of experience to be invited.

Candidates need to have outstanding achievements in teaching, research, and technology transfer, evidenced by international publications, patents, and technological products.

Under the program, priority will be given to certain fields, including biotechnology, biomedicine, chip- semiconductors, AI, digital transformation, materials technology, new energy, modern logistics, international finance, climate change, sustainable development, and Vietnamese history and culture.

Visiting professors will be appointed for a maximum of five years or a minimum of onr year, with the possibility of extension.

"We invite, not recruit. When we 'invite', we will set standards and conditions which are different from recruited officers," said Vu Hai Quan, director of VNUHCM.

Visiting professors will receive competitive wages, travel, and accommodation allowances. They will also have access to modern facilities, laboratories, and research resources at VNUHCM’s member schools.

Each professor must spend at least 10 days per year on-site. They are expected to plan and participate in teaching (in-person or online), prepare for organizing scientific workshops, mentor doctoral students, and support international collaboration and strong research groups.

Quan said that appointing 100 visiting professors aims to enhance teaching quality but also promote scientific research and innovation at VNUHCM. They are expected to contribute to and improve talent training programs, share experiences, and update students on the latest technologies and knowledge. They will also engage in startup activities, and help students develop highly practical business ideas and projects.

VNUHCM will begin accepting applications from March 2025, and organize an evaluation committee assessing candidates based on competency and achievements. Selected candidates will undergo in-person or online interviews before formal appointment.

For candidates with exceptional accomplishments endorsed by a reputable VNUHCM scientist, the evaluation committee can directly propose an invitation and appointment to the university director without having to undergo the standard appointment process.

Quan told VietNamNet that seven individuals with doctorates who graduated from the world’s leading universities returned to Vietnam in 2024 to work for VNUHCMC. The universities are listed among the QS World Rankings’ top 100.

Thanh Hung