The strategy was shared by Associate Professor Doctor Tran Le Quan, Rector of the HCM University of Science (HCMUS), Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, at the ceremony commemorating the university's 85th tradition and 30th establishment anniversaries.

He stated the university currently has 18,000 undergraduate students and 2,500 postgraduate students in natural and fundamental science disciplines. Lecturers holding doctoral degrees or higher constitute 60% of the faculty, including 76 professors and 246 PhDs.

The number of the university's scientific publications has grown steadily by 10-15% annually. In the past 5 years, the university published nearly 4,000 articles on the Scopus database.

By 2030, HCMUS aims to enhance faculty quality, doubling the number of lecturers with doctoral degrees to nearly 650. Half of these are expected to hold full professor or associate professor titles. Concurrently, postgraduate training enrollment is projected to increase by 35%, and the number of scientific publications is also expected to double.

These objectives are part of the overall growth strategy for Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

The HCM University of Science originated as the College of Science, part of the Indochina University. It was later renamed the University of Science, commonly known as Khoa hoc Dai hoc duong, in 1953.

Four years later, its name changed again to Saigon University of Science, affiliated with Saigon University. It then merged with the University of Letters to form the Ho Chi Minh City General University in 1977. In 3/1996, the university officially adopted its current name, HCM University of Science, becoming a member of the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City system.

Associate Professor Doctor Tran Le Quan expressed pride in the university's continuous contributions to the nation and Ho Chi Minh City over the years. These contributions include leading scientists, experts, exemplary young talents, and numerous science and technology awards, patents, and inventions. He believes that with its rich tradition and aspiration for growth, the university will realize its 2025-2030 strategic plan.

Associate Professor Doctor Tran Le Quan, Rector, reviewed the achievements of the HCM University of Science on the afternoon of 28/3. Photo: Thanh Tu

At the ceremony, Professor Doctor Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Director of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, shared personal insights as an alumna, lecturer, and administrator of the university. She brought her bachelor's degree in Chemistry, proudly stating she was among the first cohort of students to receive degrees when the university was renamed HCM University of Science in 1996.

"The HCM University of Science has been a profound part of my journey of growth", said Doctor Mai. "I understand the value of every class hour, every experiment, the research quietly and persistently conducted, and even the failures that led to success here."

According to her, HCMUS's strength lies not only in its rich tradition but also in its capacity for self-renewal, academic prowess, and pioneering spirit. Professor Mai assessed that while the university has a strong foundation and faculty, it still has significant room for development and innovation.

The Director of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, expects the university to become a strong fundamental science center, paving the way for strategic technologies linked to practical research. To achieve this, the university needs to foster a learning environment that stimulates independent thinking, encourages early student research, and provides opportunities and motivation for students to access modern laboratories and pursue long-term research careers.

Professor Doctor Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai brought her bachelor's degree from the HCM University of Science onto the stage on the afternoon of 28/3. Photo: Thanh Tu

Le Nguyen