On 31 December 2021, the National University Ho Chi Minh City Council ratified a resolution to overhaul the operational framework of the VNUHCM-University of Science. In 2022, this institution entered a new phase of development, aligning its operations with the Government’s Decree 99/2021/ND-CP. Its mission is to serve as a pivotal centre for training and research, focusing on applying scientific and technological expertise to support the nation’s socio-economic growth. The University is actively establishing a legal framework, modernising its governance model, enhancing educational programmes, and upgrading its infrastructure to suit evolving circumstances.

Although the initial stages of implementing the new operational model have posed substantial challenges, they also present opportunities for transformative growth and sustainability. With over 80 years of historical significance, driven by the dedication and creativity of its faculty and students, the University of Science possesses a rich heritage that serves as a robust foundation for maximising its potential. The focus remains on advancing education and research in both fundamental and cutting-edge scientific and technological domains.

Recently, universities worldwide have begun to adopt a “third mission,” which extends beyond training and research to include community engagement. This concept emphasises the connection between research outcomes and commercialisation, involving activities such as innovation, patenting, technology transfer, and partnerships with the business sector. The University of Science is responding to this trend by implementing training and extracurricular initiatives that aim to enhance student and faculty engagement, thus delivering meaningful contributions to the community.

Recent Achievements and Future Aspirations

In 2022, the University hosted numerous scientific conferences, including the XIII University of Science Conference in collaboration with the Military Academy of Science and Technology, yielding 583 high-quality reports. Other significant events included the International Conference on Physics and the GIS and its Applications Conference. State-level and local cooperation projects for the year garnered approximately VND 13 billion in funding. Notably, the University’s researchers published 606 articles in prestigious journals indexed in Scopus, including impactful work such as “Save the Mekong Delta from drowning.”

The institution’s students excelled nationally, entering 56 projects in the Euréka Scientific Research Awards, and clinching numerous prizes. Internationally, research groups from the Faculty of Information Technology achieved top results at SHREC 2022 and the HCMUSBurnedTomatoes team was recognised for its outstanding performance at IEEExtreme 2022.

Awards and accolades were bestowed upon faculty members and students alike. The University’s researchers led by Assoc. Prof. Trần Văn Hiếu received the Viet Nam Science and Technology Innovation Award, while several lecturers achieved national recognition for their contributions to science and technology.

Fostering Talent and Community Engagement

The University has also made strides in nurturing talents, particularly through the International Mathematics Olympiad, where students were awarded top prizes. VNUHCM-University of Science has allocated substantial funds for scholarships to high-achieving students and has set record enrolment numbers in key programmes aimed at driving scientific and technological advancement.

Various initiatives support student academic pursuits and research, including contests and incubation programmes. Currently, 297 projects are under way, with significant funding directed towards interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Distinguished lecturers and students from the University have garnered numerous awards and titles, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. Noteworthy alumni are greatly contributing to Viet Nam’s global standing in science and technology.

Conclusion

Despite ongoing challenges, the achievements of VNUHCM-University of Science’s faculty and students form invaluable assets that enrich the institution. This legacy, marked by both historical contributions and contemporary accomplishments, stands as a testament to the joy shared among all who are part of this vibrant educational community.

Awards and Recognitions Achieved by Individuals and Groups at VNUHCM-University of Science

1. Collegiate Scientific Research Award – Euréka:

•    A total of 56 projects participated, with ten advancing to the final round;
•    Achievements included: 1 First Prize, 2 Second Prizes, 2 Third Prizes, 2 Consolation Prizes.

2. International Competitions:

•    Physics Olympiad: Overall first place;
•    Mathematics Olympiad: Top award in the country;
•    Biology Olympiad: Third place.

3. Research Achievements:

•    Viet Nam Science and Technology Innovation Award: Awarded to the research group led by Assoc. Prof. Trần Văn Hiếu;
•    Golden Globe in Science and Technology: Presented to Dr. Trương Lâm Sơn Hải and Dr. Trần Thị Như Hoa.

4. Honours and Titles:

•    Typical Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City: Awarded to Dr. Trần Thị Như Hoa;
•    Second Class Labour Medal: Conferred upon student Nguyễn Việt Phong;
•    Third Class Labour Medals: Awarded to students Lê Hữu Nghĩa and Phạm Hoàng Sơn.

5. Lecturer Awards:

•    Outstanding Teacher Titles: Prof. Châu Văn Tạo (1982-2022) and Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình (2021);
•    Kovalevkaia Prize: Awarded to Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mai;
•    Lecturer of the Year 2022: Three lecturers received this accolade;
•    Awards for excellence in online teaching.

6. Outstanding Students in Science and Technology: Two students were honoured with this title.
7. Science and Technology Award: Awarded to various laboratories and lecturers from VNUHCM.

Total Awards Listed:

• Collegiate Scientific Research Award (various prizes)
• Physics Olympiad Award
• Mathematics Olympiad Award
• Biology Olympiad Award
• Viet Nam Science and Technology Innovation Award
• Golden Globe in Science and Technology (2 recipients)
• Typical Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City
• Second Class Labour Medal
• Third Class Labour Medals (2 students)
• Outstanding Teacher Titles (2 professors)
• Kovalevkaia Prize
• Lecturer of the Year (3 lecturers)
• Awards for Excellent Online Teaching (2 lecturers)
• Outstanding Students in Science and Technology (2 students)
• Science and Technology Award (various recipients)