The output of international publications of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) has reached a significant milestone of nearly 1,200 articles, representing a sustained growth over the past four years and placing it at the forefront of Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM).
Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong, HCMUT’s President, announced on January 4 that the university has consistently increased publications within the prominent WoS and Scopus databases over the last four years. Notably, the disciplines of computer science, mathematics, energy, pharmaceutical chemistry, molecular biology, and advanced materials have experienced the most substantial expansion. Between 2018 and 2024, the university secured 73 intellectual property rights and executed over 5,000 technology transfer agreements, generating revenues exceeding VND1 trillion (US$39.4 million).
Beyond the quantitative increase, the quality of scholarly output has also seen marked improvement. Publications in Q2 journals and above (representing the top 50% of journals within a given field) now constitute more than half of the university’s output. Furthermore, approximately 8-10% of articles are published in the top 20 journals within their respective fields.

On a national level, VNU-HCM leads in international publications with 3,168 articles, with HCMUT contributing a significant 37.5% to this achievement.
Prof Dr Mai Thanh Phong articulated the university’s strategic ambition to become a leading research institution nationally, emphasizing long-term investment in infrastructure and supportive policies to facilitate this objective. Currently, HCMUT houses 68 research groups, including 6 designated as “strong research groups” with funding from VNU-HCM. He attributed the growth in international publications partly to the university’s shift towards an autonomous operational model and the implementation of a structured faculty position framework. This framework clearly defines the research responsibilities of each faculty member, coupled with a transparent salary, income, and performance-based bonus system.
Currently, the average monthly incomes for a professor and an associate professor are VND60 million ($2,360) and VND 50 million ($1,970) respectively, and for newly recruited Doctors around VND25 million ($985). In addition to project funding, the university provides financial support for impactful, high-quality scholarly publications.
Shortly, HCMUT plans to complete a comprehensive program to support the development of research groups, aiming to cultivate high-performing teams equipped to tackle real-world challenges. This program will focus on critical areas including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced materials, microchip technology, autonomous systems, and achieving net-zero emissions.
Simultaneously, the university will intensify its focus on applied research, the commercialization of research outcomes, and the creation of spin-off companies, thereby cultivating a thriving startup ecosystem.
According to VNExpress