The seminar titled “Sharing Experiences and Guiding the Path to Meeting the Criteria for Associate Professorship,” co-hosted by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) and University of Economics and Finance (UEF) on March 27, provided valuable insights and practical guidance for faculty members pursuing the title of Associate Professor.
The seminar received enthusiastic attention and engagement from faculty members
At the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thai Van Nam – Secretary of the Institutional Council for Academic Titles and Director of the Institute of Graduate Studies at HUTECH – delivered an in-depth presentation on the criteria for attaining the title of Associate Professor. He emphasized four key pillars: teaching activities, foreign language proficiency, professional ethics, and scientific research achievements.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thai Van Nam shared detailed insights into the criteria for attaining the title of Associate Professor
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thai Van Nam offered a detailed analysis of key criteria such as standard teaching hour requirements, evidence of educational publications, and experience in supervising graduate students and doctoral candidates. His insights not only provided valuable academic knowledge but also helped lecturers better understand their roles and responsibilities within a modern academic environment.
He also emphasized the importance of career planning through teaching, research, and academic publications. Proactively developing a comprehensive plan, conducting research projects, and continuously updating professional knowledge are key factors in maintaining depth and continuity in one’s academic career.
One notable topic highlighted during the seminar was the recent updates in the regulations for recognizing the title of Associate Professor — particularly the requirements regarding evidence of research activities. Specifically, candidates must provide documentation confirming their role as principal investigator, such as a project assignment decision, an acceptance report, or an official decision recognizing the results of a scientific and technological task. Additionally, the research project must align with the candidate’s registered academic discipline.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thai Van Nam emphasized the importance of proactively developing an overall career plan
In addition, the seminar clarified the types of scientific research projects that are recognized as equivalent to ministerial-level projects under current standards. These include: NAFOSTED-funded projects; provincial/city-level projects approved by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the People's Committee as part of the Department of Science and Technology's plan; projects under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Type A and B projects (equivalent to ministerial level) and Type C projects (institutional level) under Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City; as well as projects under Thai Nguyen University, Hue University, and the University of Da Nang that have been evaluated and accepted through a two-tier assessment process.
Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thai Van Nam provided detailed guidance on the application process, including how to calculate equivalent scores and important notes when completing the required forms — offering practical support to faculty members in preparing their dossiers for Associate Professorship recognition.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Kien encourages building a sustainable pathway toward achieving
Associate Professorship and Professorship titles
The seminar provided insightful exchanges to support faculty in their academic advancement
More than just an academic sharing session, the seminar created a profound intellectual space for dialogue — where faculty members from HUTECH and UEF were able to connect, find inspiration, and gain renewed motivation to design a well-structured and sustainable career development roadmap. This, in turn, empowers them to gradually establish their academic presence while contributing to the University’s overall scholarly advancement at the national level.
News by: Hong Loan
Photos by: Quoc Dat
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