Coming home to build the next generation

The atmosphere resembled a research seminar more than an undergraduate lecture.

A few hundred metres away, in a laboratory at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Dr Lương Minh Báu was discussing hydrogen-powered engine models with his graduate students.

Before returning to Hà Nội, he had spent more than a decade conducting research in South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Their stories are different, yet together they illustrate a growing trend in Việt Nam's higher education sector.

After years of concern over the country's brain drain, an increasing number of overseas Vietnamese scientists are choosing to return as universities invest more heavily in research and build internationally competitive academic environments.

Returning to where it all began

For Dr Liên, HUST is far more than a workplace.

She grew up in the university's residential compound, directly opposite the iconic Parabol Gate. Those childhood memories shaped her dream of becoming a HUST student and, eventually, a lecturer at the university.

"I have been part of HUST since I was a child," she told Việt Nam News. "It is a very special kind of love. It was the only university I applied to, and I always believed it was where I wanted to spend my entire career."

After graduating in mechanical engineering, she moved to France to pursue a master's degree, then a doctorate and remained there for nearly three decades, conducting research and developing advanced technologies.

During that time, she worked on projects involving augmented reality, IoT/smarthome and cold plasma, while also securing several patents.

Despite building a successful career overseas, returning to Việt Nam was always part of her plan.

"I always wanted to come back because I knew there was still so much to do in science and technology in Việt Nam. My only concern was whether I would still be able to pursue research."

She found the answer soon after joining HUST.

"I am living proof that it is entirely possible to continue doing research in Việt Nam. If you are looking for a dynamic research environment, you can absolutely find it here."

According to Dr Liên, one of the strengths of HUST Talent is that it does not focus solely on recruiting researchers with outstanding academic records. It also welcomes scientists with experience in technology transfer and innovation.

Within months of returning, she established a cold plasma research group to develop applications in healthcare, agriculture and energy while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.

Beyond producing scientific publications, however, her greatest ambition is to inspire students to pursue research.

"I want students to realise that scientific research is not something distant or unattainable. With the right environment, a good idea can become a product that serves society."

Choosing to return

If Dr Liên returned after nearly 30 years in France, Dr Báu represents a younger generation of scientists returning at the height of their careers.

After 12 years studying and conducting research in South Korea and Saudi Arabia, he had every opportunity to remain overseas. Instead, he chose to return to Việt Nam to establish his own research team and help train future engineers and scientists.

"While living abroad, I often asked myself where I could make the greatest contribution. After years of studying and conducting research, I realised that what I truly wanted was not simply to advance my own career, but to build a research group, educate students and help solve the country's challenges."

He chose HUST because he saw how rapidly its research environment was evolving.

"Scientific research at HUST has changed tremendously since I was a student. Laboratories are much better equipped, and students now have far more opportunities to engage in research."

Soon after returning, he founded CEELab, a research group focusing on clean energy, high-efficiency engines and battery technologies - fields considered essential to Việt Nam's energy transition.

Yet what impressed him most was not the facilities, but the students themselves.

"Beyond the incentive policies, what gives me the greatest confidence is HUST's students. They have strong STEM foundations, are eager to learn and are willing to tackle difficult problems."

That enthusiasm is equally evident from the students' perspective.

Trần Ngọc Quý, a member of Dr Báu's research team, said the greatest lesson he had learned was not limited to technical knowledge.

"He encourages us to identify our own research directions instead of simply following existing topics. That has helped us become more independent and more confident, whether we enter industry or continue our studies abroad."

According to lecturer Phạm Nguyễn Thanh Loan, the return of overseas scientists has brought fresh perspectives not only to students but also to fellow academics.

"This is a very open-minded policy. Scientists returning from overseas bring new approaches, valuable research experience and an innovative mindset. They not only establish strong research groups but also inspire colleagues and students alike."

That is precisely the objective behind HUST Talent.

Professor Vũ Văn Yêm, Vice Director of HUST, said the programme is designed not merely to recruit accomplished scientists, but to build an academic ecosystem where they can teach, conduct research, collaborate with industry and lead strong research groups. Within its first six months, the initiative attracted 14 scientists back to the university.