Every year, Vietnam recognises 41 new professors and 255 new associate professors. The numbers prove to be lower than the numbers of professors retiring.

Tran Hoai Linh, 35, the youngest Associate Professor

In November 2004, the rate of associate professors who were working and above 55 years old and that of associate professors below 55 years old were nearly the same.

On April 21, 29 members of the State Professorship Council discussed the implementation of the government’s decision on recognising and presenting the titles of professor and associate professor.

It is expected that the granting of professor and associate professor titles will still be made based on the total marks candidates have for scientific articles and books, scientific research works, and guidance of postgraduates.

According to Prof Tran Van Nhung, Secretary General of the State Professorship Council, the new regulations will place greater value on good scientific articles published in professional journals in Vietnam and the world. The articles will get three marks instead of one as previously applied.

As for the title of associate professor, candidates have to chair at least two scientific research works at the grassroots level (previously, only one was required) or one scientific research work at the ministerial level. The regulations will be valid as of 2011.

Prof Nguyen Trong Giang, President of the Hanoi University of Technology, said that the procedures for granting titles of professor and associate professor are more complicated than those applied in other countries and need to be simplified.

Giang said that the Hanoi University of Technology now has 1,000 lecturers who are under 35 years old; it is difficult for them to work as the heads of scientific research works at the ministerial or state levels.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thien Nhan, it is now the transition period before the autonomy mechanism is applied at universities.

Nhan said that the document guiding the recognition and granting of professors and associate professors will be promulgated in May at the latest.

Ha Anh