 |
For the first time in the field of health sciences, a Vietnamese medical education institution and one of France’s leading universities have launched a joint doctoral program featuring co-supervision and a dual PhD degree. The agreement between the VNU University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Paris-Saclay University not only creates opportunities for young physicians to access international-standard doctoral training, but also marks a significant step forward in implementing major national strategies on the development of science, technology, education, and healthcare promoted by the Party and the State.
According to the agreement signed on June 11 by Prof. Le Ngoc Thanh and Prof. Sandrine Ongrie, acting under the authorization of President Gallap, doctoral candidates enrolled in the joint program will be supervised by two advisors - one from each institution working on a shared research topic. They will defend their dissertation before a joint doctoral committee, and upon meeting all academic requirements, will be awarded two doctoral degrees: one from VNU University of Medicine and Pharmacy and one from Paris-Saclay University.
During the 3-6 years of doctoral study, candidates are required to spend a minimum of 12 months at Paris-Saclay. Currently, Paris-Saclay University hosts more than 4,500 doctoral students across all academic disciplines. Under this newly established framework agreement, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy is the first institution in Vietnam’s health sciences sector to establish a joint doctoral training program with a world-leading university.
According to the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Paris-Saclay University is ranked among the world's top 20 universities and is recognized as the leading university in France.
 |
Prof. Le Ngoc Thanh commented that the dual doctoral degree program provides an excellent opportunity for the university’s students to study and conduct research within a highly advanced institution of international standing. Drawing on the experience of medical workforce training in Vietnam in recent years, he emphasized the importance of academic exchange and collaboration with leading universities worldwide. He noted that the leadership VNU and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy strongly support and facilitate the expansion of such international cooperation.
Prof. Le Ngoc Thanh further stated that since 2020, the university has actively pursued international partnerships to enhance the quality of education and scientific research. The University of Medicine and Pharmacy regularly organizes foreign-language training courses for its faculty members and encourages lecturers to increase the use of foreign languages in teaching.
The implementation of the joint supervision and dual doctoral degree program represents a concrete step toward realizing major Party resolutions concerning science and technology, education, and healthcare. It also reflects the university’s strong commitment to developing a highly qualified healthcare workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of public health and medical care in Vietnam.
