Among Vietnam’s two pharmacy professor candidates in 2025, one trained entirely abroad, including at the oldest university in the Americas, while the other was educated completely in Vietnam. Both boast impressive research careers.
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Thanh Tung. Photo: Vietnam National University
According to the official list, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Thanh Tung, born in 1982, is the youngest candidate for the pharmacy professorship title this year.
He currently serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Hanoi University of Pharmacy.
Tung hails from Yen Quang, Y Yen, formerly part of Nam Dinh Province.
Before entering academia, he worked as a researcher at the Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Drug Quality Control, and at Traphaco Pharmaceutical Company in Hanoi.
His academic journey was largely conducted abroad and followed a rigorous path.
Dr. Bui Thanh Tung graduated from the University of La Habana (Cuba) in 2007, one of the oldest universities in the Americas, established in 1728.
He later earned his Master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in medicinal plants, from Chosun University in Gwangju, South Korea, in 2011, followed by a PhD in pharmacology from the University of Sevilla, Spain.
In 2018, at the age of 36, he was officially recognized by the State Council for Professorship Titles as an Associate Professor.
Over the past decade, Dr. Tung has built an impressive academic profile.
To date, he has published 149 scientific papers, including 49 in reputable international journals.
He has led three scientific research projects, supervised one doctoral candidate to completion, co-supervised another, and is currently supervising four PhD candidates.
Not only prolific in academic publishing, he also holds 11 patents and utility solutions, mostly related to herbal drug formulation and natural compounds supporting disease treatment, significantly reducing treatment costs for patients.
In terms of academic contributions, Dr. Tung is the author of one textbook, one monograph (published by Vietnam National University Press), two international reference books (published by Apple Academic Press and CRC Press), and 17 book chapters with renowned publishers such as IGI Global, Wiley, and Elsevier.
His two main research areas are:
Assessing the pharmacological effects, mechanisms, and toxicity of medicinal herbs and natural compounds at the molecular level.
Applying virtual screening technologies to develop natural-derived drugs with high pharmacological efficacy and low toxicity.
In the same year he was appointed Associate Professor (2018), Dr. Tung received the Science and Technology Award from Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
In 2024, he was honored with the University’s "Teacher of the Year" award for his outstanding contributions in both research and education.
He has also been named an "Outstanding Emulation Soldier" for seven consecutive years.
Over 11 years of teaching, he has been recognized by his colleagues for his integrity, exemplary lifestyle, and strong spirit of unity.
Veteran scholar Tran Viet Hung also nominated for professorship
Joining Dr. Bui Thanh Tung as a 2025 professor candidate in the field of pharmacy is Associate Professor Dr. Tran Viet Hung, born in 1972.
Hung is from An Noi, Binh Luc, formerly part of Ha Nam Province.
He is currently Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Drug Quality Control and Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia Council under the Ministry of Health.
He graduated from Hanoi University of Pharmacy in 1994 and obtained his PhD in pharmacy, specializing in traditional medicinal plants, from the same university in 2007.
He was awarded the title of Professor in 2015.
Dr. Hung has supervised 13 PhD students, including six who have successfully defended their theses.
He has led three national-level research projects, two ministerial-level projects, and one city-level initiative.
His academic portfolio includes 215 scientific publications, with 28 indexed in ISI and Scopus journals, as well as 13 specialized books and two utility solutions.
In recognition of his contributions, he has received commendations from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health.
These two candidates reflect the breadth of Vietnam’s scientific talent: Dr. Bui Thanh Tung represents the new generation of internationally trained scholars, while Dr. Tran Viet Hung stands as a seasoned domestic expert with deep roots in the country’s pharmaceutical quality control system.
Vietnamnet.vn
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