Gen 17 proudly takes the name of Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest, President and Rector of USTH – a dedicated leader who has played a pivotal role in the University’s remarkable development over the past five years and has helped build bridges of knowledge and cooperation between Vietnam and France.
Every generation of university students arrives with a story of its own – dreams that have yet to take shape, potential waiting to be unlocked, aspirations waiting to be nurtured, and a journey of growth that is only just beginning.
Since 2022, USTH has nurtured a distinctive academic tradition: each incoming class is named after a renowned scientist, educator, or leader who has made a lasting contribution to the University’s development. Each name gives a generation its own identity while carrying a story and a source of inspiration for students to carry forward.
Over the years, this tradition has become a thread connecting generations of USTHers. When students identify themselves by the name of their cohort, they carry not only a sense of pride in being part of USTH, but also the confidence to continue a journey of scientific discovery and service to society inspired by those who came before them – while creating a story of their own through their knowledge, aspirations, and individual contributions.
As the 2026–2027 academic year begins, Gen 17 proudly takes the name of Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest, President and Rector of USTH – a dedicated leader who has played a pivotal role in the University’s remarkable development over the past five years and has helped build bridges of knowledge and cooperation between Vietnam and France.
A dedicated leader who has helped shape USTH
Before joining USTH in October 2021, Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest had already built an accomplished international career in research and higher education leadership. After earning an engineering degree in electrical engineering and a PhD in Artificial Vision from the University of Clermont-Ferrand, he devoted his career to computer science and automation. His work has resulted in hundreds of international publications and six patents, alongside extensive experience in translating research into real-world applications, including through the co-founding of two startups.
His academic leadership career spans a number of prominent positions at leading institutions and international organizations. He served as Vice President of the University of Auvergne, Director of the University Institute of Technology of Auvergne, Director of the French Institute of Advanced Mechanics, Rector of the French University in Armenia (UFAR), and Director of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). His contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors from the Governments of France and Armenia.
In 2021, following his selection and nomination by the French Government, Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest was appointed by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) as President and Rector of USTH. With a clear strategic vision and a pioneering spirit, he has worked alongside the Vietnamese and French leadership teams to build on USTH’s French-Vietnamese academic heritage and strengthen the University’s position in Vietnam’s higher education landscape, particularly in science and technology. Today, USTH stands as a distinctive embodiment of the enduring friendship and academic cooperation between Vietnam and France.
During his two terms in office, USTH has reached a number of significant milestones under Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest’s leadership. In 2023, USTH became one of the few Vietnamese higher education institutions to receive accreditation from the French High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES), as well as the youngest university in Vietnam to achieve this international accreditation.
In 2026, on its first participation in the QS Stars assessment by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), USTH received a four-star rating, classified as “Very Good.”
The University’s development has also received strong support and recognition from the Governments of Vietnam and France. In 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron visited USTH and delivered the only public speech of his State Visit to Vietnam at the University. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited USTH in early 2026, while Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan visited the University twice, in 2022 and 2025.
In 2024, USTH was honored with a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister of Vietnam in recognition of its outstanding and exceptional achievements in international cooperation, contributing to stronger partnerships with international institutions, particularly the Republic of France.
Beyond his achievements as a leader and scientist, Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest is also a respected teacher to USTH students and a warm, approachable colleague to the USTH staff and lecturers.
Gen 17 – Write your own story
Dear Gen 17,
You are joining USTH at an important moment in the University’s journey, as we enter a period of transformation and pursues its ambition to become one of the leading universities in science and technology in Vietnam and the region. Your generation brings new energy, new ideas, and new possibilities – helping USTH write the next chapter of our story.
You are also entering university at a time when science and technology are at the heart of Vietnam’s national development strategy. As the future generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and global citizens, you will have an important role to play in shaping the new era.
Naming Gen 17 after Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest is a reflection of USTH’s trust in and expectations for our new students.
Learn with the curiosity of a scientist. Step into the world with the confidence of a global citizen. Use knowledge to create meaningful value and leave your own distinctive mark. And serve your country with talent, integrity, and a sense of responsibility.
Welcome to USTH, Gen 17 – Jean-Marc Lavest!
Your journey starts here. Embrace every challenge, stay curious, and have the courage to dream big. Above all, make this chapter your own – and write a story you will be proud to carry with you for years to come.
