Distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kretschmann; Prof. Walter Frenz of RWTH Aachen University, Germany; Prof. Askar Imashev of Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Kazakhstan; and researchers from Viet Nam and abroad.
Representing HUMG were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Truong, President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Vinh and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Khanh, Vice Presidents; Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Hai, former President; representatives of the University’s faculty leadership teams; alumni who had studied in Germany; and numerous staff members, lecturers, and outstanding students.
An overview of the ceremony
Professor Kretschmann’s cooperation with HUMG began in 2002, when he first visited Viet Nam. He returned in 2003 to deliver the first international training course at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. In 2011, as President of Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola (THGA), Germany, he signed a cooperation agreement with HUMG, laying the foundation for a wide range of joint activities between the two institutions.
Over more than two decades, Professor Kretschmann has actively supported doctoral training, staff development, faculty and student exchanges, and research collaboration. He has also helped expand HUMG’s international cooperation network by fostering links with the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) and supporting international academic conferences. In particular, he was one of the initiators of the EMMA international conference series in 2013, helping it develop into a respected academic forum for economic management in mineral activities and sustainable development.
Dr. Le Duc Vinh, Head of the Personnel Department, announced the decision conferring the title of Honorary Professor on Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kretschmann
Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Truong commended Professor Kretschmann’s contributions to HUMG’s academic development and the expansion of its international partnerships. The President emphasised that the title recognised the Professor’s achievements and reflected the University’s deep appreciation for a trusted colleague and friend whose ties with HUMG span more than two decades. His acceptance of the title was also an honour for HUMG. The University expressed its hope that he would continue to share his expertise, support young researchers, and contribute to HUMG’s next stage of development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Truong, President of HUMG, addressed the ceremony
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Truong, President of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, presented the decision conferring the title of Honorary Professor on Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kretschmann
Accepting the title of Honorary Professor, Professor Kretschmann expressed his surprise and deep sense of honour at receiving this recognition from HUMG. Reflecting on more than two decades of cooperation, he recalled his first visit to Viet Nam in 2002 and the subsequent research and cooperation in mining and environmental protection, alongside efforts to build links with mining enterprises. He particularly valued this relationship because the cooperation had contributed not only to the University’s development but also significantly to his own academic career. He expressed his delight at witnessing HUMG’s progress and his wish to continue teaching and conducting research at the University. Affirming the value of international cooperation and friendship, he remarked: “We are a global community in mining, and we are a global community of friends.”
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kretschmann spoke at the ceremony
Representatives of past and present students presented flowers to Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kretschmann in appreciation of his contributions
As HUMG celebrates its 60th anniversary, the conferment of the title of Honorary Professor on Professor Kretschmann carries special significance. More than two decades of cooperation have yielded academic achievements while nurturing collegiality, trust, and enduring ties with generations of HUMG lecturers and students. Over the years, he has grown from an international partner into a trusted colleague and friend, closely involved in the University’s development. The title of Honorary Professor honours that shared journey and expresses confidence in his continued contributions and lasting ties with HUMG in the years ahead.
Delegates posed for a commemorative photograph at the ceremony