This paper described the motivation and research capacity of the faculty members at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUSSH-VNU). A quantitative research technique was employed based on information provided from 169 permanent faculty members, it reflected that the factors of curiosity, personal interests, responsibility, self-assert affect their research competence, and professional development were the main research motivators of the respondents. They also assessed themselves to have the capability to do research and make their inquiry scientific. From the results, implications are drawn to promote the research productivity of the faculty members at the HCMUSSH-VNU.