National Conference 2024: Elevating Basic Science in Sustainable Development

Monday - December 9, 2024 21:50

This was the main topic discussed and agreed upon by scientists at the National Scientific Conference: "Basic Science and National Responsibility," jointly organized by the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities on December 9, 2024, in Hanoi. This is an annual scientific forum of a network comprising six higher education institutions nationwide that conduct training and research in the field of basic science.

The event was attended by representatives from central agencies: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, former Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department; Dr. Nguyen Van Hoi, Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs;
Representatives from Vietnam National University, Hanoi and leaders from six leading universities in basic science training and research from the North, Central, and South regions: University of Natural Sciences, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Natural Sciences (under Vietnam National University, Hanoi), University of Social Sciences and Humanities (under Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), University of Education (under Da Nang University), and Da Lat University.
The workshop also brought together more than 80 researchers, managers, and lecturers from central agencies, universities, and research institutes to provide in-depth analyses of the role of basic sciences in the country's development in all aspects—economic, social, cultural, and global integration; and on that basis, propose solutions to enhance the role of educational institutions in training high-level human resources in basic sciences.

Conference scene

The fundamental role of basic science in national development.

In his opening remarks at the conference, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan (Rector of the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities) emphasized: “Basic sciences encompass natural sciences such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, as well as social sciences such as history, literature, philosophy, religious studies, anthropology, and linguistics. These are fields of study that delve deeply into the theories and laws of the natural and social world, but they play a crucial role and serve as a foundation for the development of applied sciences. In Vietnam, many fields of basic science in general have reached international standards.”
At this time, the whole country is buzzing with themes of "National Responsibility" and "The New Era/The Nation's Rise." The annual conference on "Basic Science and National Responsibility" is both timely and relevant. Participating in today's conference are key institutions involved in training high-quality human resources, promoting scientific research, and applying the results of basic science research to serve social life. With the philosophy "Academics are the foundation, modernity is the trend," we expect today's conference to be an opportunity for scientists and institutions to build upon previous collaborative achievements, propose directions and solutions related to training, research, and community service, leverage the roles and strengths of each institution, and contribute collectively to the development of the country's basic science.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan (Party Secretary, Rector of VNU-USSH)
In his introductory report at the conference, Professor Lai Quoc Khanh (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) highlighted the role of basic science: “After 40 years of reform, the country's foundation, potential, position, and international prestige have been elevated to a new level. Basic science in our country has made a significant and worthy contribution to these historically significant achievements.”
Basic science, with all its highly specialized activities such as basic research; training of basic science personnel; and scientific consulting at the level of innovative thinking and national policy planning, has made important and responsible contributions. The scientific research data of the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities clearly demonstrates this role: From 2020 to the present, the university's staff has been implementing 131 university-level projects, 53 ministerial-level projects, and 32 national-level projects; the university has organized 41 domestic conferences and 82 international conferences on major and new issues with profound impacts on the country, society, and human life, aiming to provide scientific arguments and practical policy advice.

Basic science – The foundation for promoting economic, social, and cultural development.

Analyzing the role of basic sciences, the report by representatives from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, shows the profound and diverse contributions of these fields in promoting socio-economic development and preserving the country's cultural heritage. Philosophy, Literature, and History have actively participated in policy advice and contributed to local development strategies through research and training. In addition, Information and Library Science, Archival Studies and Office Management, Religious Studies, and Geography have demonstrated strengths in connecting and disseminating positive values to the community, promoting national digital transformation.
With specific data on research results, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities has implemented: 321 research projects at various levels, 118 project-based research projects, 19 policy consultations, 237 training courses, and 110 clubs/teams/groups supporting local issues. This demonstrates the application of basic scientific research results to solving local development problems, such as the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection and sustainable development, economic development linked to national security and defense, protection of national sovereignty; ethnic and religious policies and cultural preservation.

Representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities presented a paper at the conference.
The achievements of basic science form a solid foundation for Vietnam's sustainable development and innovation. Basic science provides profound insights into nature and society, clarifies natural laws, and serves as a prerequisite for developing breakthrough technologies. Important discoveries from basic science have led to revolutionary applications in industry and daily life.

Representatives from the Faculty of Science, VNU-HCM, affirmed the role of basic science in successfully implementing the national science and technology strategy.

Representatives from the Faculty of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, presented a report titled "Basic Science and International Integration".

Agreeing with the above analysis on the role of basic science, Associate Professor Pham Van Linh emphasized: "Basic science plays a fundamental role; without the research achievements of basic science, including theoretical science, many other scientific disciplines would be impossible, and the country could not develop."
As an advisory body to the Party on political theory, Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and socialism, and in guiding and formulating policies and preparing documents for the National Party Congress, the Central Theoretical Council highly appreciates the advisory role of training and research institutions in basic sciences. Today's conference brings together leading universities nationwide in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, and educational sciences. Their practical experience in training and research over the past period will undoubtedly make quality contributions to the development of the Resolution and documents for the 14th Party Congress.”

Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Van Hoi highly appreciated the idea of organizing an annual meeting between leading universities specializing in basic sciences to share research results and training experiences, and to identify new goals and solutions in the context of the ongoing digital transformation. He also expressed his hope that basic science sectors would focus on addressing urgent issues such as increasing labor productivity; population aging; mental health care for citizens and workers; and prioritizing the training of high-quality human resources comparable to those in the region, possessing the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in the global labor market.

Orientation towards training high-quality human resources in basic sciences.

One of the solutions for achieving outstanding progress in basic science in the future and playing a fundamental role in the national development strategy is to train a high-quality workforce in the field of basic science.
Based on a detailed analysis of the role and position of teacher training and basic science human resource development in the socio-economic development strategy of the North Central and Central Coastal regions, a representative from the University of Education (Da Nang University) emphasized: “In the context of unpredictable international trends, the explosion of technology, and the impact of artificial intelligence on all aspects of social life, many things will be disrupted and there is a high risk of ‘shocks.’ Therefore, the education system needs to invest in research to lead society and integrate internationally. Consequently, research universities and teacher training colleges need investment to train leading scientists and educators with regional and global reach in their respective fields.”

According to Professor Vo Van Sen (Chairman of the Training and Science Council, former Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City), the strategies and orientations that universities have been implementing in basic science training and research are correct, contributing to solving practical problems and keeping pace with international trends. However, to create overall strength, units need to strengthen the sharing of research results, promote cooperation between units, and with domestic and international partners to enhance resources for training and scientific research.

Professor Pham Hong Tung (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) suggested that a special mechanism and adequate investment in training and research at current institutions offering basic science programs are necessary to produce leading experts and valuable research. Only then can basic science fulfill its role of researching and creating new knowledge that is fundamental and leads the development of society.

Professor Phung Huu Phu (former member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, former Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department, Chairman of the Science and Technology Council of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) highly appreciated the idea of a scientific forum for core universities in training and research in basic science in Vietnam. The exchanges and discussions at the conference showed the very creative exploration of the units, bringing basic science to very practical issues of society and localities, demonstrating the dedication and pioneering spirit of the scientists.
However, society is changing very rapidly, even to the point of upheaval, requiring a fundamental renewal of scientific thinking and modern national governance. There are major issues that need further discussion and in-depth debate: what is the position of basic science in the new context? How should basic science training be conducted to maintain the basic science sector, demonstrate national responsibility, and still meet the needs of society and be applicable in practice? What are the unique and distinctive features of training and research at basic science schools compared to other training institutions?

Professor Vu Hoang Linh (Rector of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) shared the current reality that students and teachers, especially those with excellent academic and teaching skills, are not enthusiastic about basic science disciplines. Therefore, many departments at the Faculty of Natural Sciences are struggling to attract students. Furthermore, to train leading experts with top-tier scientific works and leadership in basic science fields, adequate investment in finances, time, and incentives is needed for faculty and students so they can wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to their work and pursue their passion for science. Basic science education is about training elites and cannot simply chase quantity to meet enrollment targets.
Stemming from these common difficulties, training institutions need to compile a joint proposal to submit to the Ministry of Education and Training regarding a specific mechanism for training high-quality human resources in the field of basic sciences.

Agreeing with the above proposal, Associate Professor Vo Van Minh (Rector of the University of Education, Da Nang University) further emphasized: in addition to support from the government and the state with specific mechanisms, the units also need to proactively cooperate more closely, build a unified output standard for training programs to enable student exchange, credit recognition, and maximize the use of shared resources in terms of lecturers, scientists, technology platforms, and digital data; and connect to establish strong research groups among the six universities to carry out national-level projects.

Dr. Luu Minh Chien (Rector of Da Lat University): Currently, universities training in basic sciences face many difficulties and challenges, especially in the context of autonomy and the constant changes in science and technology. Many majors are now very difficult to recruit students, only managing to enroll a few students each year, but we are determined to persevere despite the difficulties, as it is our responsibility to the industry and the nation in training a team of experts.

Associate Professor Dr. Luu Trang (Chairperson of the Science and Technology Council, former Rector of the University of Education, Da Nang University) also stated: We, the scientists and educators involved in training and research in the field of basic science, must actively communicate to the Government, ministries, and the entire society the value and role of basic science, so that appropriate investments can be made. In addition, it is necessary to diversify resources by mobilizing the joint efforts of businesses, organizations, and individuals both domestically and internationally to participate in training and research.

In her concluding remarks at the conference, Professor Dr. Nguyen Phuong Lan (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) emphasized that the presentations from various universities, as well as the opinions expressed by many experts and scientists, affirmed that basic science plays an extremely important role, serving as the foundation for the development of science, technology, and education in each country, becoming a direct productive force, and participating in the socio-economic and cultural development of localities.
The achievements and experiences shared from the practical training and scientific research of the units presented a vivid picture, reflecting the various aspects of basic science in training, research, and community service. The reports, discussions, and proposed solutions affirmed the position of basic science with national responsibility, contributing to the development of global scientific fields. In particular, emphasis was placed on the need for units to have a common voice in proposing a worthy investment mechanism to attract highly qualified students, teachers, and scientists to basic science fields.
The core institutions within the network of educational and training facilities in the field of basic sciences also need to strengthen cooperation, share experiences, and define a common vision and action plan for the development of the country's basic sciences.