Overcoming difficulties in basic science training and research.During the meeting, delegates discussed the current state and practical needs for basic research in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in the context of current university autonomy.
According to Associate Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, the training of basic science disciplines in the social sciences and humanities is currently facing some difficulties in the context of university autonomy. Basic science disciplines in the social sciences and humanities lack competitiveness and attract few students, while the societal demand for applied sciences is increasing. Basic science disciplines are becoming overly focused on application, whereas the essence of basic science is in-depth research. There is a shortage of scientists in this field, and a lack of generational continuity among scientists. Associate Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan proposed that basic science tasks in the social sciences and humanities need to focus on depth, not be constrained by time or general criteria; and that training, development, attraction, and utilization of high-quality and dedicated experts in the specific basic science disciplines of the social sciences and humanities should be promoted.
Associate Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan shared some of the difficulties in basic science training in the context of university autonomy.
Sharing the same view, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, pointed out that the current situation regarding the ranking of universities, titles, and scientific and technological tasks according to Scopus has caused basic scientific research to deviate from serving the sustainable development of Vietnam.
According to reports from scientists, ranking universities, academic titles, and science and technology tasks according to Scopus is considered an important direction in evaluating and developing science and technology in Vietnam. However, many opinions suggest that this direction is leading to some negative consequences, such as promoting "international publications" instead of "useful research." Many scientists focus on publishing articles in prestigious Scopus journals to improve their personal and institutional rankings, instead of focusing on research that is practical for the country, leading to a "foreign obsession" and the publication of low-quality articles lacking practical application. Focusing on fields with many Scopus journals leads to the neglect of other fields, especially the social sciences and humanities. This affects the comprehensive development of science and technology and limits the ability to solve complex societal problems.
Rector Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized the need to focus on promoting research in social sciences and humanities, harmonizing national and international standards, harmonizing science and technology with social sciences and humanities, and promoting breakthroughs in training, nurturing, attracting, and utilizing a team of high-quality and dedicated experts in the basic and specialized fields of social sciences and humanities (Sino-Vietnamese studies, Archaeology, Ethnology, etc.).
Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, emphasized the need to accelerate breakthroughs in training, nurturing, attracting, and utilizing a team of high-quality and dedicated experts in the specialized fields of social sciences and humanities.
Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu - Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council, former Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
Prof. Dr. Vo Van Sen - Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council, former Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
Orientation of basic research in the social sciences and humanities in the new context.
According to reports presented at the meeting, for the two universities of social sciences and humanities at opposite ends of the country, training new human resources is only one of three main missions (Human resource training, Scientific research, Community service). Stemming from a established research tradition and academic mission, scientific research is highly valued, as reflected in the philosophy of "Academic foundation - Modernity/Integration is the trend" of both universities. The two National Universities themselves have repeatedly affirmed the goal of developing basic science as the foundation for the development of science and technology and interdisciplinary science. Therefore, to harmonize the minimum goal with the national mission regarding human resources, the training and research units in social sciences and humanities are implementing specialized human resource projects that transcend (and go beyond) the thinking of a typical higher education institution.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Hong Thai delivered a speech at the working session.
According to Deputy Minister Tran Hong Thai, in today's context, it is necessary to focus on basic research, forming young and strong research groups; at the same time, promoting the training of human resources for basic research, and increasing funding support for young scientists. Through this, the goal is to have strong research groups within the next 10 years, including in the field of social sciences and humanities.
The Deputy Minister requested that functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology closely coordinate with the two universities in supporting long-term orientation for the development of several basic science disciplines in the field of social sciences and humanities; the two universities need to establish strong research groups and participate in the Ministry's research programs.
“We need to prioritize investment in local research topics and programs implemented by local training and research institutions; create mechanisms for parties to regularly exchange research directions and results; balance domestic and international publications; and prioritize support for domestic journals to improve their standards and meet international criteria…”, the Deputy Minister emphasized.
Dr. Tran Quoc Cuong, Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Humanities and Natural Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology
At the meeting, representatives from relevant functional units of the Ministry of Science and Technology affirmed their commitment to supporting experts and scientists in basic research, especially in the field of social sciences and humanities; they also outlined development directions for several basic science disciplines within the social sciences and humanities, such as focusing on supporting and training young scientists; and promoting the integration of domestic journals and publications to international standards.
Leaders of units under the Ministry of Science and Technology spoke at the working session.
