(TN&MT) Fostering political courage - Igniting research - Creating a new generation of intellectuals with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW

PV:Sir, in the context of the country promoting the goal of developing science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, what is the significance of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW for the field of higher education in general, especially for the social sciences and political sciences - the place that trains intellectuals and theoretical cadres for the country?
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu:Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo is a breakthrough strategic orientation, aiming to develop science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to become a key driving force for the country's rapid and sustainable development. In the field of higher education, this Resolution creates an important political, legal and directional basis for universities to restructure and innovate training, research and governance methods.
For the social sciences and political sciences, this significance is even more special. Because this is the place to train intellectuals, theorists, managers, and policy makers - those who play a key role in spreading innovative ideas, continuing to build a solid theoretical foundation for the country's development in the new era. We always believe that political courage and ideal qualities are inseparable from critical thinking capacity, innovation and adaptability to digital transformation.
Therefore, the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW is the guideline for educational institutions, especially faculties and departments of political science and social science, to constantly innovate training programs, teaching methods, and research methods, so that each student upon graduation is not only solid in theory and good at expertise, but also has the ability to integrate, be creative, and make practical contributions to the development of the country.

PV: So what directions has the Faculty of Political Science implemented to concretize the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW in training and research?
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu:
Immediately after Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW was issued, the Faculty of Political Science thoroughly grasped the spirit and determined very specific goals and solutions, focusing on three key orientations.
Firstly, we innovate the training program towards modernity, integration, internationalization, closely linking theory with practice. The courses are updated with current issues in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. For example, many new topics such as political power and control of political power, public policy and administration, digital government, contemporary national governance theory and models, local organization and administration, political security in the digital environment, comparative politics in the context of globalization, etc. have been introduced into the curriculum. At the same time, we enhance research skills, policy analysis, and critical thinking for students right from the first years with many courses such as: political behavior analysis, skills in political activities, policy communication and government public relations, political writing and presentation skills.
Second, the Faculty promotes scientific research, considering it a core task alongside training. We build interdisciplinary and inter-faculty research groups, inviting experts from inside and outside the school to participate. Lecturers guide students, graduate students, and researchers to conduct research projects related to urgent social issues, thereby forming scientific publications, directly contributing to political theory and policy making.
Third, we focus on expanding cooperation and connection. The Faculty has organized many seminars, workshops, and academic exchange forums domestically and internationally, creating opportunities for students to interact with prestigious scholars and experts. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in practical programs at Party, government, and research institutes to experience the working environment, strengthen political capacity, and form a professional and integrated working style.
These three orientations are always implemented synchronously, flexibly, and in accordance with the specific training of theoretical cadres and political and management cadres, thereby turning the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW into specific values, associated with each generation of students.

PV:As a special field, how does the Faculty pay special attention to the factor of "cultivating political qualities", sir?
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu:For us, fostering political courage in students is not a general slogan but a continuous task, associated with all training and development activities. This is also the “core value” that has created the brand of the Faculty of Political Science over the years.
Right from the training program, we always focus on equipping a solid theoretical foundation of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, the Party and State's guidelines and viewpoints in the fields of politics and society. Students do not only study to memorize but also must know how to apply, analyze, debate and look at problems scientifically, objectively, politically steadfast but with innovative thinking.
The Faculty regularly organizes extracurricular activities, political and social forums, current affairs discussions, meetings with historical witnesses, leaders, and senior managers. These dialogues not only inspire but also foster patriotism, responsibility, and a sense of service to the Fatherland. Through this, students have the opportunity to practice their bravery, courageous attitude, ability to express opinions, and debate scientifically.
We create a training environment and encourage students to participate in practical activities at the facility - this is an important "training environment". Political field trips and internships at Party agencies, government agencies, organizations and unions not only help students consolidate theoretical knowledge but also train working style, public ethics, discipline and community responsibility.
In addition, the element of political courage is also fostered through the spirit of daring to think, daring to do, daring to take responsibility. The Faculty always encourages students to promote their self-management role, proactively organize academic activities, research, and youth movements. We believe that only when political courage is closely linked to professional courage, will students be ready to step into practice, confidently taking on the role of cadres, researchers, and managers in the future.

PV:In the journey of "igniting the fire of research" for students, what new ways has the Faculty come up with to ignite the passion for research, sir?
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu:For us, “lighting the fire of research” is not only a mission but also a long-term commitment to accompany students, so that they see scientific research as a way to affirm their abilities, practice critical thinking and contribute directly to society.
First of all, we create an open academic environment, encouraging students to get acquainted with research right from their first year of university. Lecturers are always ready to guide students in finding and developing topics related to practical issues, closely following the requirements of the country and the community. We encourage students to participate in research topics at all levels - from faculty level, school level, to topics in collaboration with research institutes and practical agencies.
In addition, the Faculty regularly organizes scientific seminars, talks, forums for thematic exchanges, and conferences with the participation of leading scientists. Students are presented with research results, debated, and directly criticized, thereby practicing academic presentation skills and confidently defending their views in front of the group.
Another new point is that we are promoting connections with press agencies, research institutes, and international organizations. Students can participate in interdisciplinary and inter-faculty research projects, or as research collaborators on topics outside the school. From these experiences, many students have published scientific articles in prestigious journals, have international articles, and won student scientific research awards at all levels. This is a positive sign, showing that the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW has been and is being concretely realized in each research paper, each topic, and each student.
Finally, the Faculty always emphasizes the role of the teacher - a companion and an inspiration. We consider it a regular responsibility to inspire passion, share research experiences, connect with experts, and open new directions for students. Only when the lecturer is truly exemplary in research, has specific works and results, will students see the role model, believe that "research is not far away" but very close to all fields and makes practical contributions to the community.
PV: In the context of increasingly deep international cooperation, what has the Faculty done, is doing and will do to help students confidently integrate, sir?
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu:International integration is an inevitable trend, especially in higher education and the fields of social sciences and political sciences. We always consider that equipping students with integration capacity is not only about expanding learning and research opportunities, but also about fostering global thinking, foreign language skills, and the ability to adapt to a multicultural working environment.
Over the years, the Faculty of Political Science has promoted cooperation with many prestigious universities, research institutes and international organizations. We have signed student exchange programs, short-term scholarships, and international academic conferences. Students can participate in bilingual courses, seminars, forums, and have direct contact with foreign professors and experts, thereby broadening their perspectives and improving their ability to communicate and work in foreign languages.
In addition, the Faculty of Political Science always encourages lecturers to invite international speakers and experts to give lectures, discuss topics, and share practical experiences. These academic spaces have created conditions for students to become familiar with modern research methods, access new knowledge, and boldly exchange academic knowledge in foreign languages.
Another important point is that we focus on training soft skills, teamwork skills, critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. These are all the abilities that students need to integrate successfully, not only in the domestic environment but also when working in international organizations and businesses.
In the coming time, the Faculty will continue to expand its international partnership network, promote joint training programs, exchange scholarships, and internships abroad. We will also continue to build and expand bilingual teaching modules, creating opportunities for students to learn and practice specialized foreign languages naturally.
I believe that, with thorough preparation, the generation of students majoring in Political Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will be confident, capable, and courageous enough to integrate, develop, and contribute effectively to the country in the context of increasingly deep globalization.

PV: Looking ahead, what message do you have for today's generation of students?
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu:
I always emphasize to students that the greatest asset of youth is not only book knowledge but also courage, aspiration and sense of responsibility towards the community and the country. In the context of the country entering a new stage of development, with many opportunities and many challenges, each student needs to equip himself with the spirit of daring to think, daring to do, daring to innovate and be ready to adapt to constant changes.
I hope that you will never be satisfied with what you have, but consider each day as a journey to discover new knowledge, practice skills, and broaden your perspective. Knowledge is only truly valuable when you know how to apply it to solve practical problems, contributing to society and the country. I also hope that our generations of students will continuously nurture their passion for scientific research, critical thinking, perseverance, and will to excel, because only then can they become true intellectuals - the "nuclei" that realize the goals set out in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.
In particular, I believe that, regardless of their position, today's generation of students must maintain a solid political foundation, absolute loyalty to the revolutionary ideal, and at the same time be open to learning and integrating internationally, but not dissolving. That is the key for them to take firm steps, take control of their own future, and contribute to the cause of developing a strong, prosperous and sustainable country.
My colleagues and I at the Faculty of Political Science will always accompany, inspire, and create the best environment for you to develop comprehensively and shine worthy of your role as intellectuals, theorists, and managers of the future.

The conversation with Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu not only opened up profound perspectives on the meaning and importance of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, but also conveyed a strong message about the responsibility and aspiration of those working in training and research in the field of political science. With the determination to innovate, foster political courage, ignite research and create a new generation of intellectuals, the Faculty of Political Science - University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) is contributing to bringing the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW into life, cultivating human resources - the most valuable capital for sustainable and self-reliant national development in the digital age.
PV: We would like to sincerely thank Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu for sharing his profound and inspiring views!