Portrait of an exemplary educator and scientist.

That was the Faculty of Literature (October 1945) - the first university of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, established by President Ho Chi Minh's decree just over a month after the successful August Revolution. It reflected the aspiration for advancement and the strategic vision regarding the role and mission of social sciences and humanities in the newly independent Vietnam, built upon the foundation of the nation's thousands of years of cultural heritage.

That was Hanoi University (June 1956) - a multidisciplinary center of basic sciences, the cradle of the formation and development of modern social sciences and humanities in Vietnam, which contributed to building the prestige of Vietnamese science and education during the difficult and challenging years of resistance and nation-building.

That is the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (October 1995) - a key member of Hanoi National University - whose mission is to lead in creating and disseminating knowledge, training high-quality, highly skilled human resources, and innovating educational methods towards modernization and integration, aiming to quickly become a training and academic center of regional and international stature.

Seventy years have passed, and this school has been a gathering place for many brilliant scientists, talented teachers, and renowned administrators. Notable intellectual figures in history include: Dao Duy Anh, Tran Duc Thao, Dang Thai Mai, Nguyen Manh Tuong, Cao Xuan Huy, Tran Van Giau, Hoang Xuan Nhi,... and subsequent generations such as: Nguyen Tai Can, Tran Dinh Huou, Dinh Gia Khanh, Dinh Xuan Lam, Phan Huy Le, Ha Van Tan, Tran Quoc Vuong, Phan Cu De, Ha Minh Duc... Alongside the names of many talented teachers and scientists, the history of Vietnam's national liberation struggle will never forget the sacrifices and losses of thousands of the school's staff and students on the fierce battlefields during the resistance war against the US, notably Le Anh Xuan, Chu Cam Phong, Nguyen Trong Dinh, Nguyen Hong...

Each educator, whether dedicating their entire lives or just a short time to this institution, has poured their essence, intellect, passion, and profound feelings and aspirations into it. They have shaped the academic tradition, core values, and vision of this leading university of basic sciences throughout its history.

Ten Ho Chi Minh Prizes and 14 State Prizes for science and technology; thousands of scientific works, including classic research papers that laid the foundation for social sciences and humanities; training tens of thousands of students, thousands of master's and doctoral graduates, contributing high-quality, highly skilled human resources to the country - these are the particularly impressive achievements of the University in the cause of national construction and development.

Following in the footsteps of previous generations, the faculty members of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities today are focusing their intellect and energy on solving many theoretical and practical problems in education, science, and life, contributing to building a new image for the social sciences and humanities in Vietnam, affirming and enhancing the position and stature of the University.

2015 marked the 70th anniversary of the Faculty of Literature (1945-2015) and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (1995-2015). Looking back on the University's journey, nothing is more meaningful than talking about the people who have been closely associated with and contributed significantly to building the reputation and prestige of this institution.

In gratitude for the contributions of generations of teachers and scientists, the Party Committee and the Board of Directors of the University have directed the compilation of the book "Portraits of Outstanding Teachers and Scientists," aiming to collect information and articles introducing outstanding teachers and scientists of the University throughout its history. More than 100 individuals have been selected and respectfully presented in this book, including Professors, People's Teachers; teachers and scientists who have received the Ho Chi Minh Prize and the State Prize for Science and Technology; Associate Professors - Excellent Teachers; and teachers and scientists who have made significant contributions to academic activities and the development of new scientific fields, as well as to the management, construction, and development of the University. Each article may only be a glimpse, reflecting the perspectives, assessments, and personal feelings of each author about the subject. But more importantly, these articles are a special emotional thread connecting the academic spirit and humanistic values ​​between generations of teachers and scientists at the University. From there, inspiration for life, work, and dedication will be strongly ignited among staff, students, and trainees, for the development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and for the social sciences and humanities of the country.

Over 100 portraits are insufficient to reflect the exemplary teachers and scientists of the School over the past 70 years. Furthermore, in the process of gathering information, selecting individuals, and writing articles, due to limitations in archived documents and time, it is inevitable that some individuals and events may lack complete, up-to-date, and accurate information. We sincerely hope for the understanding and forgiveness of our teachers and esteemed readers.

On the occasion of the launch of Volume 1 of this book, on behalf of the School's Board of Directors, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the teachers; the relatives and families of former faculty members who have cooperated and provided valuable information and materials about veteran educators and scientists; thank the authors for their diligent collection of materials and writing with a sense of responsibility and full of love and respect for the teachers and the School; thank the members of the Editorial Board for dedicating their time and effort to editing and revising the articles; and finally, thank the Hanoi National University Publishing House for enthusiastically undertaking the publication of this very meaningful book. We sincerely hope to continue receiving contributions and additional information from teachers and readers so that the articles and the collection of materials on the portraits of outstanding educators and scientists of the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities throughout the years will become even richer, more complete, and more vibrant.