In 2020, Vietnam National University, Hanoi overcame challenges, affirmed itself, and opened up a vision for a new phase.

On January 15, 2021, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) held a conference to summarize its work in 2020 and implement its plans for 2021, evaluating all aspects of its activities over the past year. 2021 marks the beginning of a new five-year period, and the plans set forth this year are within VNU's broader vision for this new era, laying the groundwork for the years to come.

2020: A year of comprehensive development for Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Last year, one of the key tasks of the training program was to be a pioneer in innovating methods for university and postgraduate admissions, and to innovate the measurement and evaluation system in training. In 2020, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) achieved many successes in admissions, program development, and increasing the scale of training to meet social needs, achieving the set targets for undergraduate programs. VNU's doctoral and postgraduate students published numerous papers in international journals such as ISI/SCOPUS. VNU continues to play a leading role in innovating individualized teaching methods, a practice that has deeply permeated and spread throughout the faculty of all units. The results of this activity are most clearly demonstrated through the training of students in specialized and gifted high schools. Students from VNU's specialized high schools achieved abundant success in national examinations and international Olympics last year. Building upon those successes, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) welcomes the establishment of the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities, aiming to further diversify the training of talented individuals for the country.

The Standing Vice Director of VNU, Nguyen Hoang Hai, presented a report summarizing the work of 2020 and outlining the plan and tasks for 2021.

Despite the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on all sectors in 2020, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) made efforts to conduct online accreditation for 4 out of 9 training programs, quickly transitioning from in-person to online learning to adapt to the new context. These successes were significantly contributed to by the digitalization system that VNU is gradually building. This system not only serves training but also improves the infrastructure for administrative and operational work at VNU.

In terms of science and technology, major indicators related to international publications and patents have all met targets. In particular, the number of international ISI/SCOPUS publications by VNU staff in 2020 reached 1098, exceeding the target of 1000 articles per year, making a significant contribution to VNU's ranking in domestic and international rankings. This year also witnessed a dramatic increase in patent and utility model registrations, reaching 107% of the target. It can be said that, despite the tense pandemic situation, activities within VNU have continued to be persistent and strong, seriously demonstrating VNU's commitment to: "Innovation - National Responsibility - Sustainable Development".

2020 was a significant year for the personnel management of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), with the successful organization of Party Congresses at all levels, the 6th Congress of the VNU Party Committee, and preparations for the 13th National Party Congress. VNU recruited 65 additional highly qualified scientific staff, including 6 associate professors/senior lecturers and 59 PhDs, while simultaneously enhancing the capacity of existing staff through the opening of numerous training courses for management-level staff. The ratio of scientific staff to the total staff in training and research units reached 66%.

In the atmosphere of the whole country looking forward to the National Party Congress, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) actively participated in contributing to the political report and providing socio-economic advice to provinces and cities for the 2020-2025 period, such as Quang Ninh and Thai Binh. The cooperation model between the University - State - Locality - Enterprise has been maximized, contributing to affirming the substantive effectiveness of cooperative development activities. Extending the successes of domestic cooperation, VNU's foreign relations work has had outstanding highlights despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, VNU had the honor of welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide on his first overseas trip since taking office.

The conference heard presentations from functional departments and member units of VNU on the innovation of teaching activities towards individualization, personnel organization, and university governance.

With the active support of the Party, the State, and international organizations, the VNU campus in Hoa Lac has undergone many positive changes, largely thanks to the effective work of the relevant units. New, modern facilities are increasingly appearing on the new VNU campus, and the future of a university city is becoming clearer.

In 2021, Vietnam National University, Hanoi laid the foundation for its activities in the 2020-2025 period.

Entering 2021, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) set forth several goals to implement its key tasks, including: continuing to improve its organization and adjusting and updating management documents in accordance with the Law amending and supplementing certain articles of the Law on Higher Education, the Decree and new regulations on the operation of the National University; building an integrated database of work areas to serve university governance, administrative reform, scientific research and training; modernizing the information technology infrastructure within VNU; continuing to innovate training towards individualization; implementing a new admissions plan for 2021 and the roadmap for subsequent years; continuing to effectively implement major science and technology programs; innovating management mechanisms and methods of organizing and implementing science and technology activities; and transferring scientific and technological products.

Speaking at the Conference, the Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), Nguyen Kim Son, affirmed that the past year was a year of many challenges and difficulties, but all staff, faculty, and students have made outstanding efforts and exceeded the basic targets set for a year of comprehensive development of VNU in all aspects. 2021 is the first year of implementing the Resolution of the VNU Party Congress, and also the first year of the new five-year plan; therefore, it is also a pivotal year for the following years. The Director also reiterated the key tasks: reforming student recruitment, reforming and developing the talent training system, and contributing to the country and society through talent development. This is also a year to continue in-depth innovation in teaching activities and effectively implement new scientific and technological tasks.

The Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, expressed sincere gratitude for the support and facilitation from the Party, Government, Ministries, Central agencies, and the contributions of scientists, lecturers, and students of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

The Rector of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) hopes that in the new year, VNU will continue to steadfastly fulfill its national responsibilities for sustainable development and contribute to the country's education and science and technology.
Also within the framework of the Conference, many individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in the past year were honored and awarded.

Awarding the Labor Medal to individuals of Vietnam National University, Hanoi who have achieved outstanding results in their work during the period 2014-2019, contributing to the cause of national construction and defense.