Scientific research at Vietnam National University, Hanoi: International integration, oriented towards practice.

Increase international publications

On its path to building and developing into a multidisciplinary research university on par with the continent and gradually reaching international standards, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has always identified science and technology activities as the foundation for improving the quality of its scientific staff, enhancing the quality of training, and increasing the competitiveness of the country's knowledge-based economy. Professor Nguyen Huu Duc (Vice Director of VNU) stated: “Like research universities around the world, basic research in the fields of social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, cutting-edge technology and socio-economics… is a strength of VNU, and international publications have become a culture of quality.”

After 20 years of development, the number of international publications in the ISI system of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has increased 20-fold (10 publications/year in 1993, nearly 200 publications/year in 2013), accounting for more than 12% of the total number of ISI publications nationwide. Many publications have a high number of citations (from 50 to 500). These are important indicators evaluating both the research level and the level of integration of VNU. Based on this, since 2012, the QS international ranking has recognized and placed VNU in the group of 250 (5%) leading research universities in Asia.

Scientific research has contributed to improving the quality of training, especially doctoral training. In the fields of natural sciences and technology, over 50% of doctoral candidates defending their dissertations have international publications. Scientific research has also created the foundations for developing new training disciplines and specializations not yet included in the State's training catalog, creating unique and pioneering features for Vietnam National University, Hanoi, such as the specializations in nanomaterials and components, climate change, and sustainable science…

To further promote the dissemination of research results to the world, according to the plan, starting in 2014, Vietnam National University, Hanoi will cooperate with Elsevier Publishing House (Netherlands) to publish the journal *Vietnam Studies*.

Enhancing practical service

Recognizing that science must always aim to solve the practical demands of life, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) develops comprehensively and closely integrates the fields of natural sciences and social sciences and humanities, science and technology in interdisciplinary research. Basic research works in the field of social sciences and humanities have contributed to ensuring the scientific basis for the development of strategic orientations, policies, guidelines, plans, and development strategies of the Party and State, as well as development plans for various sectors and localities. Many science and technology programs, projects, and research topics have made practical contributions to the cause of national construction and defense, such as works on "The historical, geographical, and legal basis of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos," "The formation and development process of the Southern region and the Southwestern border," etc. Studies on the transformation of socio-economic structures during industrialization and modernization, gender equality, social equality, etc., also contribute to providing a scientific basis for the planning of socio-economic policies at the macro level. In particular, the Annual Report on the Vietnamese Economy has directly provided a scientific and practical basis for the Party's socio-economic development policy planning process. Currently, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is entrusted by the Government to lead the Science and Technology Program for Sustainable Development of the Northwest Region.

Research in the fields of natural sciences and technology is also oriented towards linking the development of scientific and technological products and solutions with practical applications. Between 2009 and 2013, scientists at Vietnam National University, Hanoi registered more than 10 patents.

At the large-scale exhibition and trade conference on science and technology products of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), held to celebrate its 20th anniversary, nearly 30 outstanding science and technology products and solutions were introduced, and dozens of consulting and technology transfer contracts were signed. Notable examples include agreements with the People's Committee of Ha Nam province; technology transfer contracts for the production of three types of DNA/RNA purification kits with ANABIO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Joint Stock Company; a biodiesel product to replace petroleum to reduce environmental pollution for Bai Tho Passenger Transport Company (Quang Ninh province); technology for selecting high-yield oilseed crops suitable for barren lands with the Institute for Seed Improvement and Forestry Product Development (Agricultural Science and Technology Association); refractory porous bricks for Vietnam-China Refractory Materials and Electrical Construction Joint Stock Company; and technology for the production of highly stable Enereffect-Plus film-coated tablets with Quang Binh Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company. Developing a pilot application for an IP camera system using H.264/AVC video signal encoding chips with HANEL Specialized Electronics Joint Stock Company… The exhibition made a deep impression on viewers, as Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan expressed: this is a “rare” science and technology exhibition at universities. With the motto “science for humanity,” Vietnam National University, Hanoi has made great efforts in commercializing science and technology products, creating connections between universities and businesses, and bringing science and technology solutions and products into practical application.

As a research institution with the strongest scientific staff, boasting 1500 faculty members, including 349 professors and associate professors, and 839 doctors of science and PhDs, along with a relatively modern research infrastructure, including nearly 30 key laboratories, providing opportunities for faculty members to conduct research and innovation, as well as for external research institutions and businesses to collaborate in scientific research, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) rightfully deserves to be considered the "locomotive" of higher education in Vietnam.