Outstanding events and achievements of VNU in 2021

THE GOVERNMENT ASSIGNED VNU TO PERFORM MANY BIG TASKS OF THE COUNTRY

On November 28, 2021, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam chaired a working session with the leadership of VNU. At the meeting, the Prime Minister commended the achievements of managers, scientists, officials, civil servants, students and pupils of VNU. The Prime Minister emphasized: “On the basis of inheritance, stability, innovation and development, VNU has a team of officials and scientists with great potential; has a glorious and proud historical tradition with many leaders of the Party, State and agencies in the political system having studied and trained here. VNU also receives the affection, trust and admiration of the people; recognition in international evaluation and rankings; the attention of the Party and State in allocating more than 1,000 hectares of land to build VNU in Hoa Lac”.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh works with the leadership of VNU, November 28, 2021

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that VNU should focus resources to continue developing, enhancing its position, contributing to improving people's knowledge, training high-quality human resources, nurturing talents, effectively serving the three strategic breakthroughs in the new period when the whole country implements the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress; have a mechanism to maximize human resources so that the staff can promote and contribute more; handle harmoniously, reasonably and effectively the relationship between the State, society and the market, and strengthen public-private cooperation. The Prime Minister also noted the need to implement the VNU-Hoa Lac Investment Project with high determination according to the "5 in 1" model in this university urban area: Talent training center; modern technology transfer research center; national and international innovation center; smart, modern university urban area; public-private partnership testing center and research training.

PRIME MINISTER APPOINTS DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF VNU

On June 24, 2021, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No. 998/QD-TTg appointing Prof. Dr. Le Quan - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ca Mau province, former Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, former Vice President of VNU to hold the position of President of VNU. In his inauguration speech, the new President of VNU Le Quan expressed his determination and efforts to join hands with the collective of cadres, lecturers, scientists, students, postgraduates to build VNU worthy of being a great university, playing a pioneering role in the innovation of Vietnamese higher education, affirming its high position at home and abroad.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam presented the decision to appoint VNU President to Prof. Dr. Le Quan, June 28, 2021

Previously, at the 11th session of the 14th National Assembly, Chairman of the Council, former Director of VNU Nguyen Kim Son was approved by the National Assembly to hold the position of Minister of Education and Training.

On December 27, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam signed Decision No. 2206/QD-TTg appointing Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hieu - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Head of the Organization and Personnel Department to hold the position of Deputy Director of VNU.

ACTIVITY OF DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION ACTIVITIES

Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, VNU's international and domestic cooperation activities in 2021 still took place vigorously, contributing to affirming the prestige, brand and position of VNU in the education system of Vietnam and the region. Cooperation activities are diverse in form, with many effective training and research cooperation programs, demonstrating the strengths and cooperation potential of VNU. The organization of international conferences and seminars has seen many improvements with 60 conferences and seminars organized by VNU units in coordination with international partners in both direct and online forms.

VNU leaders work with the Central Economic Committee, October 19, 2021

In 2021, VNU signed 21 cooperation agreements with domestic and foreign partners, facilitating the promotion of specific cooperation activities in training, human resource development, scientific research and technology transfer, as well as consulting, criticism and policy recommendations.

Within the framework of the Australian Education Cooperation Program at VNU, the Short-term Training Program for Excellent English Teachers in Southeast Asia conducted by IELTS IDP experts attracted 200 participants, including 47 VNU staff and lecturers. More than 100 VNU students participated in training on CV writing and interview skills in English; participated in training courses including: Secrets to achieving maximum IELTS scores - Sharing from IELTS experts; Improving comprehensive English proficiency - Realizing university and study abroad goals; Australian Education Exhibition with the participation of 22 universities in this country.

PROMOTING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND MANY NEW POLICIES IN UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

Digital transformation activities are being strongly implemented at VNU. Management work in VNU is currently operating through convenient and interconnected software and databases. The application of digital technology in teaching and learning as well as the construction and development of digital science resources is increasingly expanding, helping learners to study anytime, anywhere. In the face of the complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic, VNU has deployed online teaching and learning for learners after the end of the first semester of the 2021-2022 school year.

Science and technology activities have also changed by integrating digital technology into science and technology products and research tasks, aiming to form products with artificial intelligence applications, contributing to promoting product commercialization in the environment of the digital economy.

Also in 2021, VNU issued many new policies and regulations to promote training and scientific research activities and create a premise for the development of VNU in the present and future.

Meeting with leaders of VNU through the years on the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day November 20

On December 27, 2021, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 4326/QD-VNU on promulgating the Regulations on working regime for lecturers at VNU with many progressive and international integration points. Implementing the policy of rewarding highly qualified scientists, VNU also assigned VNU Hospital to develop a personal health consultation program and high-standard periodic health check-ups for VNU Professors and Associate Professors.

VNU builds and implements the project "Investing in developing basic science sectors" in the direction of prioritizing investment and improving these sectors according to the proposed mechanism of the unit or ordered by VNU to train and develop human resources in science and technology for the country, a team of highly qualified theoretical researchers for the Party and central agencies.

In order to increase high-quality resources and develop a team of highly qualified lecturers and scientists to serve the country's development and integration, in 2021, VNU also approved the project "Incubation of young scientists at VNU until 2025, with a vision to 2030".

On November 19, 2021, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 3688/QD-VNU promulgating the Regulation on scholarship support for PhD students and postdoctoral trainees at VNU. Accordingly, VNU supports scholarships of up to 100 million VND/year for PhD students and 120 million VND/year for young PhDs with excellent research and international publication capacity. This policy promises to have a great impact, creating a breakthrough in improving the quality and efficiency of training and scientific research activities of VNU.

In addition, VNU also advocates expanding programs and training subjects for talented and supporting students with difficult circumstances to study at VNU. The purpose of building high-quality, talented training programs is to search for, discover, train, and nurture students with outstanding learning and research abilities, creativity, and passion for scientific research.

Workshop on training in engineering and technology in the context of Industry 4.0 jointly organized by VNU and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on November 19, 2021

In particular, VNU continues to promote the development of interdisciplinary and inter-disciplinary training programs, with special priority given to the group of engineering and technology majors. VNU’s engineering and technology majors keep pace with new trends, thereby increasing resources for the development of VNU in the context of university autonomy; in line with the development orientation and requirements of the country in the new period for high-quality human resources.

In 2021, VNU will grant financial autonomy to a number of member units and units under VNU for the period of 2022-2025 according to the results of financial autonomy classification for public service units. These are: University of Technology, University of Economics and Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences. This policy contributes to promoting university autonomy that is taking place strongly.

HOA LAC PROJECT TRANSFORMS AND IS DETERMINED TO BRING STUDENTS TO STUDY IN HOA LAC

The complex of buildings HT1, HT2 in Zone 4 of the University of Natural Sciences, Dormitory No. 4 of the VNU-Hoa Lac Construction Investment Project is ready to receive students according to the design scale to ensure nearly 4,000 students to study and live. The construction of VNU-Hoa Lac ensures the design thinking of a smart, green, modern and sustainable university city.

In addition to efforts to clear the land and mobilize resources, and implement component projects of the VNU Construction Investment Project in Hoa Lac, the VNU Board of Directors has decided to welcome students to study at the Hoa Lac campus in September 2022. VNU prioritizes the group of new students enrolled in 2022 in a number of training fields in engineering - technology, social sciences and humanities, economics - law, etc. according to the A+B model with interdisciplinary and inter-unit training coordination to study together at the Hoa Lac campus. Currently, VNU is making efforts to prepare facilities as well as other quality assurance conditions for students to study and live in a green, modern, advanced university environment according to international standards.

Also in 2021, the President of VNU signed and issued Decision No. 3333/QD-VNU dated October 28, 2021 on the establishment of the Project Management Board "Development of Vietnam National Universities - VNU Sub-Project", abbreviated as the World Bank Project Management Board - to manage the investment project to build essential facilities in Hoa Lac using credit capital from the World Bank. Then, on December 17, 2021, the President of VNU signed and issued Decision No. 4166/QD-VNU on promulgating the Regulations on Organization and Operation of the World Bank Project Management Board.

ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL, PROMOTE THE TRANSFER OF RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS INTO LIFE

Over the past year, the science and technology potential at VNU has received investment and development, the number of international publications has continuously increased with 1,100 ISI/Scopus articles, inventions, innovations and the transfer of research achievements into life have been continuously promoted. The transfer of research results has contributed to effectively solving practical problems posed by society.

Many mechanisms and policies to promote and reward scientists and scientific and technological products have also been implemented, creating motivation to promote the development of scientific and technological potentials such as: Regulations on intellectual property in VNU, Regulations on recognition, management and development of Key Laboratories, Key Research Centers at VNU level...

Linking the mission of VNU with the socio-economic development of the country, VNU continues to demonstrate its national responsibility in participating in presiding over and implementing research programs of great stature, of great contemporary, national and humanistic values, of high scientific and practical significance for the development of society and the country such as: Science and Technology Program for Sustainable Development of the Northwest Region, the Mission of Building the National Geographical Register of Vietnam, the Center for Vietnamese Studies Documentation, the Project of Translating and Promoting the Quintessence of Eastern Classics, etc.

Also in 2021, 04 scientific works were awarded the VNU Prize for Science and Technology. This award aims to encourage and honor works or clusters of works by scientists inside and outside VNU with outstanding achievements in scientific research, contributing to building a favorable academic environment, promoting the development of science and technology potential, and affirming the leading position of VNU in the system of higher education institutions and science and technology organizations of the country, held every 3 years.

STRENGTHENING NATIONAL POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITY

On September 15, 2021, VNU launched the Online Channel to support primary education. This is a system to support online and direct teaching and learning for teachers, parents and primary school students in remote, isolated and disadvantaged areas in particular and localities across the country in general.

Online channel supporting primary education officially launched and operated on September 15, 2021

On November 5, 2021, VNU launched the Higher Education and Vocational Quality Channel. The channel was established with the aim of creating and developing a platform to promote the culture of quality in higher education and vocational education of universities and colleges in Vietnam.

VNU has also assigned the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to launch a Vietnamese language training channel for overseas Vietnamese. This activity demonstrates VNU’s responsibility in preserving, consolidating and developing the Vietnamese language and cultural identity; arousing and promoting the spirit of turning towards the homeland and country; contributing to promoting the Vietnamese language and culture abroad.

Launching Ceremony of the Higher Education and Career Quality Channel, November 5, 2021

With a strong determination to join the whole country in preventing and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists of VNU also contributed their intelligence and efforts in researching and conducting experiments to master the technology of producing mRNA vaccines that quickly react to Covid-19 variants; modeling techniques to virtually screen compounds on computers to find compounds or drugs that can effectively treat Covid-19. VNU also organized a scientific seminar "Proposing solutions to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic in the new situation in Vietnam" with the participation of leading scientists and experts, exchanging and discussing to propose to the Government groups of solutions to achieve the dual goal - both preventing and fighting the pandemic and recovering and developing the socio-economy.

In addition, lecturers, doctors and students of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, VNU directly went to the South to join hands in supporting the examination and treatment of Covid-19 cases; staff, lecturers and scientists of VNU participated in the Rapid Response Information Team for Covid-19 Prevention and Control under the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

 MAINTAINING POSITION AND INCREASING PRESTIGE IN THE INTERNATIONAL AREA

According to the QS WUR 2022 rankings, VNU continues to be ranked in the 801-1000 group of the best universities in the world. This is the fourth consecutive time VNU has been in this group. Although it has continuously maintained its position in this group on the rankings, VNU's ranking points have increased. According to this ranking, VNU is ranked 147th among the best universities in Asia in 2022 - the same ranking achieved in QS AUR 2020 but has risen to the top 21.4%.

In 2021, VNU continues to have many fields ranked in the world by QS and THE such as: Mathematics; Mechanical engineering, aviation and manufacturing; Computer science and information systems; Physics & astronomy; Business & management studies; Natural sciences; Engineering; Computer science. The field of Social Sciences is included for the first time in the subject rankings of Times Higher Education Magazine in 2022 and is in the 501-600 group in the world.

Most recently, the US News & World Report magazine has just announced the results of the Best Global Universities Ranking. Accordingly, VNU is ranked 938th in the world, up 11 places compared to the previous ranking. Also in this ranking, VNU's Physics field continues to be ranked at 635th in the world.

PERFECTING THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY, MULTI-FIELD UNIVERSITY WITH A SUBSIDIARY SCHOOL MODEL

On December 1, 2021, the President of VNU signed and issued Decision No. 3868/QD-VNU to establish the International School on the basis of reorganizing the International Faculty and Decision No. 3869/QD-VNU to establish the School of Management and Business on the basis of reorganizing the Faculty of Management and Business.

The establishment of the University on the basis of adjusting and arranging the development of affiliated Faculties will help VNU to effectively utilize and promote resources from the advantages of the university model as well as create conditions to attract human and financial resources from outside; continue to perfect the research and innovation university model on the basis of developing core members with the capacity to effectively implement pilot policies on training, scientific research, international linkage and integration, especially with the ability to be financially autonomous.

According to the decision, the International School and the School of Management and Business are two training and scientific research units; self-insurance of regular and investment expenses, with their own seals and accounts for transactions; organized and operated in accordance with relevant legal provisions, the Regulations on organization and operation of the National University and member higher education institutions issued by the Prime Minister and the Regulations on organization and operation of the School issued by the Director of VNU.

MANY UNITS AND INDIVIDUALS HONORED

In 2021, a number of member and affiliated units of VNU organized activities to celebrate the traditional day and development journey: University of Science - the predecessor of Hanoi National University, celebrated 65 years of tradition and received the Third-class Labor Medal for the second time (1956 - 2021); Faculty of Law - VNU celebrated 45 years of tradition (1976 - 2021); Tran Nhan Tong Institute celebrated 5 years of establishment and development.

This year, 02 works by scientists from VNU were approved by the State Council for the Ho Chi Minh Prize and the 6th State Prize for Science and Technology, namely: The work "Anti-colonialism movement in Vietnam" by the late Professor, Dr. Dinh Xuan Lam and the work "Modern Vietnamese Poetry" by Professor, Dr. Le Van Lan (pen name Ma Giang Lan).

In 2021, according to the results published in the US journal PLoS Biology on the ranking of citation impact in the scientific community, two scientists from VNU, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Duc and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Son continued to be named in the list of 10,000 most influential scientists. Topping the list of Vietnamese scientists is Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Duc, ranked 5,949th in the world and 96th in the world in the field of Engineering, followed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Son ranked 6,766th.

Also in 2021, Dr. Nguyen Thi An Hang - Director of the Master's Program in Environmental Engineering, Vietnam - Japan University was honored to receive the Vietnamese Women's Award for outstanding achievements at home and abroad.

Recently, MSc. Le Hoang Quynh - Lecturer at the University of Technology was honored to receive the 2021 Golden Globe Award in the field of Information Technology, Digital Transformation and Automation. This award is presented by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

Students of the High School for the Gifted in Natural Sciences participating in the International Olympic competitions won 01 Gold medal, 04 Silver medals and 01 Bronze medal. The delegation of students of the High School for the Gifted in Natural Sciences was honored to receive 05 Labor Medals, 01 Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister and 02 Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training for their achievements in the International Olympic and International Science and Technology competitions in 2021.