Scientific staff from Vietnam National University, Hanoi played a key role in compiling the History of Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam poses for a photo with scientists from Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

The draft of the National History, comprising 25 volumes of general history and 5 volumes of historical chronology, is the result of the National Social Science Project "Research and Compilation of the History of Vietnam," with the participation of nearly 300 scientists, starting in 2014. Of the 30 volumes of the National History, 16 volumes were chaired, edited/co-edited by scientists from Vietnam National University, Hanoi; and 10 volumes were led by units within Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Almost all of the history research staff of Vietnam National University, Hanoi were mobilized to participate in this project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam emphasized that no other science and technology project, after its initial acceptance at the grassroots level, has had a handover ceremony like the National History Project. Among the thousands of state-level science and technology projects that have been accepted, if we consider the number of participating scientists, the budget, or the number of manuscript pages, the National History Project is not the largest. However, this project has many special features that attract widespread attention because of its significance in respecting the past and reflecting on the past eras of the country's history.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stated that the research process for the National History or Encyclopedia... has only completed the basic acceptance testing. Further stages are needed to reach completion and publication. However, the results handed over today are a recognition of the tireless contributions of scientists, including the late Professor Phan Huy Le. "The scientists have created a product that is the crystallization of the 'sacred spirit of the land and mountains,' destined to endure through time," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The project commenced in 2014, with the Ministry of Science and Technology as the approving and implementing agency. The management structure includes the National Science and Technology Development Fund and the Project Steering Committee. The tasks under the project are national-level social science research projects. This is the first scientific project implemented using a lump-sum payment method based on the final product, in accordance with Joint Circular No. 27/2015/TTLT-BKHCN-BTC dated December 30, 2013, of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance.

The Project Steering Committee and the Project's Scientific Council mainly consist of scientific staff from Vietnam National University, Hanoi, such as: the late Professor Phan Huy Le, Professor Vu Minh Giang, Professor Nguyen Quang Ngoc, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh, Associate Professor Vu Van Quan, etc.

According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Cong Tac, this is a particularly large-scale project in terms of research scope, receiving attention from scholars both domestically and internationally, as well as a large number of people. Among the research programs and projects in social sciences and humanities, this is the first to establish a compilation guideline to ensure consistency and adherence to the compilation principles of the work. The guideline clearly defines the general requirements of the work, the relationship between the volumes, and specific regulations on the content structure and presentation of each volume, ensuring consistency from the outset. The editorial boards of the projects have therefore worked together on a unified trajectory.

At the handover ceremony, members of the Project Steering Committee, representing the research groups (ancient and medieval periods, modern and contemporary periods, and chronological history), reported on the implementation process and content of each volume in the entire History of Vietnam. Deputy Minister Pham Cong Tac stated that after receiving the manuscripts, the Ministry of Science and Technology will organize expert evaluation and state-level acceptance testing for the projects under the Project.

"The topics will continue to be refined based on expert opinions and the conclusions of the Scientific Council, comparing the General History and Chronological Records to ensure the quality of compilation and the consistency of the National History before editing and publication," and is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 according to the set roadmap.

This product belongs to the Vietnamese History series, with scientific staff from Vietnam National University, Hanoi serving as the Project Leader, Editor/Co-Editor: