In preparation for the 7th Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mr. Pham Duc Anh (Deputy Secretary of the University's Youth Union) assessed the Youth Union's activities and scientific research work of young staff members at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
During the 2009-2012 term, the Executive Committee of the Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, identified one of its key activities as professional work, advising and supporting union members in their studies, teaching, and scientific research. A prime example of activities for union members who are staff members is the successful organization of the seminar "Young Staff and Scientific Research Activities" on May 12, 2011, which attracted many participants and resulted in 14 papers being published in the proceedings. This was an opportunity for young staff members (under 35 years old) throughout the university to reflect on, exchange, and discuss issues related to scientific research by young staff members in the current period; and based on that, propose ideas to the university leadership and the higher-level Youth Union. This article summarizes the discussions at the seminar and also offers suggestions for implementing the plans and tasks of the University's Youth Union in the coming period. 1. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi (formerly Hanoi University and the Faculty of Literature) has, throughout its 65 years of development and growth, consistently been a leading center for training and scientific research in the fields of social sciences and humanities nationwide, increasingly affirming its position and prestige in the region and the world. With the orientation and goal of building a high-quality, leading research university, scientific research has always been a top priority for the University. The university states: “As a leading, prestigious university with a long tradition, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has the mission of leading in the creation and dissemination of knowledge and training high-quality human resources in social sciences and humanities, serving the cause of national construction and development.” Since the first staff of Hanoi University was established in 1956, then mainly young staff, alongside teaching, scientific research has been given special importance. Generations of teachers and students of the University have always been extremely proud that even in that foundational period, a golden generation of teachers in the Literature and History faculties, though very young, quickly demonstrated their talent and intellect, becoming icons, shining examples, and a source of pride not only for the University, but also for the field and the entire country. Just 3-4 years after joining the University, the young faculty members of the History Department: Lam, Le, Tan, and Vuong began publishing groundbreaking research works. In 1960, Dinh Xuan Lam, 32 years old, published *History of Vietnam 1897-1914*; Phan Huy Le, 25 years old, *Land Ownership System and Agricultural Economy during the Early Le Dynasty*; Ha Van Tan, 23 years old, edited and annotated *Geography of Vietnam*; Tran Quoc Vuong, 26 years old, translated and annotated *A Brief History of Vietnam*. Alongside these, joint research works by the "four pillars" emerged: *The Primitive Communist System in Vietnam*, *History of the Feudal System in Vietnam*, etc. Also during those years, faculty members of the Literature Department: Dinh Gia Khanh, 33 years old, translated and annotated *Thien Nam Ngu Luc*; Ha Minh Duc, 27 years old, wrote *Literary Works and Literary Genres*; Phan Cự Đệ, 26 years old, participated in writing the preliminary selection of patriotic and revolutionary poetry and prose… Surely, the Youth Union's activities at that time were not yet strong. It is also difficult to affirm the role of the Youth Union in the successes of these individuals. But one thing is clear: to begin and succeed in a scientific career, it is never too early. And they, the first young cadres of the University, have accomplished truly great things at the same age as we are today – members of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. 2. Deeply aware of the capabilities, role, and responsibility of the Youth Union in supporting its members to develop skills, expertise, and professional expertise, the Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has, in recent years, always focused on professional activities, paying particular attention to the scientific research work of its cadre members. Several projects have been implemented, including large-scale projects funded by international organizations (such as the Ford Foundation-funded research project on enhancing the teaching capacity of young faculty members). Numerous conferences and scientific seminars for young faculty members have been organized. Skills training sessions, seminars, and scientific exchanges for young faculty members are held quite frequently: scientific research methods, presentation skills, and how to publish scientific research in international journals… Most recently, a seminar titled “Young Faculty Members and Scientific Research Activities” was held (May 2011). In the overall achievements of the University in teaching and scientific research in recent years, the University's Youth Union and its members are pleased and proud of their increasingly important contributions. According to statistics from the Personnel Department and the Research Management Department, the level and achievements of young faculty members in scientific research at the University have continuously increased in recent years. As of January 2011, the number of young staff members under 35 years old (i.e., born in 1976 or later) was 220 out of 482, accounting for 45.6% of the total staff. Of these, 141 staff members had postgraduate qualifications (125 master's degrees, 16 doctorates), accounting for 64%; the rest were pursuing postgraduate studies domestically and internationally. The number of young staff members leading research projects at the university level was 24/30 (80.00%) in 2008, 28/33 (84.85%) in 2009, and 17/19 (89.47%) in 2010. The number of National University-level research projects approved for young staff members of the university in the corresponding years was: 12/37 (32.43%), 14/39 (35.89%), and 13/15 (86.66%). Each year, the number of scientific articles published domestically and internationally by young faculty members consistently accounts for approximately 30% of the total number published by the entire university. Specifically, in the 2007-2008 academic year: 168/619 (27.14%), in the 2008-2009 academic year: 178/625 (28.48%), and in the 2009-2010 academic year: 185/676 (27.37%). Now, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, it is no longer unusual for faculty members under 35 to lead important scientific research projects at various levels. It is also not uncommon to find faculty members publishing more than 10 research papers per year. Participation in international scientific conferences and seminars and the publication of international publications are quite frequent for some faculty members.
3. However, there are still some who don't fully trust the younger generation. Many of the new faculty members who remain at the university are not entirely confident, sometimes even feeling uncertain about their scientific careers and the challenging paths ahead. Comparisons are then made between the current generation of young people and previous generations. The more comparisons are made, the more worried and uneasy they become. Society today is different! The conditions and requirements for teaching staff are also different! In the current circumstances, scientific research by young faculty members has many advantages, but also faces many difficulties and challenges. The advantages stem from their living and working in an increasingly better material world, the age of digital technology and information explosion, and their improved foreign language skills and international engagement capabilities… But there are also many obstacles, challenges, and shortcomings that warrant concern and reflection. These seemingly minor issues cause considerable anxiety among young lecturers. Firstly, compared to many other jobs and social costs, the income of a lecturer is generally low. This makes them feel insecure about their current job and unable to fully dedicate themselves to science. Besides their teaching salary, any additional income from participating in research projects is insignificant. For many, if they want to increase their income, they choose other part-time jobs rather than scientific research. Secondly, for many staff members, especially those who are new to the university and in departments that don't prioritize scientific research, proposing and registering a research project, even at the lowest level, is difficult. The general sentiment is one of reluctance. Reluctance due to the approval process. Reluctance also regarding the possibility of completion. Failure to complete the project leads to many negative consequences: impact on performance evaluations, failure to achieve awards, deductions in wages, etc. Economically, if not properly managed, many project leaders report losses. Thirdly, even if some staff members are not overly concerned about funding, another obstacle arises in the publication of research papers. Many staff members fail to meet the annual research hour requirement because they don't know how to register for scientific conferences and seminars, or how to submit their research to specialized scientific journals. Fourth, the majority of young staff members are still undergoing postgraduate training and professional development, yet they are burdened with too much time and effort by extracurricular activities and responsibilities: youth union officials, trade union officials, academic advisors, training assistants, political assistants, student affairs officers, etc. This is especially true for young female staff members, who also have other concerns related to motherhood and family responsibilities… 4. How to improve the awareness, enthusiasm, capacity, and quality of scientific research among young staff members – those who are shouldering the future of the University and the nation's science – is a major question, not easily solved overnight. The responsibility and solutions do not rest solely with the Youth Union. It requires a frank and serious assessment; a positive and appropriate policy system; coordinated and consistent efforts; and a strong determination from dedicated individuals. In this shared mission and responsibility, the guidance, direction, and leadership of the Party Committee, the School's Board of Directors, and functional departments; as well as the strategies and plans for building and training the staff of the faculties/departments, naturally play a crucial role. Young staff members throughout the school are excited and proud of the recognition and high praise from the School regarding their role and capabilities; as well as the specific policies prioritizing and supporting young staff members in scientific research over the past years. More importantly, we look forward to practical and effective innovations in the near future. As the political organization of the school's youth, the School Youth Union Executive Committee is also more deeply aware of its role and responsibility in advising and supporting scientific research for its members, especially staff members. Clearly, the young staff members of the school are a powerful and strong force, playing a crucial role in the Youth Union organization. Supporting the development of skills and professional expertise, and promoting scientific research among young staff members, should continue to be a key focus of the University's Youth Union activities in the coming period. The Union needs to continue innovating both in content and methods of operation towards a more practical and effective approach. To ensure that scientific research truly becomes a widespread movement among young staff members, the Youth Union needs to be more proactive in creating more forums, and especially opportunities for them to participate in research and publish their research results. In addition, the University's Youth Union should research, propose, and advise the University leadership and higher-level Youth Unions on the development and planning of personnel policies in general, and the scientific research work of young staff members in particular. However, perhaps the primary responsibility lies with each of us – the young staff members. If each individual does not strive and make efforts to improve, then no matter how excellent the policies or how positive the measures, they will not yield results. Today, in the social sciences and humanities, researchers under 35, even the most exceptional individuals, may not yet have achieved fame and firmly established their professional reputation. However, it might be too late if, at that age, they haven't yet found their passion and interest in science, nor have they defined a research direction and path. Start now and have faith in the future and the path you have chosen.
