As part of the series of activities celebrating the 65th anniversary of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, a scientific conference on the theme "Research and Training in Social Sciences and Humanities in Vietnam: Achievements and Experiences" was held on November 15th.The workshop was attended by Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang – Vice Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh – Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and scientists from various agencies, research institutes, and universities nationwide. On behalf of the University's leadership, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh – Rector of the University – delivered the opening remarks. In his introductory report, the Rector reviewed the important historical milestones and research and training achievements of the University from its founding to the present day. The Rector emphasized that the University sets the goal: "Taking basic science and long-standing traditions as the foundation, and modern knowledge and high quality as the ultimate goal." In addition, through valuable historical documents and research by Assoc. Prof. Le Mau Han, it was shown that the formation and development of the Faculty of Literature (the predecessor of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities today) is closely linked to the history of the nation's development. The potential and strength of training in social sciences and humanities have also been affirmed from the past to the present.
With two subcommittees, the workshop focused on discussing and exchanging ideas on the training of social sciences and humanities disciplines, trends, opportunities, and challenges in these fields in Vietnam. Regarding the university's training field, 24 papers were submitted to the workshop for discussion. Associate Professor Pham Xuan Hang presented a report titled "Thoughts on Training Thinking in the Era of the Faculty of Literature." Based on his research on the training programs and methods of the Faculty of Literature 65 years ago, he offered some observations and thoughts on current training programs and methods. Other reports focused on specific disciplines, such as the report: "Scientific Research and Training of the Department of Ancient and Medieval Vietnamese History" (Associate Professor Vu Van Quan), which provided detailed information on the structure and staff of the Department, some achievements in scientific research and training, and some experiences in building and developing the Department. And many other reports discuss the process of building and developing the university's training disciplines and specializations, such as: 35 years of research activities in Philosophy, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Van); 20 years of training and research in journalism and communication at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Van Huong); Faculty of Oriental Studies: 15 years of formation and development (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Dinh Chinh)... Through these, they contribute to summarizing, evaluating, and drawing lessons from the path of formation and development of social sciences and humanities disciplines in Vietnam in general and the university in particular.
The trends, opportunities, and challenges of Vietnamese social sciences and humanities in the context of international integration and globalization were the second most discussed topic at this conference. The 23 presentations not only focused on opportunities and challenges but also offered solutions to strengthen cooperation and develop training linkages between universities, research institutes, agencies, and businesses. A prime example is the report "Key Tasks of Higher Education Institutions in Social Sciences and Humanities in the Period 2010-2020" (Associate Professor Dr. Pham Van Quyet), which outlined specific tasks for current and future social science and humanities education. Along with that, strategic solutions were also proposed: the social sciences and humanities need to create more breakthroughs in training quality, linking scientific research with quality improvement, focusing on improving the professional, pedagogical, and foreign language skills of the teaching staff... The conference summarized and evaluated the achievements and role of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – a leading training and research center of the country from its establishment to the present. This contributed to clarifying and further understanding the achievements and development path of the entire social sciences and humanities.
