Social Sciences and Humanities Journals must have social influence

Initial successes

Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (website://journal.ussh.vnu.edu.vn) is an official scientific publication of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU, operating under license number 155/GP-BTTTT dated May 11, 2015 of the Ministry of Information and Communications. The international standard code is ISSN 2354-1172.

The Journal's mission is defined as "a forum for academic exchange, introducing new and high-quality scientific research results in social sciences and humanities at home and abroad to serve the cause of national construction and development in the context of integration and globalization".

Although it has only been in operation for 4 years, the Journal has quickly affirmed its quality and position in the system of scientific journals in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities nationwide. The Journal has been recognized and scored for its work (1 point) by 08 Councils of Professors of Education, Council of Professors of Law, Council of Professors of Linguistics, Council of Professors of History - Archeology - Ethnology, Council of Professors of Psychology, Council of Professors of Philosophy - Sociology - Political Science, Council of Professors of Culture - Arts - Sports, Council of Professors of Literature.

The Editorial Board consists of 37 scholars, including 06 foreign scholars. Each year, the Journal has 04 Vietnamese issues and 02 English issues. Up to now, 17 foreign authors have participated in publishing articles. The rate of rejected articles is 36.43%.

Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Van Quan (Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities) said: The quality of the articles is the top requirement of the journal. In addition to selecting the Council members who are leading prestigious scientists at home and abroad, the article review process is also strict and objective. The articles are reviewed in secret with 02 independent reviewers. If the results are not consistent, a third reviewer will be invited. The articles span many fields of the Social Sciences and Humanities.

Prof. Vu Duong Ninh (Chairman of the School's Former Teachers Association) spoke at the Conference

By 2030, the Journal strives to meet international standards to be included in the list of leading prestigious scientific journals in the region and the world (Scopus and ISI journal lists).

Up to now, the Journal has been listed in information and scientific databases at universities, research institutions, major libraries in Vietnam as well as in international databases such as: Vietnamese studies training institutions abroad, Vietnam Studies Scholars Network (VSG), cited by Google, Scholars, Worldcat, Openarchives...

Reflecting topical scientific issues of social sciences and humanities

Positioned as the leading journal of social sciences and humanities in the country, JOSSH must reflect the contemporary scientific life of social sciences and humanities in Vietnam as well as the world.

Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Minh Duc (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) said that the Journal should first publish new research results of scientists in the fields of the University. Every year, the scientific staff at the units are implementing many topics and projects at all levels at home and abroad, so how are these research results presented in the University's journal? Why do many researchers choose to publish articles in foreign journals instead of the University's journal? Should there be more drastic regulations from the University regarding the mandatory publication of research results from topics in the Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities?

Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Minh Duc

Prof. Dr. Do Quang Hung (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) believes that for the Journal to have quality, each issue needs "key" articles from leading scientists. Instead of waiting for articles to be submitted, the Editorial Board needs to proactively plan to commission articles from leading scientists at home and abroad to have key, quality articles that reflect new trends and research content taking place in each research field.

Prof. Dr. Do Quang Hung

Prof. Tran Khanh (Institute of Southeast Asian Studies) highly appreciated the content and format of the Journal - although it has been established not long ago, it has already established a position in the system of scientific journals in Vietnam. However, he said that if the Journal is to truly innovate and make a breakthrough in quality, it requires the courage of the Editorial Board. The topics of the articles must dare to delve into controversial scientific issues, including not being afraid to engage in content that was previously considered "sensitive" in the spirit of science, honesty and objectivity. Issues of protecting sovereignty over seas and islands, policy-making issues... really need scientists to speak up.

Internationalization efforts

Appreciating JOSSH's goal of reaching international standards, leading experts have proposed many specific solutions.

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Nhung (General Secretary of the State Council of Professors)

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Nhung (General Secretary of the State Council of Professors) said that only serious work and quality improvement are the fundamental foundations for the University's Journal to reach out to the world. To become an international journal, JOSSH needs to pay attention to meeting international standards from content to presentation elements, working process... In addition, the Journal must create its own identity, easily recognizable among thousands of other types of scientific journals.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Chairman of the School's Science and Training Council)

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Chairman of the School's Science and Training Council) proposed that the Editorial Board should be strengthened by increasing the number of members who are foreign scientists; increasing the number of articles by international scientists in the journal; increasing the proportion of English-language journals to equal the number of Vietnamese-language journals. Finally, the School must have a solution to closely connect with leading scientific journals in the region to expand academic relations and enhance the journal's status.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh (Department of Anthropology) shared his experience: Foreign journals attach great importance to articles on book reviews and new book introductions in the spirit of discussion and debate. In addition to regular issues, the Journal also needs to create special issues to focus on specific scientific issues of interest to the scientific community. He also shared that unlike other scientific fields, research in social sciences and humanities often has great influence and social impact. A reputable scientific journal needs to have scientific content of sufficient scope to create a profound social impact.

German editor Etienne Mahler suggested using anti-plagiarism software to review submitted articles - something that is strictly regulated in the world. Promoting the Journal abroad also needs to be done systematically and proactively. The network of authors and contributors of the Journal needs to be connected and maintained regularly. Topics for each issue need to be planned in advance and sent to scientists so that they can proactively grasp and write according to the direction of the Journal.