What benefits are available for staff in the social sciences and humanities?

On June 4, 2010, the Ministry of Interior and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities organized a seminar entitled "The Current Situation of the Social Sciences and Humanities Staff and Policies on the Recruitment, Remuneration, Reward, and Recognition of Social Sciences and Humanities Staff." Many leading scientists in the field of social sciences and humanities from the University attended the seminar.

Social Sciences and Humanities: Important, but there are many... difficulties.

The speakers all affirmed the important role of the social sciences and humanities today, but also pointed out many difficulties stemming from both subjective and objective causes, leaving the humanities and social sciences scientists at a disadvantage. Professor Le Chi Que (Faculty of Literature) stated: The field of Literature currently has only 6 professors nationwide. This reflects the reality that the number of highly qualified intellectuals in the social sciences and humanities is small and developing slowly, while other fields such as natural sciences and technology may have individuals appointed as professors in their early 30s. Explaining this, Professor Le Chi Que argued that it is not due to the laziness of the scientists in the social sciences and humanities, but rather stems from the specific animosities within this field of study. In the natural sciences, individuals can rely on their intelligence, talent, and exceptional brilliance to create significant scientific works at a young age. However, in the social sciences and humanities, an individual aspiring to become a leading figure must accumulate experience and knowledge through training to a certain level of maturity before they can produce major research projects. Professor Le Chi Que also shared that collecting research data in the social sciences and humanities requires considerable effort and fieldwork, while funding for social science research is often low. Therefore, going abroad to conduct research and gather data is even more difficult. Professor Dinh Van Duc (Faculty of Linguistics) emphasized the importance of social sciences and humanities as a science linked to the formulation of major state policies and decisions, to political life, and to the survival of the social system. Therefore, researchers in the social sciences and humanities need special attention, support, encouragement, and recognition from the State. Objectively speaking, Professor Dinh Van Duc believes that our scientists are all dedicated professionals, willing to sacrifice themselves for their work, patriotic, and wholeheartedly committed to the cause of the Party and the people. However, due to historical circumstances, they are mostly self-taught and have had few opportunities for overseas training or academic exchange with international colleagues. Regarding the Party and State's treatment of the intellectual workforce in the social sciences and humanities, Professor Dinh Van Duc stated: Although there are macro-level viewpoints and policies demonstrating respect and high regard for this group, these policies do not seem to have truly been implemented. This is evident in the still unreasonable salary and allowance system, which fails to motivate the work ethic of scientists. Policies on remuneration and conditions for learning and research do not truly encourage their enthusiastic dedication. Some policies have been in place for too long and are no longer reasonable, yet they remain in place, while new policies are introduced that are thought to be better but are in reality not. Contributing to this consensus, Professor Tran Tri Doi (Faculty of Linguistics) argues that Vietnamese social sciences and humanities have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate their important role and function in protecting and maintaining the current social system. The State needs to pay more attention to this intellectual workforce, especially professors and leading scientists. Currently, with their state-mandated salaries, professors are unlikely to be able to afford to travel abroad for academic exchange, while state support is negligible. Abroad, top professors have private offices, two personal assistants, and salaries that allow them to focus on scientific research and dedication. Meanwhile, professors in Vietnam have low salaries, no private offices, no travel allowances, and no support for scientific research... These issues must be addressed through specific policies of the State and the Ministry of Education and Training, not simply as the responsibility of universities.

Let's not just say it for fun!

Intellectuals, especially in the social sciences and humanities, besides working to earn a living, have a greater aspiration: to contribute to society and help change it for the better. Therefore, the most effective way to reward and honor them is to listen to them and create the best possible conditions for their research and work. This was the opinion of Associate Professor Bui Thanh Quat (Department of Political Science), an opinion that was supported by many delegates. Delving into micro-level policies, Professor Le Chi Que argued that due to the small number and slow development of highly qualified personnel, the State should extend the retirement age for top officials (such as professors, associate professors, and doctors of science) to 70 years old, instead of the current 65. At that age, many scientists still have good health and sharp minds; moreover, they have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of social issues. For young staff members, it is essential that the State sends them abroad for more training so that they can keep up-to-date with scientific information and new research trends worldwide. In addition, research topics and projects in the social sciences and humanities need certain priorities in terms of funding and other support. Professor Tran Tri Doi suggested that leading experts should receive regular annual funding for overseas academic exchange and research projects. This funding must be adequate and avoid being subject to too many complex financial regulations. The only female representative at the seminar – Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Quy – a renowned expert on gender and family, contributed an opinion in defense of female intellectuals in the social sciences and humanities. She stated that female intellectuals are few in number and disadvantaged by having to shoulder the roles of head of the family and bearing children, thus lacking the opportunity for continuous training like men. On the other hand, their retirement age is earlier than that of men, while their research capacity to serve society remains. Perhaps, due to these unique characteristics, the State should extend the working age of female intellectuals to match that of men, thus avoiding the waste of their intellectual resources, efforts, and training time? Concluding the seminar with many heartfelt opinions, the participating delegates conveyed to the State's representative agencies their hope that policies to reward and utilize intellectuals in the social sciences and humanities would soon be implemented and truly yield results; so that the opinions and concerns expressed by the scientists at today's seminar would not be merely empty talk.