Attending the working session, on the side of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong – Vice Rector; representatives of the leaders of the Cooperation and Development, Training, and Planning - Finance departments; and leaders and lecturers of the Sociology Faculty.
Representing the Thang Long Institute of Medical Research were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuc Cuong – Director; Ms. Luong Thi Thu Ha – Deputy Director; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Duc Nhu – Chairman of the Management Board; and representatives from the University Medical Center, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the Health and Life newspaper.
At the meeting, Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thanh Truong affirmed that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is one of the key training units under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and a leading institution in training and research in social sciences and humanities in Vietnam. With a mission to lead in training high-quality, highly skilled human resources, conducting research, creating, and disseminating knowledge, the University always prioritizes expanding cooperation with international educational and research organizations and reputable scientists worldwide. Currently, the University's scientific human resources have great potential in international research and training cooperation, with approximately 70% of lecturers holding doctoral degrees and over 27% holding professorships or associate professorships out of nearly 600 staff and lecturers. Currently, the University has 16 faculties/departments and one training institute offering 107 training programs from bachelor's to doctoral levels. In particular, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has one key research center and four strong research groups at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi level. These core research units make a significant contribution to affirming the university's position in scientific research and high-quality human resources.
With a pioneering mission in training and research in Social Work in Vietnam, the University places special emphasis on investing in and implementing numerous cooperation programs with reputable hospitals and social work centers. These include major medical facilities such as Bach Mai Hospital and E Hospital. This cooperation not only facilitates opportunities for students to intern and apply their knowledge in a dynamic and professional environment, but also provides training and development programs based on the strengths of each party. Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thanh Truong believes that the signing of the cooperation agreement between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Thang Long Institute of Medical Research will open up many opportunities for joint research, faculty exchange, and support for students' practical internships. Accordingly, the Thang Long Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research will sponsor in-depth learning materials, update training programs towards digitalization for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and simultaneously cooperate in organizing future workshops on social work and mental health.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Phuc Cuong, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is known as a leading university in research and teaching in the field of social sciences and humanities in the country. According to statistics, there are about 1,453 hospitals nationwide. Of which, most hospitals have social work departments or divisions. Hospital social work is an activity to support patients, their relatives and medical staff in solving social and psychological problems related to illness and the medical examination and treatment process. However, most of the social workers in hospitals are not properly trained, so the rate of quitting is very high. The Department of Social Work of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has affirmed its position and prestige in training human resources with extensive knowledge of social issues, with skills to intervene and solve social problems at the individual, group, community and social levels. The Thang Long Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research also functions in training, scientific research, and technology transfer, with many leading experts in the field of medical and pharmaceutical training and good relationships with hospitals nationwide. Therefore, signing this cooperation agreement will be an important basis for both sides to work towards building a professional research and training environment, promoting job satisfaction, dedication, and responsibility. It will create a solid foundation for progress, knowledge and skill sharing, thereby building a bright future for social work and community service.
Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly – Head of the Sociology Department – shared insights into the department's teaching and research orientation. Established in 1991, the Sociology Department is one of the first and largest departments in the country to offer training in Sociology and Social Work, providing research- and applied training at all three levels. With two specializations – sociology and social work – the department aims to train highly skilled professionals capable of applying their knowledge to interpret, analyze, and solve social problems, possessing strong moral character, firm political convictions, and professional ethics. The Sociology Department at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities not only researches social work in Vietnam but also strives to understand the evolving landscape of this profession internationally, thereby continuously improving the quality of teaching and research. In particular, on August 1st and 2nd, 2023, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities successfully organized the workshop "Making a Difference - Barrier-Free Social Work: Towards Sustainable Development and Emergency Response," attracting 150 Vietnamese scholars and over 90 scholars from 22 countries worldwide. The workshop was highly regarded by experts and scholars interested in the field of social work, with 50 full papers presented, including 28 papers from international scholars and 22 papers from Vietnamese scholars. Based on the principle of cooperation for progress, Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly hopes that the Thang Long Institute of Medical Research will share its training methods in social work, leading to a consensus and the planning of a collaborative teaching program between the two institutions in the future.
Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Duc Nhu shared: With close cooperation with more than 16 countries and the successful implementation of 100 social work projects, Thang Long Institute of Medical Research will support lecturers of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in collaborating, working, and researching at major hospitals nationwide, as well as creating opportunities for students to intern at reputable social work institutions. In addition, Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Duc Nhu also proposed a joint organization with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities for a conference on Social Work for hospitals across the North, tentatively scheduled for February 27, 2024.
During the meeting, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Thang Long Institute of Medical Research agreed on several important cooperation programs:
