History of formation and development of Hanoi National University

VNU has 3 levels of administrative management:
1) VNU is the focal point assigned by the Government with annual targets and plans; has legal status and a seal bearing the national emblem. The Director, Vice Directors and Chairman of the VNU Council are appointed and dismissed by the Prime Minister.
2) Member universities and scientific research institutes; schools, faculties, training centers, scientific and technological research centers; service units, training and scientific research units under VNU are basic units with legal status, their own seals and accounts.
3) Faculties, research departments and equivalents of member universities, scientific research institutes and affiliated units.
VNU operates under a highly autonomous and self-responsible mechanism; works directly with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities on issues related to the operation and development of VNU. Member universities and scientific research institutes of VNU are training and scientific and technological research institutions with high autonomy and legal status equivalent to other universities and scientific research institutes as stipulated in the Law on Education, the Law on Higher Education, the Law on Amendments and Supplements to a Number of Articles of the Law on Higher Education, and the Law on Science and Technology. IMPORTANT HISTORICAL MILESTONES OF VNU
1906
Indochina University was established under Decision No. 1514a dated May 16, 1906 of the Governor-General of Indochina, located at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City (Boulevard Bobillot Street during the French colonial period). 1945
On the basis of the Indochina University, the Vietnam National University was established, opening its first course on November 15, 1945 under the chairmanship of President Ho Chi Minh. This is the first multidisciplinary, multi-field university established under the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The University's headquarters is still located at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi. 1951
Our State established the School of Basic Sciences (in the Viet Bac War Zone). This was one of the predecessor schools of Hanoi University of Science later.
1956
According to Decision No. 2183/TC dated June 4, 1956 of the Government, Hanoi University of Science and Hanoi Pedagogical University were established.
Hanoi University of Science is the first university of basic sciences (natural sciences and social sciences - humanities) in the North after the restoration of peace. Hanoi University of Science directly inherits the traditions and facilities and techniques of the University of Indochina (1906), the Vietnam National University (1945) and the School of Basic Sciences (1951).
In Hanoi National University of Education there is the Faculty of Foreign Languages, which later developed into Hanoi University of Foreign Languages. 1967
Hanoi University of Foreign Languages ​​and Culture was established on the basis of the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​of Hanoi University of Education.
1985
In November 1985, the Center for Natural Resources and Environment Research merged with the Mangrove Research Center of Hanoi National University of Education and became the Center for Natural Resources and Environment Research under VNU.
1993 - 1997
With a strategic vision, our Party and State have identified education and science and technology as the top national policies. Following that motto, on January 14, 1993, the 4th Conference of the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (Term VII) issued a Resolution, which clearly stated the task of "Building a number of key national universities" to act as the locomotive and backbone for the country's higher education. Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) was established with that role and mission.
VNU was established on the basis of organizing and rearranging 3 major universities in Hanoi: Hanoi University of Science, Hanoi Pedagogical University I and Hanoi University of Foreign Languages ​​(Decree No. 97/CP dated December 10, 1993 of the Government). VNU operates under the Regulations on Organization and Operation issued by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 477/QD-TTg dated September 5, 1994.
According to Decree 97/CP, VNU initially included the General University and 4 specialized universities: University of Natural Sciences, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Education, University of Foreign Languages; Institutes and scientific research centers, and service units. During this period, a number of units were established by VNU, including: i) Units established in 1995: Student Dormitory Center; Faculty of Business Administration; VNU Newsletter; VNU Publishing House; System Development Center; VNU Science Journal (based on the reorganization of the Science Journal of Hanoi National University); Center for Training of Lecturers of Marxism-Leninism Theory under the National University, the predecessor of the Center for Training and Fostering Lecturers of Political Theory; Center for Training Quality Assurance and Educational Development Research; Farm 1A was transferred to VNU under Decision No. 659/TTG dated October 16, 1995 of the Prime Minister, becoming a unit under VNU, as a premise for preparing the project to build a new campus of VNU in Hoa Lac; ii) Units established in 1996: Center for Biotechnology; Center for Training and Fostering Political Theory Lecturers; iii) Information - Library Center was established on the basis of merging 03 libraries of: Hanoi National University, Hanoi Pedagogical University I and Hanoi University of Foreign Languages, according to Decision No. 66/TCCB dated February 14, 1997 of the Director of VNU.
1998
The Government issued a Decree on the abolition of the General University. At the same time, in this year, the Director of VNU signed the Decisions to establish the VNU Printing House (separated from the VNU Publishing House) and the Decision to establish the Center for Women's Studies.
1999
The Director signed the Decisions to establish: i) Ba Vi Center for Experimental Ecological and Environmental Education; Faculty of Economics under VNU (July 1999); Faculty of Pedagogy according to Decision No. 1481/TCCB dated December 21, 1999.
Year 2000
By 2000, VNU had 04 member universities (University of Natural Sciences, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Foreign Languages, University of Education) and 03 affiliated faculties: Faculty of Technology (Decision No. 85/TCCB dated March 7, 2000), Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Education and other units...
In 2000, the University of Education separated from the organizational structure of VNU to become a university under the Ministry of Education and Training. At this time, VNU had the following majors and fields: mathematics and natural sciences, information technology and telecommunications (University of Natural Sciences), social sciences and humanities, economics, law (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) and foreign languages ​​(University of Foreign Languages).
To continue to create favorable conditions for the development of the two National Universities (VNU), including VNU, the Politburo Standing Committee issued Conclusion No. 315-TB/TW dated August 29, 2000, stating:
“The policy of building two national universities into multidisciplinary, multi-field, high-quality training, scientific research and technology transfer centers, on par with the region, gradually reaching international standards is completely correct, in line with the country's development requirements and the development trend of higher education in the region and the world... National universities are under the state management of the Ministry of Education and Training, of other ministries and branches in related fields in accordance with the Government's regulations and the Law on Education, ensuring high autonomy in training activities, scientific and technological research, finance, international relations, organization and personnel of the National universities; creating the National universities to become an organic entity that maximizes the effectiveness of building and using teaching staff, laboratories, facilities...”. Year 2001
Pursuant to the Conclusion of the Politburo Standing Committee, the Government issued Decree No. 07/2001/ND-CP dated February 1, 2001 on the National University; on February 12, 2001, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 14/2001/QD-TTg and Decision No. 16/2001/QD-TTg on the reorganization and promulgation of the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of the National University. This is an important historical milestone marking a new development step of the National University.
According to Decision No. 14/2001/QD-TTg, VNU has 03 member universities: University of Natural Sciences, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Foreign Languages ​​and 01 member scientific research institute - Institute of Information Technology; affiliated faculties and research centers; service units; Office and functional departments. At that time, a number of functional departments were established, including the International Relations Department, the Inspection Department... and a Party - mass organization was established as the Party - mass organization Office Block.
Year 2001
Pursuant to the agreement between VNU and the Korean Foundation for Advanced Study (KFAS), the Asian Studies Support Center was officially established under Decision No. 720/TCCB, dated December 13, 2001.
2002
The Director of VNU signed the Decisions to establish: i) The Management Board of Construction Projects in Hoa Lac (April 29, 2002) and the Graduate School under VNU (May 20, 2002).
2003
On December 20, 2003, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai officially broke ground for the construction of VNU in Hoa Lac. Phase 2004 - 2006
On March 19, 2004, the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Science was established, according to Decision No. 40/2004/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on the basis of the Center for Vietnamese Studies and Cultural Exchange under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. This Center is a continuation of the Vietnam Research Cooperation Center (Hanoi National University) established by the Minister of Education and Training under Decision No. 529/QD dated May 17, 1989.
On May 25, 2004, the University of Technology was established on the basis of upgrading and developing the Faculty of Technology and the Center for Cooperation in Training and Fostering Mechanics under VNU, according to Decision No. 92/2004/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister. At the same time, the Center for National Defense Education was previously established on March 2, 2004 according to Decision No. 97/TCCB of the Director of VNU.
On May 19, 2005, the Center for Training Technology and Employment System under VNU was established according to Decision No. 1073/QD-TCCB of the Director of VNU.
In 2006, the Director of VNU signed the Decision to dissolve Farm 1A and transfer some staff to work at the Center for Urban Research and the Ba Vi Center for Experimental Ecological and Environmental Education.
2007
On March 6, 2007, the University of Economics was established on the basis of upgrading the Faculty of Economics, according to Decision No. 290/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister.
On May 24, 2007, the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology was established on the basis of upgrading the Biotechnology Center, according to Decision No. 661/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister.
Year 2008
The Science and Technology Development Fund, VNU was established under Decision No. 3042/QD-KHCN dated June 23, 2008 of the Director of VNU.
On December 24, 2008, the Center for Communication and Public Relations was established on the basis of reorganizing the VNU Newsletter and the VNU Website Department (Decision No. 6059/QD-TCCB of the President of VNU).
The Center for Development and Management of University Urban Areas in Hoa Lac was established, then, together with the Management Board of Construction Projects in Hoa Lac (including the Management Boards of Projects QG-HN 05, 07, 09 and 10) were merged and reorganized into the Management Board of Construction Investment Projects of VNU in Hoa Lac under the Ministry of Construction, according to Decision No. 1466/QD-BXD dated December 16, 2008 of the Minister of Construction.
Year 2009
On April 3, 2009, the University of Education was established on the basis of the Faculty of Pedagogy, according to Decision No. 441/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister.
Also in 2009, the Director of VNU signed the Decision to establish the following affiliated units: i) Student Support Center (on the basis of adding functions, tasks and renaming the Student Dormitory Center), according to Decision No. 52/QD-TCCB dated January 7, 2009; ii) University Urban Development and Training Support Center (on the basis of adding functions, tasks and renaming the Ba Vi Experimental Center for Ecological and Environmental Education), according to Decision No. 874/QD-TCCB dated February 23, 2009; iii) Physical Education and Sports Center on the basis of rearranging and reorganizing physical education departments of the units (Decision No. 1652/QD-TCCB dated May 4, 2009); iv) Rename the National Defense Education Center to the National Defense - Security Education Center (Decision No. 1737/QD-TCCB dated May 11, 2009); v) Center for Sea and Island Research (Decision No. 1757/QD-TCCB dated May 13, 2009); vi) International Center for Global Change Research (Decision No. 1758/QD-TCCB dated May 13, 2009); vii) Project Management and Development Board (Decision No. 4029/QD-TCCB dated November 26, 2009).

Year 2010
During the year, the President of VNU signed the Decision to establish the following affiliated units: i) Center for Urban Research (Decision No. 629/QD-TCCB dated February 12, 2010); ii) Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy (Decision No. 1507/QD-TCCB dated May 20, 2010); iii) Center for Information Technology Application (on the basis of two predecessor units, the Center for Software Technology under the University of Technology and the VNUnet Center under the Institute of Information Technology), according to Decision No. 1736/QD-TCCB dated June 10, 2010; iv) VNU-Kyoto University Cooperation Office, abbreviated as VKCO (established on September 17, 2010 as a representative office for Japanese universities and a bridge in education between Vietnam and Japan. VKCO is one of the 8 cooperation offices worldwide of the Japanese Government); v) upgrading the Center for Training Quality Assurance and Educational Development Research into the Institute for Education Quality Assurance under VNU (Decision No. 1980/QD-TCCB dated July 5, 2020).
On November 15, 2010, the Ministry of Education and Training assigned VNU to coordinate with the AUPELF-UREF Organization (now the Francophone University Agency - AUF) to organize, manage and operate the Francophone Institute of Informatics, according to Decision No. 5206/QD-BGDDT of the Minister of Education and Training.
2011
During the year, the President of VNU signed the Decision to establish the following affiliated units: i) International Human Resources Center (Decision No. 2139/QD-TCCB dated July 29, 2011); ii) VNU Development Center (based on the consolidation of Ba Vi Experimental Center for Ecological and Environmental Education, merging part of the Center for Training Support and University Urban Development and the Administration Department, the Security Team of VNU Office), according to Decision No. 3592/QD-TCCB dated December 2, 2011; iii) Center for Cooperation and Knowledge Transfer (Decision No. 3619/QD-TCCB dated December 6, 2011); iv) VNU Hospital was established by Decision No. 3618/QD-TCCB dated December 5, 2011 and the Nano and Energy Center (Decision No. 3636/QD-VNU dated December 7, 2011).
Up to this point, VNU has basically become a center for high-quality multidisciplinary and multidisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate training, scientific research and knowledge transfer, consisting of a total of 43 units, including: 09 member units, with 06 universities (with high autonomy, self-responsibility, and legal status equivalent to universities under the Ministry of Education and Training) and 03 member scientific research institutes; 05 affiliated faculties; 14 affiliated training and scientific research units (02 institutes and 12 training and research centers); 15 affiliated training and scientific research service units.
In addition, on August 16, 2011, the Hanoi People's Committee issued Decision No. 3737/QD-UBND, granting a license to establish and recognizing the Charter of the VNU Development Fund. Accordingly, the VNU Development Fund has legal status as a unit performing special tasks of VNU, operating on the principle of voluntariness, self-funding and self-financing.
Although there are still some difficulties, Decree No. 07/2001/ND-CP dated February 1, 2001 on the National University and the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of the National University issued together with Decision No. 16/2001/QD-TTg dated February 12, 2001 of the Prime Minister have created favorable conditions for the National University to promote its autonomy and high self-responsibility under the state management of the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant Ministries in activities related to organizational structure, personnel, finance, international cooperation, training, and scientific research; Forming a model of an educational career unit with an organic entity, interconnected, linked, and comprehensively cooperating between member units and affiliated units, effectively exploiting all resources, multi-disciplinary and multi-field advantages, diversity and strengths of each unit in VNU to improve the quality of all activities, increase values, create unique products, and have high competitiveness; ranked by QS World University Rankings (topuniversities.com) in the group of 250 leading universities in Asia, including the field of natural sciences (ranked 61st), the field of life sciences and biomedicine (ranked 84th), contributing to enhancing the position and brand of each unit, as well as of VNU and the entire Vietnamese higher education system; actively promoting the process of industrialization, modernization and international integration of the country.
Summarizing the evaluation of university models, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan affirmed that VNU has gone in the right direction in building and developing a high-quality multidisciplinary and multi-field university model according to Decree No. 07/2001/ND-CP of the Government and Regulation No. 16/2001/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister (source: Government Electronic Newspaper).
2013
On September 5, 2013, the Center for Education Quality Assessment was the first education quality assessment organization established in Vietnam under Decision No. 3568/QD-BGDDT of the Minister of Education and Training.
In order to implement the Law on Higher Education, the two National Universities have coordinated with the Ministry of Education and Training to draft a new Decree on National Universities and the Regulation on Organization and Operation of National Universities and member higher education institutions, and submit them to the Government and the Prime Minister for promulgation. On November 17, 2013, on behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister signed and issued Decree No. 186/2013/ND-CP on National Universities (replacing Decree No. 07/2001/ND-CP dated February 1, 2001 of the Government on National Universities).
To ensure compliance with new legal regulations, and at the same time to determine job positions in member units and affiliated units, based on reviewing and evaluating the current situation as well as the potential, capacity and operational efficiency of the units, the Party Committee and the Council of VNU issued Resolution No. 118-NQ/DU dated July 4, 2013 of the 14th Conference of the Executive Committee of the VNU Party Committee on the Project to adjust, reorganize and develop the organization in VNU. Accordingly, VNU has implemented the Project to adjust, reorganize and develop the organization in VNU in the direction of streamlining the focal points, increasing resources for member units and investing in the development of affiliated units after adjustment and reorganization. The organizational structure of VNU is clearly defined in 4 groups: (i) Member universities and scientific research institutes; (ii) Affiliated units oriented to develop into member universities and scientific research institutes in the coming time; (iii) Service units; iv) Business and service units.
As a result, a number of units and organizations have been adjusted and rearranged: (i) The Inspection Board was renamed the Inspection and Legal Board; the International Relations Board was renamed the Cooperation and Development Board; (ii) the Project Management and Development Board was renamed the Project Management Board; (iii) the International Human Resources Center was renamed the Human Resources Forecasting and Development Center (Decision No. 3089/QD-TCCB dated September 4, 2013); (iv) A number of units were merged into member universities such as: Center for Training and Fostering Lecturers, Political Theory, Center for Women's Studies, Center for Nano and Energy, Center for Sea and Island Research; (v) A number of units were merged into member universities/scientific research institutes or affiliated units: Center for Communications and Public Relations; Center for Information Technology Application, Center for Training Support and University Urban Development, VNU Publishing House; (vi) Some units were dissolved such as VNU Publishing House, Center for Training Support and University Urban Development, Center for Communications and Public Relations
On the other hand, VNU has organizations that carry out special tasks such as: (i) Office of the State-level Key Science and Technology Program "Science and Technology for Sustainable Development of the Northwest Region" (abbreviated as the Northwest Program Office); (ii) VNU Scientist Club (English name: VNU - Scientist Links, abbreviated: VSL) established on February 7, 2013 (Decision No. 463/QD-TCCB dated by the Director of VNU) is an organization under VNU operating on a voluntary and non-profit basis to connect scientists in VNU.
2014
To increase autonomy and self-responsibility in member higher education institutions, based on the provisions of the Law on Higher Education, Decree No. 186/2013/ND-CP dated November 17, 2013 of the Government on National Universities, on March 26, 2014, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 26/2014/QD-TTg promulgating the Regulation on Organization and Operation of National Universities and member higher education institutions. This new Regulation replaces the Regulation on Organization and Operation of National Universities issued together with Decision No. 16/2001/QD-TTg dated February 12, 2001 of the Prime Minister. The provisions in Regulation No. 26/2014/QD-TTg clearly demonstrate the Government and Prime Minister's view on innovation in National Universities in the process of sustainable development and integration.
In 2014, the Prime Minister also signed the Decision to establish the Vietnam-Japan University under VNU on the basis of the agreement between the Governments of Vietnam and Japan (Decision No. 1186/QD-TTg dated July 21, 2014).
At the same time, in 2014, implementing the direction of the Party Committee of VNU, the Board of Directors of VNU, a number of affiliated units continued to be adjusted and rearranged: (i) The Francophone Institute of Informatics changed its name to the Francophone International Institute (Decision No. 4299/QD-VNU dated November 18, 2014) to expand the scope of activities of the Francophone Institute of Informatics, orienting its development into a high-quality interdisciplinary international research and training center; (ii) establishing the Management Board of Vietnam-Japan University according to Decision No. 2589/QD-VNU dated July 30, 2014; (iii) Merging the Center for System Development and the Center for Training Technology and Employment System into the Center for Human Resource Forecasting and Development (Decision No. 5650/QD-VNU and Decision No. 5651/QD-VNU dated December 31, 2014; (iv) The Center for Information Technology Application was merged into the Institute of Information Technology; (v) The International Center for Global Change Studies merged into the Center for Natural Resources and Environment Studies; (vi) Changing the model of the Asian Research Support Center to a non-affiliated unit of VNU.
At the end of phase 1 of the Project on adjusting, arranging and developing the organization (2013-2014), VNU has completed the reorganization of its affiliated units to meet new requirements, specifically: restructuring the Publishing House (with a streamlined administrative apparatus and 03 service business centers), renaming and merging 02 Centers into the Center for Forecasting and Human Resources Development, renaming the Francophone Institute of Informatics... The organizational structure of VNU has been reduced from 43 units to 29 units and is clearly defined according to 3 types: i) Training unit; ii) Scientific research unit; iii) Service unit, contributing to consolidating VNU into an organic entity with a reasonable scale, minimizing overlapping functions and tasks between units.
2015
In order to promote the implementation of Central Resolution 6 on science and technology development (Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW), Central Resolution 8 on fundamental and comprehensive innovation of education and training (Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW), and to realize important targets set out in the 5th Party Congress of VNU, term 2015-2020, VNU continues to deploy and implement phase 2 of the Project to adjust, rearrange and develop the organizational structure of member units and affiliated units.
2016
To achieve the strategic goal of developing into a research-oriented, multi-disciplinary, multi-field university, VNU is also establishing new units, transforming the organizational and operational models of a number of units, as well as upgrading a number of affiliated units into member universities and scientific research institutes of VNU. In 2016, the Prime Minister signed the Decision to establish the Tran Nhan Tong Institute (Decision No. 1717/QD-TTg dated September 1, 2016) and to establish the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment on the basis of upgrading the Center for Natural Resources and Environment Research (Decision No. 2218/QD-TTg dated November 17, 2016).
Also in 2016, the President of VNU issued a Decision to upgrade the VNU Testing Center from under the Institute for Education Quality Assurance to the VNU Testing Center under VNU (Decision No. 2099/QD-VNU dated July 21, 2016). At the same time, the name and functions and tasks of the Faculty of Business Administration were adjusted to the Faculty of Business Administration and Management (Decision No. 2211/QD-VNU dated July 29, 2016); the name of the Management Board of Vietnam-Japan University was changed to the Project Management Board of Vietnam-Japan University (Decision No. 3170/QD-VNU dated October 14, 2016) and the Office of Cooperation between VNU and Kyoto University was dissolved (Decision No. 294/QD-VNU dated February 5, 2016).
In addition, in 2016, VNU established 02 organizations to carry out special tasks: i) VNU Alumni Club was established on April 11, 2016 (Decision No. 979/QD-VNU) with the aim of promoting the development of VNU alumni network to connect lifelong intelligence and emotions, serving as a bridge connecting students and businesses; ii) VNU-University of Arizona Cooperation Office was established in December 2016 (under a cooperation agreement with the University of Arizona, USA).
2017
Based on the objectives, tasks and solutions in Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW at the 6th Conference of the 12th Party Central Committee on October 25, 2017, in 2017, VNU conducted consolidation, adjustment and rearrangement to stabilize the organization and operation of a number of units: (i) Adjusted the name and functions and tasks of the Graduate School to the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences (Decision No. 248/QD-VNU dated January 20, 2017); (ii) renamed the Center for Cooperation and Knowledge Transfer to the Center for Knowledge Transfer and Startup Support (Decision No. 269/QD-VNU dated January 24, 2017); (iii) merged the VNU Guest House; Campus 2 of the VNU Development Center in Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District and the Urban Research Center to become the VNU Development Center in Hoa Lac (Decision No. 307/QD-VNU dated February 6, 2017); (iv) transfer the remaining functions and tasks at Campus 1 of the VNU Development Center at 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi to the VNU Office and then dissolve the VNU Development Center; (v) transfer the Center for Information Technology Application from the Institute of Information Technology to the VNU Office; (vi) rename the Center for National Defense and Security Education to the Center for National Defense and Security Education (Decision No. 2333/QD-VNU dated July 24, 2017).
VNU is in the process of changing its organization and personnel to carry out special tasks of VNU: preparing to establish the Office of National Mission; implementing procedures to be ready to receive the VNU-Hoa Lac Construction Investment Project based on Decision No. 2068/QD-TTg dated December 21, 2017 of the Prime Minister on the transfer of the VNU-Hoa Lac Construction Investment Project from the Ministry of Construction to VNU-Hoa Lac.
2018
On January 22, 2018, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 282/QD-VNU to establish the VNU-level Office of Science and Technology Tasks "Building a National Geographical Record of Vietnam", abbreviated name: Office of National Geographical Tasks under VNU to carry out special tasks.
Pursuant to Decision No. 206/QD-BXD dated February 13, 2018 of the Minister of Construction and a number of other documents, the President of VNU signed the Decision on receiving the Management Board of the VNU Construction Investment Project in Hoa Lac (Decision No. 698/QD-VNU dated March 5, 2018) and taking on the role of investor of the VNU Construction Investment Project in Hoa Lac. This is also the stage where VNU completes the Project on organizational structure model to implement the task of investing and building the VNU urban area in Hoa Lac.
2020
The Office of the Vietnam Studies Documentation Center Development Project at VNU, abbreviated as the Office of the Vietnam Studies Documentation Center Project, under VNU, was established on July 31, 2020 (Decision No. 2206/QD-VNU).
On October 27, 2020, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 1666/QD-TTg on the establishment of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy as the eighth member university of VNU on the basis of upgrading and developing the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. According to the establishment decision, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy has legal status, its own seal and account; exercises autonomy according to Government regulations; is under the direct management of VNU, the state management of higher education of the Ministry of Education and Training and the territorial management of the Hanoi People's Committee.
2021
On October 28, 2021, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 3333/QD-VNU to establish the Project Management Board "Development of Vietnam National Universities - VNU Sub-project", referred to as the World Banks Project Management Board.
On December 1, 2021, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 3868/QD-VNU to establish the International School on the basis of reorganizing the Faculty of International Studies, VNU and Decision No. 3869/QD-VNU to establish the School of Management and Business on the basis of reorganizing the Faculty of Management and Business, VNU.
In 2021, the President of VNU signed a Decision to adjust the functions and tasks of the VNU Development Center in Hoa Lac and the Management Board of the VNU Construction Investment Project in Hoa Lac; transfer the VNU Newsletter under the Science Journal to the Information and Brand Management Department, VNU Office; reorganize the Information Technology Application Center under the VNU Office into the Digital University Management Center.
2022
On February 14, 2022, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 316/QD-VNU to change the name of the Information - Library Center to the Digital Library and Knowledge Center, effective from March 1, 2022.
In order to comply with the Development Strategy of VNU to 2030, vision 2045; Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy; Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's direction on developing the VNU Urban Area according to the "5 in 1" model, VNU is developing projects to carry out the following tasks: (i) Convert the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences into the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Creativity and Arts; (ii) Establish a Faculty/Institute under the International School as a premise for development into the International Hotel Management School under VNU in the future; (iii) Convert the type of organization and operation of the International Francophone Institute from a scientific research unit to a training faculty under VNU; (iv) Establish an Investment Promotion Board as a functional board of VNU; (vi) Rename the VNU Development Center in Hoa Lac into the University Urban Management Center; (v) Establish VNU-Holdings Investment and Development Joint Stock Company; and (vi) submit to the Prime Minister for approval the Project to transfer the Construction Hospital under the Ministry of Construction to VNU.
On May 19, 2022, implementing the Resolution of the 9th Conference of the Party Executive Committee of VNU, term VI, with the determination of units under VNU and a number of related units, VNU officially moved its headquarters to Hoa Lac.
In addition, in June 2022, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 1850/QD-VNU dated June 6, 2022 on the establishment of the Office of Key Science and Technology Programs at VNU on the basis of merging the Northwest Program Office (established in 2013), the National Mission Office (established in 2018), the Office of the Vietnam Studies Documentation Center Project (established in 2020); Decision No. 1892/QD-VNU dated June 8, 2022 on the establishment of the Executive Board of the VNU Entrepreneurs Alumni Club for the 2022-2027 term.
Pursuant to the Resolution of the 10th Conference of the Party Executive Committee of VNU, the Resolution of the VNU Council for the 2018-2023 term, on August 15, 2022, the President of VNU signed Decision No. 2179/QD-VNU on the establishment of the Investment Promotion Board as a functional board of VNU.
On September 23, 2022, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 1124/QD-TTg establishing the University of Law as a member university of VNU on the basis of the Faculty of Law under VNU. Accordingly, the University of Law is headquartered in Hanoi; is a public higher education institution, a member of VNU; exercises autonomy in accordance with the provisions of law; has legal status, its own seal and account; is under the direct management of VNU, the State management of higher education of the Ministry of Education and Training and the territorial management of the Hanoi People's Committee.
Thus, up to now, the organizational structure of VNU includes 36 units, including: VNU Agency (Office, 09 functional departments and Party - mass organization Office Block) and 35 member units, affiliated units, including: 09 member universities; 02 affiliated schools, 01 affiliated Faculty and 02 General Subject Training Centers; 05 member scientific research institutes, 02 affiliated scientific research institutes, 14 affiliated service and support units. Within the member universities of VNU, there are 04 high schools (Foreign Language Specialized High School, Natural Science Specialized High School, Social Science and Humanities Specialized High School, Educational Science High School) and 01 secondary school (Foreign Language Secondary School). VNU has 08 organizations performing special tasks (01 Center, 02 Offices, 02 Development Funds, 03 Clubs), details are stated in the Organizational and Apparatus Chart.
After nearly 30 years of construction and development, VNU now has 35 member and affiliated units. The training scale is constantly increasing to meet the needs of the human resource market with nearly 55,000 training systems (including about 5,900 high school and junior high school levels; about 40,000 full-time students, about 9,000 graduate and doctoral students) and nearly 995 international students. The indicators of staff development are constantly increasing, contributing to the increase in university rankings, typically about 2,500 scientific staff, nearly 1,400 guest lecturers, the ratio of lecturers with PhDs, PhDs/full-time lecturers reaching 65%; the ratio of scientific staff with PhDs reaching 61%; The ratio of lecturers with the title of professor or associate professor to the total number of permanent lecturers at one point reached 19.8%; the ratio of professors and associate professors to scientific staff reached 19%; the average number of scientific works published on the WoS and Scopus database systems to the total number of scientific staff per year was 0.44.
With determination and perseverance in synchronous innovation, the training quality of VNU continues to be highly appreciated by society. The pioneering and creative training models of VNU have received positive feedback from learners and society. The structure of training professions has made a breakthrough, shifting towards adapting to the digital transformation revolution, increasing applicability and the ability to start a business and innovate. Training units link training with the labor market, proactively grasp the needs of businesses or develop training programs with the participation of businesses to ensure output quality. VNU continues to prioritize the implementation of basic, talented, advanced, high-quality, international-standard scientific training programs. The development of these training programs aims to train high-quality human resources for the domestic and international labor markets, meeting social requirements in the process of international integration and globalization. In addition, interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary training programs have been expanded, contributing to providing high-quality human resources with interdisciplinary thinking for the country's key economic sectors.
In scientific research, VNU has established a direction and focused on developing towards an innovative university. Accordingly, in addition to the constantly increasing number of international publications, inventions, patents and knowledge transfer into life are continuously promoted. The innovation value chains in VNU are promoted, and the innovation activities of VNU continue to achieve outstanding results. The huge intellectual property resources of VNU scientists transferred into practice have contributed to effectively solving the problems posed by society, the issues that society needs. The science and technology (S&T) potential at VNU has received attention for investment and development. Many mechanisms and policies for the use and treatment of scientists and S&T products have also been implemented, creating a driving force to promote the development of S&T potential. The proportion of highly qualified scientific staff meets the criteria of a research university, including many leading experts and scientists with international qualifications capable of implementing breakthrough research, interdisciplinary research programs and tasks. The orientation of developing a system of key laboratories has been and is being strengthened, especially the strategy of developing an interdisciplinary laboratory system in Hoa Lac - 22.9 ha area to innovate the organization of research associated with the needs of enterprises, aiming to create research that participates in solving major problems of the country and scientific and technological products applied in practice.
Linking its mission with the country's socio-economic development, VNU continues to demonstrate its national responsibility in participating in presiding over and implementing research programs of great stature, of great contemporary, national and humanistic values, of high scientific and practical significance for the development of society and the country such as: Science and Technology Program for Sustainable Development of the Northwest Region, the Mission of Building the National Geographical Register of Vietnam, the Center for Vietnamese Studies Documentation, the Project of Translating and Promoting the Quintessence of Oriental Classics, Proposing the Science and Technology Program to Serve Investment Attraction and Socio-Economic Development of Vietnam's Coastal Regions, etc.
In cooperation and development activities, promoting cooperation between University - State - Locality - Enterprise has contributed to affirming the real effectiveness in VNU's activities. VNU continues to attract resources from large domestic and foreign business partners.
The achievements in all aspects of operation over the past 30 years have helped VNU continue to make strong strides, affirm its reputation, establish its position as a leading university in Vietnam and be listed in the group of universities with high positions in the region and the world. VNU's ranking position in prestigious world rankings has always been maintained and increased. VNU has continuously ranked No. 1 in Vietnam and is in the 801-1000 group in the world according to the Times Higher Education (THE) and QS rankings. Some fields of VNU are in the group of 500 leading universities in the world. Also according to THE's rankings, VNU's indicators of teaching, scientific research, and international integration are at the top of the group of higher education institutions in Vietnam. Notably, most recently, VNU was ranked in the group of 101-150 universities under 50 years of establishment with the world's top quality according to the QS rankings.
In particular, with the mission of being a pioneer university in training and scientific research, VNU has coordinated with partners to build and develop platforms to support the national education system; spread and develop a culture of quality; bridge between learners and employers such as: Online channel to support primary education, Channel for quality of higher education and vocational training, Channel for training Vietnamese for overseas Vietnamese, Platform to connect and support businesses... On October 23, 2022, VNU held the first opening ceremony in Hoa Lac. Teaching and learning at the lecture hall complexes in Hoa Lac began in September 2022. In the 2022-2023 academic year, nearly 6,000 students will study in Hoa Lac, including students from many training units of VNU such as the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Education, Vietnam-Japan University and the International School.