Training and research in social sciences and humanities in the new context

This is the content discussed at the Scientific Forum with the theme "Training and research in social sciences and humanities in the new context" organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi this morning, November 14, 2025.

The forum is part of a series of activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of tradition and 30th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), attracting the participation of many scientists, experts, and managers from ministries, branches, universities, and research institutes.

The forum focused on discussing the results achieved, reflecting the current development status of each training sector, and researching and analyzing the challenges that training units in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities are facing in the current context. From there, there are development orientations for the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities in the future, contributing to the cause of education and serving the community, in the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW and Resolution 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo .

Challenges and opportunities of the field of social sciences and humanities in the new context

At the forum, many opinions assessed that social sciences and humanities are facing both opportunities and challenges in the context of globalization, digital transformation, the 4.0 industrial revolution and the requirement to develop a knowledge-based economy .

According to Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu - former Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, member of the Party Central Committee, first Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, social sciences and humanities do not directly create GDP, but play a fundamental role and "source technology" for the development of all socio-economic fields. Factors such as institutions, policies, human development, culture, quality of human resources... all originate from knowledge of social sciences and humanities.

In the age of technology, social sciences and humanities must play a role in nurturing people’s thinking, courage, ethics, and adaptability – the decisive factor in effectively exploiting technology. “ Smart technology requires a wise nation ,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the task of social sciences and humanities is to build Vietnamese people in the new era.

Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu - First Principal of University of Social Sciences and Humanities

From the perspective of university management, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Head of Training Department, VNU, said that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) is an inevitable trend. Schools need to proactively build digital capacity, incorporate AI skills into training programs to "turn challenges into opportunities".

Some experts from universities such as Hanoi University of Culture, Academy of Journalism and Communication... shared common difficulties in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities, especially the requirement to link training with the labor market, design interdisciplinary programs, integrate digital competency frameworks and cooperate with businesses in training.

Opinions emphasized: the social sciences and humanities sector needs to strongly innovate its training model, increase applicability, develop digital skills, interdisciplinary skills and modern research methods to keep up with the pace of social change.

Interdisciplinary - digitalization - integration is inevitable for the development of social sciences and humanities.

One of the highlights of the forum is to discuss the development orientation of training and research in social sciences and humanities in the coming period.

Associate Professor Dr. Pham Quang Long - former Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities proposed that social sciences and humanities must innovate their research approaches, increase interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary content, and link it with solving practical problems of the country.

From the perspective of historical research, Associate Professor Dr. Vo Xuan Vinh (Director of the Institute of History, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) said that the research team must be improved in the direction of specialization, capable of adapting to new methods and applying technology. This is the condition for Social Sciences and Humanities to create high-quality works, serving policy making and international integration.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Quang Long - former Principal of University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Associate Professor, Dr. Vo Xuan Vinh - Director of the Institute of History, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

According to Associate Professor Dr. Luu Van Quyet (Vice Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City), the strong connection between the two largest humanities institutions in the country contributes to creating an open and unique academic exchange space, while quickly adapting to changes in social sciences domestically and internationally.

Associate Professor, Dr. Luu Van Quyet (Vice Principal of University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City)

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tuan Cuong (Institute of Han-Nom Studies) emphasized the need for long-term investment in the field of social sciences and humanities, both in terms of facilities, research resources and training mechanisms.

Opinions from scientists, managers, and experts at the forum suggested many important directions: modernizing training programs, enhancing interdisciplinary - digitalization - international integration; expanding training space; developing a high-quality research team; linking research with the country's development practices.

From Synthesis to Humanities: Affirming the Core Role in Research and Training in Social Sciences and Humanities

President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized: In the development flow of university education, the University is always aware of its mission of training, researching and disseminating humanistic knowledge, contributing to shaping ideology, creating a knowledge foundation and high-quality human resources for the country's development.

From an academic training institution bearing the mark of the “Synthetic school”, the School has gradually transformed into a modern university model with advanced training philosophies such as taking learners as the center, liberal education, combining traditional and modern training methods. The number of majors has been strongly expanded: from 10 majors (1994) to 20 majors (2009) and 30 bachelor’s degree majors by 2025; along with 32 master’s majors and 22 doctoral majors that are streamlined and integrated in an interdisciplinary - transdisciplinary direction, in line with the development trend of contemporary social sciences and humanities.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh, former Principal of University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh, former Principal of the school, commented that the school's development strategy must revolve around the research university model; from research to training, everything must be innovated to adapt to the knowledge economy, digital transformation and the requirements of university autonomy. Social Sciences and Humanities play an increasingly important role in policy making, human development and solving the country's problems; therefore, training and research must aim for applicability and international integration.

Delegates attending the forum all agreed that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities needs to continue to affirm its core role in the humanities training system of VNU and the whole country; quickly catch up with the world's development trends; improve the quality of training and research to maintain its position as the leading center of social sciences and humanities in Vietnam.

The forum affirmed that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, with its mission of putting people at the center of development, continues to play a pioneering role in building culture, developing human resources and promoting social progress. This is also a practical contribution of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to the common development of VNU and the country in the new era.

PV