Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is a central high quality, multi-field, multi-disciplinary research university which closely combines training with research and application, natural sciences and social sciences-humanities so as to create highly qualified human resources, nurture talents, implement focal research projects in basic science, high technology and key socio-economic fields, and provide scientific and technological advances for the development of the country.
VNU is the leader in science and technology in Vietnam. Believing that the lecturer is also the scientist, training is associated with research and vice versa, scientific and technological research activities in VNU not only involve researchers but also lecturers, undergraduates and graduates in the six constituent universities, 5 institutes and several other centers. All these activities in VNU are related to the aim of producing high quality human resources, generating top scientific and technological products with high applicability to meet high social demands.
VNU research results are constantly highly appreciated by the society. Many products have been reached regional and international standards, and proved to be of great applicability not only in the nation but also of great importance for the world sciences. Especially, a number of research projects in Social Sciences and Humanities have followed the Resolution of the Fourth Conference of Party Central Committee of Session VIII "to ensure the scientific foundation for the development of strategic directions, policies, guidelines, plans and development planning of the Party and the Government”. The University also serves as the focal informant to the Central Council for Political Theories, carries out many scientific and technological projects and contributed greatly to the cause of developing and protecting the nation such as “Scientific Justifications in History, Geography and Legislation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on two archipelagoes Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Paracel and Spratly)”, “Formation and development process of the South region and southwestern border areas”, etc.
VNU research covers vast and diverse areas, including natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, laws, economics as well as application of high technology, with the following strengths:
- Basic sciences: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth – environment sciences;
- Advanced technology: bio-technology, material science and technology, nano technology, life science, information technology, telecommunication and electronic technology, etc;
- Social Sciences and Humanities: History, Linguistics, Area Studies, Foreign Languages, Psychology, Literature, Law, Economics, etc.
- Environment protection and sustainable development.
The multi-disciplinary knowledge and strengths of VNU have been used effectively in inter-disciplinary research such as medicine and pharmacy for health improvement; conservation of historical places and world heritages such as Phong Nha caves, Thang Long Ancient Citadel, Hoi An Town and Hue Ancient Capital, etc., which played an important role in securing UNESCO decisions on the recognition of these as World Natural and Cultural Heritages. VNU also makes important contributions to sustainable development, environment protection, disaster relief, and is a champion in research and development of climate change studies in Vietnam.
Many projects have won high awards, including 13 Ho Chi Minh prizes and 21 National prizes. Several VNU scientists, individually or collectively, have been awarded with international prizes such as Kovalevskaya, Nobel Prize 2007, Cosmos 2008, Blue Planet prize 2003 - an annual environmental award by Asahi Glass (Japan) for two individuals or organizations with outstanding contributions in environment and natural resources.