Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences
Name	Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences
Native name	Viện Hàn lâm Khoa học xã hội Việt Nam
Established	1975
Headquarters	Hanoi
President	Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Nhật Quang
Parent organization	Government of Vietnam
Website	http://www.vass.gov.vn

Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. It is the leading national center for research in the fields of social sciences and humanities in Vietnam. Operating directly under the Government of Vietnam, the academy is tasked with providing scientific foundations for the formulation of policies, strategies, and laws for national development. Its work encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from fundamental theoretical research to applied studies addressing contemporary social issues.

History

The academy traces its origins to the Committee for Social Sciences of North Vietnam, established in Hanoi in 1953 under the leadership of Trần Huy Liệu. Following the reunification of the country, this committee was reorganized and officially established as the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences in 1975 by a decree from the National Assembly of Vietnam. Throughout its development, it has absorbed and consolidated numerous research institutions, evolving into a comprehensive system. Key milestones include its expansion during the Đổi Mới reform period, where its research became crucial for the renovation process, and its elevation to its current status as a key national scientific organization under the direct administration of the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

Organization and structure

The academy is governed by a president, currently Bùi Nhật Quang, and a council of scientists. Its organizational framework is divided into three main pillars: research institutes, affiliated units, and academic journals. The core consists of over 30 specialized research institutes and centers, such as the Institute of Philosophy, Institute of History, and Institute of Economics. Supporting units include the Vietnam Social Sciences Library, the Social Sciences Publishing House, and the Graduate Academy of Social Sciences. The academy also manages several key national scientific journals, including the *Social Sciences Review*, which disseminate research findings to the academic community and policymakers.

Research activities and institutes

Research activities are conducted through a network of specialized institutes focusing on distinct disciplines. Major institutes include the Institute of State and Law, which studies the Constitution of Vietnam and legal systems, the Institute of Sociology, analyzing social structure and change, and the Institute of Literature, researching Vietnamese literature and folklore. Other significant bodies are the Institute of World Economy and Politics, the Institute of Religious Studies, and the Institute of Anthropology. These institutes undertake both state-level and ministerial-level research projects, often commissioned by the National Assembly of Vietnam, the Government of Vietnam, and various ministries like the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Academic programs and training

The academy plays a vital role in high-level human resource training through its Graduate Academy of Social Sciences. This unit is authorized to offer postgraduate education, granting Ph.D. and Master's degrees in numerous social science and humanities disciplines. Its training programs are closely integrated with the research activities of the various institutes, ensuring a strong connection between theory and practice. The academy also regularly organizes international and national scientific conferences, seminars, and training workshops to foster academic exchange and enhance the qualifications of researchers not only within its system but also from universities across Vietnam.

Notable achievements and contributions

The academy has produced foundational works that have significantly shaped national policy and intellectual life. Its researchers have compiled essential national projects like the multi-volume *History of Vietnam* and the *Vietnamese Encyclopedia*. It has provided critical scientific arguments for major national policies, including those related to Đổi Mới, ethnic minority development in regions like the Central Highlands, and maritime strategy concerning the South China Sea. The academy's scholars have also made substantial contributions to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, including the research and documentation of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage elements like Nhã nhạc and the Space of gong culture.

International cooperation

International collaboration is a strategic priority, with the academy maintaining partnerships with numerous foreign research institutions and universities. It has established formal cooperation agreements with bodies such as the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the National Institute of Humanities of Japan. These partnerships facilitate joint research projects, scholar exchanges, and international symposiums on topics ranging from ASEAN studies to climate change adaptation. The academy also actively participates in regional scholarly networks and hosts visiting researchers from around the world, integrating Vietnamese social sciences into the global academic community.

Category:Research institutes in Vietnam Category:Social sciences organizations Category:Science and technology in Vietnam