One key objective of the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform Project (the Project) is to enhance the research capacity of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the University of Danang, and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city (3Us), thereby increasing the number of international scientific publications. To realize this goal, the Project has implemented Research Capacity Subawards (RCS) to provide for member units of the 3Us in Vietnam, aiming to enhance the research capacity of scientists through seven academic areas represented by the Vietnam International Academic Networks (VIAN) including Economics, Business and Public Policy; Information and Technology; Education; Health Sciences; Anthropology and Cultural Studies; Advanced Materials; and Climate and Environment.

From January to December 2024, the Project supported 17 members from three Universities to implement activities within the framework of the RCS to enhance research capacity for scholars at the three Universities. RCS participants organized academic exchanges and seminars in VIAN fields, thereby promoting academic cooperation and knowledge sharing among scientists in the country and regions such as Australia and Southeast Asia. In addition, RCS recipient institutions organized training sessions to support researchers to develop skills in writing research proposals and manuscripts, enhancing the ability to meet international standards and opportunities for publication in prestigious scientific journals.

Associate Professor Dr. Ho Viet Thang, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the University of Science and Technology, the University of Danang, and representative of the VIAN Advanced Materials Group, said: “The support from USAID PHER has helped us expand our research and teaching efforts beyond the scope of internal cooperation, promoting international partnerships and increasing our influence. Continuing to receive support from USAID PHER will be very beneficial for our research and teaching initiatives.”

With the participation of 17 member institutions and scientists from the 3Us, a total of 23 research proposals and 23 manuscripts have been developed and are ready to be submitted for publication in prestigious international scientific journals in the near future.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Anthropology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Coordinator of the VIAN Anthropology and Cultural Studies, shared: “In addition to the quantitative results, the process of implementing research activities at our university has created motivation and built confidence for me personally as well as for the entire team. Before the project, activities to enhance research capacity and international publication had already been strongly implemented at Vietnam National University, Hanoi and its member universities. However, the participation in designing activities with USAID PHER has created a new atmosphere and a breath of fresh air at the university, helping the faculty become more proactive and engaged in research.”

Research projects conducted within the framework of the RCS have made positive contributions to promoting research in the priority areas of the 3 Universities. More importantly, these projects contribute to solving urgent problems such as the production of advanced materials, the restoration of cultural heritage, and the addressing urban water management challenges, etc., gradually applying research results to life, economy and society.

It is hoped that the success of this initiative will not only enhance the research capacity of partner institutions, but also contribute to improving the quality of scientific outputs, meeting international standards, promoting knowledge sharing among scientists, and contributing to an increase in the number of publications in prestigious scientific journals.