The USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform project is delighted to announce the launch of its Visiting Scholar Program (VSP). The initiative is designed to bring emerging scholars from the project’s three partner universities to collaborate on research and teaching with higher education institutions in the United States. This program exemplifies the dedication of the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform project to improving both the quality and quantity of international publications produced by scholars as well as expanding the global networking, intellectual exchange, and academic collaboration of public universities in Vietnam.

In Summer and Fall 2024, twenty-one scholars from three public universities (1) Vietnam National University – Hanoi, (2) the University of Danang, and (3) Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh will embark on their research exchanges in the US. During their fellowships, the scholars will have the opportunity to work directly with recognized experts in their research fields, access state-of-the-art research facilities and extensive library resources, and connect with academic communities at their American host institutions. The VSP scholars will collaborate closely with the host faculty at their respective laboratories and academic centers to conduct research and participate in a wide range of intellectual activities that meet their interest. Participation in the VSP will help the scholars to contribute to academic initiatives at both their home and host institutions.

“We are delighted to support the visiting scholars as they expand their research capacity and build connections to experts in their academic fields,” said Richard Hopper, project Chief of Party. “This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing knowledge sharing between Vietnam and the United States.”

The research interests of VSP scholars cover fields ranging from anthropology, to climate & environment, economics, education, health sciences, information technology, and advanced materials. Scholars will engage in valuable academic exchange experiences at US leading universities like Indiana University, Harvard Medical School, Texas State University, Northwestern University, the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, San Diego State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Michigan State University, California State University Northridge, New Mexico State University, University of California Irvine, Catholic University of America, and Yale University.

VSP scholars will depart for their fellowships between July and November, each spending approximately three months at their US host institution. More details about participating scholars and their specific contributions will be shared throughout the duration of the program.