Vietnam National University – University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-USSH) has launched a series of activities aimed at enhancing research proposal writing skills. The activity series is part of the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform project’s package of Research Capacity Subawards aimed to boost research and innovation across public universities in Vietnam. Running from May 24 through June 6, 2024, the workshop series seeks to equip researchers, faculty, and staff of VNU-USSH with the necessary tools to develop high-quality research proposals that meet international standards.

The series began with an interactive workshop on May 24, focusing on writing research proposals in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Professor Sarah Turner from McGill University (Canada), currently a visiting lecturer in Anthropology at VNU-USSH, led the session. Professor Turner provided detailed guidance on developing research proposals that meet international standards. Key topics included crafting compelling research questions and objectives, distinguishing between conceptual frameworks and theoretical bases, and advancing greater understanding about research methods. Participants, including researchers, faculty, and staff members from relevant departments, engaged actively in discussions and practice exercises, receiving valuable feedback from the guest speaker.

Following the initial workshop, VNU-USSH will offer further opportunities for participants to hone their research proposal writing skills. Research groups will present their proposals for critique and feedback from experts. The series will culminate with the participant submission of complete research proposals to the organizing committee by the end of the one-week period.

Delegates joining the workshop

Associate Professor Dao Thanh Truong, Vice President of VNU-USSH, emphasized the institution’s commitment to enhancing the training quality and scientific research capabilities of its faculty and staff. The workshop series represents an important step in the efforts of VNU-USSH to bolster academic excellence and research capacity.

Under the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform project, the Research Capacity Subaward activities aim to improve research capacity and research quality at the Vietnam National University – Hanoi, the University of Danang, and Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City. Institutions receiving sub-awards will conduct activities to develop the skills of academic researchers with a specific emphasis on proposal and manuscript writing for international publications, while promoting gender equity and international scholarly collaboration.

Photo Credit: VNU-USSH Media