CAFSUS Project – Intensive Working Program for Finalizing Dissertation Proposals of Two Doctoral Candidates
Image 1: Dr. Phạm Thị Bích Ngọc and Associate Professor Jeffrey Neilson advising PhD candidates on dissertation proposal revisions within the framework of the CAFSUS project.
From May 12 to 15, 2025, at the Center for Sea and Island Studies and Climate Change (Thủ Đức Campus – University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM), an intensive working program was held to support the finalization of doctoral dissertation proposals for two PhD candidates, Mr. Đỗ Quang Huy and Ms. Trần Thị Thùy Hương. The program took place under the auspices of the project “Climate Change Mitigation in Agroforest Landscapes through Sustainable Sourcing Policies” (CAFSUS).
The working sessions featured direct participation by Associate Professor Jeffrey Neilson (University of Sydney, Australia) and Dr. Phạm Thị Bích Ngọc, academic supervisor and national coordinator of the CAFSUS project in Vietnam. Online sessions were also organized to include Professor Niels Fold (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), facilitating international collaboration.
Image 2: Associate Professor Jeffrey Neilson advising PhD candidate Đỗ Quang Huy on revising his dissertation proposal.
The program focused on a comprehensive review and refinement of the key components of each dissertation proposal. This included redefining research objectives and questions, strengthening the theoretical framework, selecting appropriate methodological approaches, and designing fieldwork plans. The doctoral candidates engaged in in-depth academic dialogue, critical feedback sessions, and detailed guidance from both national and international experts.
A particularly significant moment was the tripartite working session on May 13, which served to align each dissertation’s research aims with the overarching objectives and expected impacts of the CAFSUS project. This alignment emphasized sustainable transitions within agri-forestry supply chains in the context of climate change.
In addition to academic content development, the program allocated substantial time for training in English academic writing, standardizing the proposal structure in accordance with current doctoral regulations, and reviewing eligibility for international publication—an essential requirement for doctoral graduation.
The final working session (May 15) served as a synthesis of the four-day intensive program. During this session, the PhD candidates, together with their supervisors and international experts, reviewed the core content of their proposals, finalized submission timelines, and confirmed projected milestones for the doctoral defense process, expected in June 2025. Expert feedback and strategic guidance provided by Professor Jeffrey Neilson and Dr. Phạm Thị Bích Ngọc enabled each candidate to define a clear, rigorous, and interdisciplinary research direction aligned with the goals of the CAFSUS project.
Image 3: Visit to the Heritage Room of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Beyond academic engagements, the program included cultural immersion activities. Participants toured the functional facilities of the Center for Sea and Island Studies and Climate Change, as well as the Heritage Room of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities—an archive space that preserves the institution's historical milestones and developmental achievements over more than 65 years.
Image 4: Visit to the special exhibition “Southern Vietnamese Ceramics: From Tradition to Modernity”
The delegation also attended the special exhibition “Southern Vietnamese Ceramics: From Tradition to Modernity”, held at the university’s main administration building. This event fostered a meaningful connection between the cultural heritage of Southern Vietnam and the spirit of scholarly inquiry and innovation, contributing to the dissemination of academic inspiration and the promotion of local heritage preservation awareness.
Source: Communication and Information Office.
