On January 16, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM) held an official meeting with Prof. James Robson, Director of the Harvard-Yenching Institute. The discussion focused on strengthening research capacity among faculty members while exploring opportunities to share valuable information resources across university library networks.
At the beginning of the session, both sides devoted considerable time to discussing the Harvard Visiting Scholars Program, an annual strategic initiative of the Harvard-Yenching Institute designed to connect and support scholars in the social sciences and humanities at leading partner universities.
Providing further information, Prof. James Robson encouraged USSH-VNUHCM faculty members to actively apply for the program. He noted that the Institute does not impose quotas by country or number of applicants. Instead, academic quality and the feasibility of proposed research projects remain the key criteria guiding the selection committee in identifying outstanding candidates.
Prof. James Robson noted that the Institute continues to expand its network of scholars across Asia, creating opportunities for researchers to access academic resources and scholarly environments in the United States
Representing the university leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet, Vice President of USSH-VNUHCM, affirmed the university’s strong support for faculty participation in international research exchange programs.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet emphasized the critical role of information resources, noting that the library is the “heart” of a research-oriented university and a core foundation for improving academic quality and strengthening the institution’s scholarly standing
Regarding the donated book collection, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet said the University would soon develop a plan for preservation and effective use of the materials, ensuring broad access for faculty members, students, and the research community. He reiterated the vital role of libraries in research-oriented universities, describing them as a key foundation for advancing both educational quality and academic reputation.
From the perspective of an academic unit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Huyen, Dean of the Faculty of Library and Information Science, welcomed the program’s transparent selection criteria. She noted that addressing concerns about disciplinary barriers would help encourage more faculty members to apply in the future, both in terms of number and quality of applications.
During the meeting, Prof. James Robson also announced that the Harvard-Yenching Institute will transfer approximately 40 boxes of books and scholarly materials from the collection of the late Prof. Paul Cohen to the university next year. The materials will serve readers at the USSH-VNUHCM’s library and will also be shared with the VNUHCM Central Library, allowing faculty and students across the system to access the collection.
Representing the receiving unit, Dr. Bui Thu Hang, Director of the Center for Information, Library and Museum, said the center has prepared the necessary procedures to receive the materials. She added that the center will work closely with the VNUHCM Central Library to effectively utilize the academic value of the collection and ensure wider knowledge dissemination within the scholarly community. Dr. Bui Thu Hang also expressed hope that the Harvard-Yenching Institute will continue supporting access to digital databases to advance the university’s Digital Humanities development strategy.
Dr. Bui Thu Hang expressed hope that the Harvard-Yenching Institute will continue supporting access to digital databases to facilitate the university’s Digital Humanities research direction
At the close of the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet presented a commemorative gift to Prof. James Robson on behalf of the university leadership as a gesture of appreciation for the Institute’s goodwill and cooperation. Both sides expressed confidence that the meeting would lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration, particularly in academic publishing and the organization of international scholarly conferences.
A commemorative gift was presented to Prof. James Robson, accompanied by a tote bag featuring the distinctive identity of USSH, VNUHCM
A staff member from the Center for Information, Library and Museum introduced Prof. James Robson to the university’s history and key milestones of development
Story & Photo by ĐÌNH VINH - QUỲNH NHƯ
Translation by THÁI TƯỜNG
