Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities encourages scientific and educational cooperation with its French partners.

The program includes a series of cultural activities, beginning with a photographic exhibition entitled “Visual Heritage: The Imperial Review of the Late 19th Century”. These are photographs documenting the 1897 imperial examination in Nam Dinh, taken by French photographer Firmin-André Salles, and presented in an academic setting on Humanities Square, at the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences of the National University of Vietnam, in Hanoi.

Organizers hope that the exhibition will provide an artistic and educational experience, where visitors can not only admire the photographic works, but also learn about the techniques used to create them and experience the education and examination system in Vietnam.

These images constitute rare and precious documents, witnesses to Vietnamese history and culture. The University is currently collecting and studying them as part of its research program on Vietnamese cultural and historical documents kept abroad. The objective is to make the University of Sciences and Letters a reference center for the preservation and enhancement of Vietnamese cultural and historical heritage.

The University of Social and Human Sciences also had the honor of welcoming Mr. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Vietnam, to attend his academic presentation in the auditorium of the Faculty of Letters.

With more than 500 faculty members, staff, students and interns at the school, this information is very significant academically and diplomatically – it strengthens the ties between the Vietnamese and French people and helps consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries.

Previously, in 2025, the University of Social and Human Sciences of the Vietnam National University in Hanoi benefited from the cooperation and support of the French Embassy and the French Institute in Vietnam, as well as the ambassador himself, within the framework of the FEF-R Heritage project entitled “Hanoi Heritage Tour.”

Also on this special occasion, the French Embassy in Vietnam, in collaboration with the University of Social and Human Sciences, solemnly organized the award ceremony of the Order of Academic Palms to two eminent scientists of the university: Professor Dr Hoang Anh Tuan, rector of university, and Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Tuan Cuong, senior research fellow at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The Order of Academic Palms is one of the oldest and most prestigious distinctions in French education. Created in 1808 on the initiative of Napoleon Bonaparte, it became, over the previous two centuries, a symbol of nobility honoring personalities who have made an exceptional contribution to education, science, culture and the strengthening of friendship Franco-international. It testifies to the recognition by the French state of the significant contribution of researchers and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to international academic activities, in particular to the development of collaborative research, training and academic exchange programs with French partners. It also attests to the quality of training and research provided at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in particular and at the Vietnam National University in Hanoi in general.

During this event, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his honor and gratitude for having received the prestigious distinction of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes académiques, awarded by the French government.

Professor Hoang Anh Tuan pointed out that in the context of Vietnam’s recent adoption of Resolution No. 80/NQ-TW aimed at revitalizing culture, the study of classics assumes increased importance. Only a solid foundation of classical research allows a truly effective and sustainable application of culture. With its educational philosophy “Cultural Heritage – Modernity – Enlightenment”, the University of Social and Human Sciences is committed to continuing to favor the study of the classics and cultural heritage.

Throughout its more than 80 years of history, including 30 under the name of University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the university has continued to develop its collaborations with organizations, research institutes and universities around the world, particularly in France, thus contributing to the internationalization of teaching, the strengthening of research capacities and global academic integration. This success confirms the pioneering and exemplary role of the university in training and research in social and human sciences in Vietnam.