Abstract

VinUniversity, a recently established institution in Vietnam, offers a compelling case study of the opportunities and challenges associated with cultivating a culture of research excellence in an environment where research and research management are still in their infancy.
VinUni possesses a promising array of opportunities to establish itself as a research institute. As Vietnam's economy continues to develop, it is gaining recognition as a prime location for research across diverse fields such as economics, education, healthcare, and environment. This positions VinUni as a key player in the global research community, drawing the interest of developed countries and institutions eager to collaborate and study Vietnam as a case study or field for further research. The university's proximity to emerging markets offers researchers unique insights into socioeconomic and technological trends, making it an attractive partner for international collaboration. Moreover, VinUni's diverse faculty and research community, comprising both Vietnamese and foreign experts, create an enriching international environment. This blend of perspectives and expertise not only fosters interdisciplinary research but also provides a platform for Vietnamese researchers to return to their homeland and contribute their knowledge and skills.
On the other hand, we are also facing many challenges that affect our research quality and sustainability. These include, but not limited to:
• Limited Research Infrastructure and Research Management System: As a young university, we grapple with resource constraints in establishing the necessary infrastructure to adequately support a diverse range of research disciplines. Moreover, with faculty coming from all over the world, and along with that different experiences and perspectives of doing research and research management, it has been hard to find consensus on how to do it best.
• Competing Priorities: The demands of teaching, research, administrative duties, and other responsibilities can create significant workloads. Striking a balance between research, teaching, and administrative duties is a persistent challenge for faculty and staff.
• Government Regulations and Funding Challenges: The Vietnamese academic landscape presents hurdles related to government regulations and practices. Government policies often prioritize funding for national universities, posing obstacles for emerging institutions like VinUniversity. Additionally, navigating funding channels from overseas sources can be intricate, further complicating the institution's access to international research funds.
• Pressure to Publish: There may be pressure on faculty to publish quickly and frequently to establish the university's reputation. This pressure can lead to rushed research, potentially compromising the quality of work.
Our strategy for research excellence, therefore, encompasses several key initiatives: (1) We prioritize knowledge dissemination through research seminars and distinguished lectures featuring renowned scholars. These events ignite a passion for research among faculty, staff, and students; (2) We support research with internal funding, enabling diverse projects; (3) Students actively engage in research through work-study opportunities, gaining valuable experience; and lastly, (4) We are committed to fostering international collaborations, creating a robust research ecosystem.
With the case study of VinUni, we hope to create a meaningful dialogue about the intricacies of research management, which is still a new concept and profession in Vietnam and Asia. We're excited about the potential for international collaboration, insights, and the opportunity to enrich research management perspectives.