Since its establishment three years ago, the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the United Kingdom and Ireland (VIS UK&Ireland) has successfully organized numerous seminars and events on science and work. These initiatives aim to support young members in scientific research, help them find research funds in the UK, and foster connections and relations between Vietnam, the UK, and Ireland.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huan, Chairman of the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the United Kingdom and Ireland, highlighted that VIS was founded in December 2020 with the support of the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and Ireland, and it has been recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.
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| State President Vo Van Thuong presents souvenirs to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huan, Chairman of the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the United Kingdom and Ireland, on May 5, 2023, in London. Photo: VAUK |
Since its inception, VIS UK&Ireland has grown from about 40 initial members to over 120 members, including 14 professors, 35 associate professors, and a diverse group of senior lecturers, lecturers, and postdoctoral fellows working in various professions across nearly 70 universities in the UK and Ireland.
The VIS Executive Board is composed of Chairman Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huan from Middlesex University London, Vice Chairmans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Xuan Vinh from the University of Warwick, and Dr. Dang Que Anh from Conventry University. It also includes eight other members working in schools throughout the UK and Ireland.
The Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the United Kingdom and Ireland is honored to have Prof. Jonathan Van-Tam, a British-Vietnamese, as Honorary President. Prof. Van-Tam, known for his scientific and leadership achievements during the Covid-19 period, has made valuable contributions through lectures and annual sharing.
In addition, the Advisory Board of VIS UK&Ireland consists of Ambassadors and former Ambassadors of Vietnam to the UK and Ireland, serving as a direct information channel to connect VIS with the departments, sectors, and Government of Vietnam.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huan emphasized, “Many VIS professors and associate professors have distinguished scientific standing and prestige in the UK and Ireland. As a result, VIS has the opportunity to engage in exchanges and dialogues with leaders of the State, Government, and ministries of Vietnam. Our goal is to build a strong intellectual community where experienced individuals can share their knowledge with the younger generation. This endeavor is supported by our young members, resulting in a significant increase in membership since our establishment.”
VIS collaborates with the Embassy of Vietnam, other associations, and groups in the UK and Ireland to organize events and community activities. Despite its relatively short establishment time, mostly during the Covid-19 period, VIS continues to strengthen its role.
VIS strives to promote the connection and development of the Vietnamese community in the UK and Ireland through practical activities, such as mentoring young people, especially PhD students.
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| The Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the United Kingdom and Ireland organized academic exchanges and celebrated the Lunar New Year 2023 at Oxford University. Photo: Nguyen Xuan Huan |
Developing Cooperation and Relationships
In 2023, the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the United Kingdom and Ireland plans to carry out numerous notable activities in Vietnam. These include the Coffee Talk Program, which aims to share the latest technology and research and is held every two weeks, transitioning to once a month from September 2023.
VIS recently organized a special event titled “50 Years and Beyond: Vietnam-UK Partnership in Innovation and Education” on June 19 in London to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United Kingdom. They also launched the VIS MTD program, which aims to assist and develop Vietnamese talents, specifically targeting 100 young Vietnamese cadres and PhD students under Project 89. The activities under this program include mentoring, workshops on research publication, research funding, career development, and support for Project 89 PhD students to visit the UK. VIS UK&Ireland also offers opportunities for outstanding mentees to exchange in the UK.
Chairman Nguyen Xuan Huan hopes that through these specific activities, the immense potential for educational cooperation between Vietnam and the UK or Ireland will be effectively harnessed.
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