As part of its strategic vision for advancing science, technology, and innovation, Foreign Trade University has continuously implemented a wide range of initiatives to promote scientific research activities among students and learners.
Student research activities contribute significantly to improving educational quality by fostering creativity, systems thinking, practical skills, and real world engagement. More importantly, research enables students to nurture their passions, strengthen their competencies and confidence, and expand their intellectual horizons while creating meaningful value for the community and society.
During the 2024–2025 academic year, student research activities continued to grow strongly through the University’s Student Scientific Research Competition, which was organized at both faculty and university levels. The faculty level competition attracted more than 2,000 students with 493 research projects across various disciplines including economics, business, management, finance, accounting, law, educational management, and social issues. At the university level, 258 outstanding projects involving over 1,000 students were selected for further evaluation. The University awarded 107 excellent projects, including 17 First Prizes, 22 Second Prizes, 36 Third Prizes, and 32 Consolation Prizes. Research findings from these projects were published in more than 155 domestic and international journals and conference proceedings. Through the competition journey, students not only strengthened their academic expertise but also developed essential competencies such as problem identification, critical thinking, teamwork, presentation, persuasion, and systems thinking.
Another remarkable initiative is the “Call of Science” competition, established by Foreign Trade University with the mission of integrating research thinking, including problem identification and problem solving, into the educational process. The competition aims to enhance learners’ adaptability, personal growth, and professional development while fostering a sustainable research ecosystem for both lecturers and students. It also seeks to identify and nurture research capabilities among students toward high quality national and international publications.
The 2022 edition of “Call of Science,” which concluded in 2024 after five competition rounds, achieved highly impressive results. The first round attracted 711 participants, while 311 students advanced to Round Two. A total of 54 research proposals were submitted, and 35 outstanding teams were selected to receive mentorship from both internal and external lecturers in Round Three. Twenty two teams advanced to Round Four, including ten promising groups selected for the COS Research Camp. As a result, twelve student groups successfully published research papers in domestic and international journals and conferences.
In addition to the Student Scientific Research Competition, the University organizes various other research related activities, including academic competitions, domestic and international conferences, commissioned research topics, the “Working Paper Series,” and collaborative research projects with lecturers. These initiatives provide students with opportunities to connect with organizations, enterprises, experts, and researchers within a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem that reflects the distinctive spirit of Foreign Trade University.
Regardless of academic program, all students are encouraged to explore their potential, pursue their interests, and transform innovative scientific ideas into reality. Through these research platforms, FTU students are continuously inspired to embark on journeys of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution to society.
Among the outstanding achievements, the First Prize winning team included Pham Tuan Kien, Nguyen Vu Ha Thanh, Ha Gia Linh, Nguyen Le Tuan, and Phung Duc Anh under the supervision of Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoa Hong. Their research project, titled “The Joint Effects of Geopolitical Risks and Economic Policy Uncertainty on Vietnamese Firms’ Sustainability Orientation: Evidence from Green Activities’ Connectedness,” received both the Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training and the Creative Youth Badge awarded by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee.
A Business Administration student team receiving the Second Prize was also honored with the Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training and the Creative Youth Badge. The team consisted of Pham Thi Ha, Vi Thanh Tuan, Nguyen Truc Mai, Le Thi Thuy Trang, and Nguyen Hoai Nam under the supervision of Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan. Their project examined “The Moderating Role of Electronic Signals in the Relationship between Electronic Word of Mouth, Security, Information Quality, and Online Purchasing Behavior on B2C E-commerce Websites in Vietnam.”
Another Second Prize winning team included Phung Thuy Trang, Nguyen Tuong Khanh, Vu Hai Long, Dinh Ngan Ha, and Vu Ha My under the supervision of MA Nguyen Mai Anh. Their project focused on “Greenwashing and Green Brand Equity: The Role of Green Skepticism and Corporate Social Responsibility.”
These achievements demonstrate not only the academic excellence of FTU students but also their strong commitment to innovation, critical inquiry, and meaningful societal contribution through scientific research.