Inspiring scientific research among students

The rapid development of science, technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) is placing increasingly high demands on students. Beyond solid professional knowledge, students are now required to possess scientific thinking, research capabilities, innovative capacity, effective use of digital technologies and AI, and the ability to adapt flexibly to the rapidly changing realities of practice.

Students of Mien Dong College (Binh Phuoc Ward) form discussion groups at the Scientific Research Camp (Station 1). Photo: Nga Son

Nguyen Tran Phuong Ha, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union and Standing Vice President of the Dong Nai Provincial Students’ Association, affirmed that scientific research is not merely a supplementary activity but has become a crucial pillar in helping students train their thinking, develop scientific working methods, and enhance competitiveness in today’s labor market.

Guiding students toward scientific research

Nguyen Tran Phuong Ha noted that scientific research among students delivers significant value by helping them consolidate and expand knowledge, strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills, cultivate research competence and scientific working habits, and develop soft skills such as teamwork, time management, communication, and presentation. In addition, the 4th Congress of the Dong Nai Provincial Students’ Association for the 2023-2028 term identified six key projects to be implemented during the term, among which the Project on Enhancing Scientific Research Capacity for Students is a priority being actively promoted. In recent years, the Provincial Students’ Association has made substantial efforts to create academic spaces and guide students toward scientific research, with the Student Scientific Research Camp serving as a highlight. This activity was first organized in 2024.

This year, as part of efforts to concretize Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the Provincial Youth Union and the Provincial Students’ Association are continuing to organize the Student Scientific Research Camp. Compared to its inaugural edition in 2024, this year's camp introduces several new features. Instead of being held at a single location, the camp is now organized across three stations: Binh Phuoc Ward, Long Phuoc Commune, and Dau Giay Commune, creating opportunities for broader student participation.

Dao Thi Nhu Hien, a second-year student at the Faculty of Economics, Mien Dong College (Binh Phuoc Ward), shared that this was her first time attending the Student Scientific Research Camp and that she gained many valuable insights. First, she had the opportunity to meet and interact with lecturers and fellow students. Presentations by the speakers helped her better understand the importance of soft skills when entering the labor market. In addition, the camp sparked her research interest, showing her how to identify scientific research topics from her studies and daily life. She also learned the process of carrying out a research project, from selecting a topic to completing the final product.

Vo Thi Hieu, a lecturer in the Faculty of Economics and concurrently Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union at Mien Dong College, said the school's Board of Rectors aims to promote scientific research activities among students. However, due to various objective factors, such activities at the school have yet to gain real momentum. As such, the Scientific Research Camp organized by the Provincial Youth Union and the Provincial Students’ Association has provided students with an opportunity to access fundamental knowledge related to scientific research, serving as a foundation for developing a research-oriented mindset among students.

Guiding students toward scientific research in the digital era

Master Nguyen Vu Huy Hoang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Science and Technology and Innovative Entrepreneurship, and Head of the Economics Department at FPT Polytechnic Dong Nai, said this is the second year the Scientific Research Camp has been held, and he has been associated with the program for two consecutive years. At its first edition, the camp was designed not only for students but also for young lecturers, and he participated as a camper. This year, he participated in the Scientific Research Camp as a presenter.

According to Hoang, this year’s camp no longer includes young lecturers as participants, compared to last year. Organizing the camp across three stations has created opportunities for a larger number of students to take part. In addition to university students, this year’s camp also welcomed students from vocational colleges. Therefore, in his role as a presenter, Hoang chose an approach that was concrete and closely aligned with students’ fields of study, helping them realize that scientific research is not something overly abstract or unattainable, but essentially a process of discovering new knowledge, identifying the nature and patterns of phenomena, and proposing solutions to existing problems in real life.

In addition to the Scientific Research Camp, more than two months ago, the Provincial Youth Union and the Dong Nai Provincial Students’ Association organized the talk show “Accompanying Students in Scientific Research”. At the event, students heard from speakers and fellow students who shared their research experiences, along with the insights and lessons they gained from the Scientific Research Camp organized by the Provincial Youth Union and the Provincial Students’ Association.

In addition to equipping students with basic knowledge and skills in scientific research, this year’s Student Scientific Research Camp also featured specialized sessions on research processes in the context of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and supporting tools, as well as the visual presentation of research results. These sessions helped participants understand the research process in a digital and AI-driven environment and learn how to apply digital technologies and AI tools for literature search, data processing, data visualization, and presenting research outcomes.

Although he had previously participated in scientific research, Vuong Van Huy, a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics – Administration – Law, Mien Dong Innovative Technology University, said the Scientific Research Camp remained highly engaging. According to Huy, the camp was extremely beneficial, helping him deepen his knowledge, understand how to carry out a complete research project, and especially learn how to access in-depth, credible, and high-quality data sources, as well as apply AI to improve research efficiency. “I hope that future editions of the camp will be longer, creating more opportunities for students to practice research and present their projects, so they can truly learn by doing,” Huy said.

The Scientific Research Camp not only helps students grasp research knowledge, skills, and processes but also inspires them to push beyond personal limits, take greater initiative in learning, and actively engage in scientific research, contributing to the development of a dynamic, creative young community with strong aspirations to contribute to society.

By Nga Son – Translated by Quynh Giao, Minho