Prof. Gilbert de Terssac is a renowned sociologist and used to work as Director of the Center for Management, Organization, Labor and Power Studies (CERTOP), a leading research institute of the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). As a director, he actively promoted the research of Vietnamese society in transition and served as a bridge between USSH, University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès, Francophone University Association, and University of Télug, etc. in defining, designing and implementing integrated research programs aimed at community development and international publications.

Prof. Gilbert de Terssac

Prof. Gilbert de Terssac is one of the founders and advocates of the establishment of the first applied master’s  program in Sociology in Vietnam (previously called the Master in Management and Organization), which is currently referred to as Master in Public policy and Enterprises (MAPE). Initially, this joint program received financial assistance from both France and Vietnam under the framework of AUF. Until now, 140 masters have been produced out of this program. This is the only program created under the AUF’s framework in Hanoi that still exists without any financial support.

With regard to Sociology, Prof. Gilbert de Terssac directly or partly supervised several Vietnamese doctors in Sociology at postgraduate level, greatly helping them become independent researchers able to chair grand research projects.

Prof. Gilbert de Terssac has acted as a bridge that facilitates the international relations between USSH and VNU and University of Toulouse 2 – Jean Jaurès and universities that use French in general. CERTOP under his leadership has helped several Vietnamese research fellows and students register their courses in France. USSH, VNU Hanoi and University of Toulouse 2 – Jean Jaurès have raised their relations to “comprehensive partnership”, largely thanks to the role of such leading professors in Sociology as Gilbert de Terssac.

 Prof. Dr. Sc Nguyen Dinh Duc - Director of the Academic Committee, VNU - grants the Honorary Doctorate degree for Prof. Gilbert de Terssac

As an important bridge that facilitates academic connection, Prof. Gilbert de Terssac spares no effort to support USSH in its effective and active participation in international forums such as the Association of Francophone universities of social sciences and humanities (AFELSH), Association of Francophone social scientists. Several international cooperation programs have been successfully signed and actualized such as The integration of students graduating from Vietnamese universities into the job market (2006), Supporting analysis of the transition of businesses (2007); The creation of socio-economic conditions for sustainable development at local areas – The cases of Tay Bac and Son La (2010)…; cross-regional research project between Midi – Pyrénées (France) and Son La (Vietnam). This project resulted in the construction of a local Cultural house at Hua Tat (Moc Chau, Son La) that was activated on June, 21^st, 2014. Through the research program for community development from 2007 to 2014, Prof. Gilbert de Terssac was able to provide field research fellowships for Vietnamese students, which totally amounted to 500 million VNDs. He is also editor-in-chief of the book “Vietnam in the transitional process” published in France.

Speaking highly of the great and valuable contributions of Prof. Gilbert de Terssac, Prof. Dr Pham Quang Minh said: “Our recent cooperation makes Prof. Gilbert de Terssac our great friend. We are always indebted to Prof. Gilbert de Terssac, a great, enthusiastic scientist that reveres Vietnamese people and culture and does his best to contribute to USSH, VNU and Vietnam”.  

Prof. Dr Nguyen Van Khanh gives Prof. Gilbert de Terssac a banquet of flowers 

Prof. Dr Nguyen Van Khanh (Former Rector of USSH) said  as a lasting colleague and friend of Prof. Gilbert de Terssac, he was very moved and grateful for being there to congratulate Gilbert on this honorable award. Prof. Gilbert’s contributions are not only reflected in professional and academic advice but also in his sincere enthusiasm for Vietnam and the Vietnamese people.

Prof. Gilbert de Terssac expressed his joy for having received an Honorary Doctorate degree from VNU. He believed this event symbolizes the mutual efforts made by both universities.