1. General Introduction:

The Global Inquiries and Social Theory Research Group (GIST) was established in 2019 under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ton Duc Thang University. The group was formed to enhance the scientific research capacity and develop the academic identity of the Faculty by promoting foundational research in the fields of sociology, anthropology, history, culture, media, and contemporary social issues in the context of Vietnam, Asia, and the world.

With an interdisciplinary and international research orientation, GIST brings together domestic and international scholars with in-depth expertise in social theory, cultural studies, globalization, sustainable development, media, migration, urban studies, anthropology, and contemporary social issues. The group aims to build a high-quality academic research environment, promote international research cooperation, develop research projects with scientific and practical value, and contribute to the development of social sciences and humanities in Vietnam.

Vietnamese Name: Nhóm Nghiên cứu các vấn đề toàn cầu và lý thuyết xã hội

English Name: Global Inquiries and Social Theory Research Group

Abbreviation: GIST

2. Objectives:

- To enhance the scientific research capacity of lecturers and researchers in line with internationalization and academic integration.

- To build and develop the research identity of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities through foundational research on society, culture, history, and people in the context of Vietnam and Asia.

- To promote interdisciplinary research on sustainable development, gender equality, ecotourism, cultural heritage, media, urbanization, and contemporary social issues.

- Enhance international publications, expand research collaboration networks, and develop research projects capable of attracting domestic and international funding.

- Connect academic research with social practice through collaboration among researchers, government agencies, social organizations, businesses, and the community.

- Contribute to raising the research standing of Ton Duc Thang University in the field of social sciences and humanities at the regional and international levels.

3. Main Research Directions

Based on the expertise of its members, the Global Issues and Social Theories Research Group (GIST) focuses on the following main research directions:

- Social theory and interdisciplinary approaches in social sciences and humanities;

- Contemporary sociology and social issues in the context of globalization;

- Social anthropology and cultural anthropology;

- Research on culture, media, and popular culture;

- Globalization, migration, cultural identity, and multiculturalism;

- Historical studies, social memory, and cultural heritage;

- Sustainable development, environmental governance, and biodiversity conservation;

- Tourism, ecotourism, heritage tourism, and community development;

- Urbanization, public spaces, and contemporary social issues;

- Ethnographic, sociological, and interdisciplinary research methods.