The French Government has decided to confer the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, one of the highest honors of the French Republic, on Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan in recognition of his contributions to science, education and culture. He is Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
On January 27, 2026, French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet sent a letter informing Rector Hoang Anh Tuan of his appointment as Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, under a decree signed by the Prime Minister of the French Republic.
The award recognizes his dedication to promoting scientific cooperation programs, particularly the Vietnamica Program and the project “Heritage tourism journeys in the city of Hanoi.” Implemented from 2020 to 2025 under the leadership of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the two initiatives contributed to strengthening cooperation in the social sciences and humanities between France and Viet Nam.
The French Embassy in Viet Nam is expected to organize the award ceremony in the near future.
Born in 1976 in Thanh Hoa Province, Hoang Anh Tuan received a bachelor’s degree in 1999 and a master’s degree in 2001 in archaeology from Vietnam National University, Hanoi. He later pursued postgraduate studies in the Netherlands, earning a master’s degree in 2002 and a doctorate in history in 2006 from Leiden University.
After returning to Viet Nam, he joined the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, serving as a lecturer from 2007, Vice Rector from 2016 and Rector since 2021. He was recognized as Associate Professor of History in 2012 and Professor of History in 2019.
He has participated in a number of international academic organizations, including the SEASREP Foundation (2012–2018), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2012–2023) and SEAMEO-SPAFA (2017–present). He was also a visiting scholar at the University of Montana in the United States in 2009 and at Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany from 2012 to 2013.
Established by Emperor Napoléon I in 1808, the Ordre des Palmes Académiques is a prestigious French distinction honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to academia, education and culture in France and worldwide.
More than 20 years earlier, Professor Phan Huy Le was awarded the same distinction by the French Government in 2002. With this honor, Rector Hoang Anh Tuan becomes the second scholar from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, to receive the award.
The award recognizes his contributions to science, education and culture and underscores academic cooperation between Viet Nam and France. It also highlights the growing international engagement of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
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