University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UMP)
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UMP)
Program Type
International
Organization Name
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UMP)
Institute for International Training and Research (INSTAR) & Faculty of Public Health (FPH)
Internship Location
Hanoi City, Vietnam
No. 144 Xuan Thuy Street, Hanoi
Organization
This internship is jointly hosted by two complementary academic units at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UMP):
Institute for International Training and Research (INSTAR)
INSTAR is an international research and training institute established to advance interdisciplinary, policy-relevant, and globally connected health research. The Institute focuses on emerging global health challenges including noncommunicable diseases, pandemic preparedness, climate change and health, mental health, population ageing, digital health, and health systems strengthening. INSTAR works closely with national partners such as Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, as well as international organizations including WHO and leading global universities.
Faculty of Public Health (FPH)
The Faculty of Public Health is a core academic unit of VNU-UMP responsible for education, research, and service in public health, preventive medicine, family medicine, and population health sciences. The Faculty includes six departments and a strong cohort of professors, associate professors, and PhD-level faculty. Harvard students will be hosted primarily within the Department of Epidemiology, Data Sciences, and AI, with additional engagement at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE).
Together, INSTAR and FPH provide a rigorous, mentored academic environment that integrates research, policy, and real-world implementation in Vietnam and other low- and middle-income country contexts.
Position Overview
This internship provides Harvard graduate and undergraduate students with a structured, mentored opportunity to engage in applied global health and public health research within an academic medical setting in Vietnam. Interns will be embedded in ongoing, faculty-led research projects and contribute meaningfully to data analysis, evidence synthesis, and research outputs that inform health policy and health systems strengthening.
Interns will also participate in advanced research seminars and academic discussions alongside PhD candidates and early-career researchers, gaining exposure to an interdisciplinary, international research training environment.
Project Details
Each intern will be assigned one primary research project, with limited opportunities for cross-project exposure depending on interests, timelines, and skills. Applicants may indicate preferred projects in their application.
Project options include:
Challenges and Opportunities for Vietnam’s Health-Care System in Addressing the Emerging Mental-Health Impacts of Climate Change among Women
Digital Health Intelligence for Strengthening Clinical Evidence and NCD Care Pathways in Vietnamese Primary Health Facilities
Strengthening the Competence of Vietnam’s Primary Healthcare Workforce
Advancing Child Well-Being Through AI-Driven, Family–School Integrated Health Care Systems
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Clinical Decision-Making on Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing in Vietnam
Leveraging Big Data and AI-Driven Analytics for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
AI-Enabled Systems for Community-Based Management of Noncommunicable Diseases
Climate Change, Population Vulnerability, and Adaptive Responses: A Health-System Perspective
Quality of Life for Patients with NCDs and Feasibility of Home-Based and Tele-Care Models
AI-Guided Systems for Advancing the Measurement and Interpretation of Patient-Reported Outcomes
Intern Responsibilities
Interns will:
Conduct systematic or targeted literature reviews related to assigned research topics
Assist with data compilation, cleaning, management, and basic quantitative and/or qualitative analysis
Support synthesis of findings for research reports, policy briefs, and academic manuscripts
Contribute to drafting tables, figures, and results sections under faculty and PhD student supervision
Participate in regular research team meetings and progress discussions
Assist with organizing and facilitating research seminars, workshops, and academic discussions
Collaborate closely with faculty mentors, PhD candidates, and interdisciplinary research teams
Support project documentation, timelines, and research deliverables as assigned
Qualifications
Essential:
Undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in global health, public health, health policy, medicine, social sciences, data science, or related fields
Strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-oriented environment
Preferred:
Coursework or experience in research methods, data analysis, or epidemiology
Familiarity with literature reviews or academic writing
Interest in health systems strengthening, climate and health, digital health, or AI applications in health
Experience working in interdisciplinary or international settings
Learning Outcomes
Through this internship, students will:
Gain hands-on experience in applied global health and public health research in a low- and middle-income country context
Develop skills in data analysis, literature review, and research writing
Understand how evidence informs health policy, health systems strengthening, and implementation
Engage in interdisciplinary, international research collaboration within a mentored academic environment
Build professional networks and, where appropriate, contribute to academic manuscripts and be considered for authorship based on established criteria
Nature of Internship
Educational Technology in Medicine and Public Health Sciences
Keywords
Climate Change; Data Analysis; Health Equity; Health Policy; Health Systems Strengthening; Infectious Disease; Literature Review; Mental Health; Technology & Innovation
Additional Onboarding for Selected Intern(s)
Submit all required documents at least two months in advance to support administrative and onboarding processes in Vietnam
Coordinate with VNU-UMP administrative staff regarding visas, institutional access, and logistics
Complete any required research ethics or institutional training prior to project initiation
Work Environment
Hybrid:
In-Person: Research activities at VNU-UMP in Hanoi alongside faculty, PhD candidates, and research teams, based on a pre-defined schedule
Remote: Data analysis, literature review, and writing tasks may be completed remotely as appropriate
Each intern will be matched with one faculty mentor and one PhD student mentor, with ongoing supervision and support provided by the INSTAR–Faculty of Public Health administrative team