The second workshop of VERN was held at the Institute of Social Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City on 9 December 2002, from 14:00 – 17:00. The workshop aimed at introducing the operation of VERN and calling for research ideas in the South. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha from VERN office attended the workshop. There were ten people participating in the workshop. They come from Institute of Social Sciences, Institute for Economic Research, Vietnam National University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Central Economic Department in Ho Chi Minh City.

The workshop was started by introduction of each participant. Then Dr. Ha briefly introduced VEEM program funded by IDRC – CIDA, monitored by MOSTE and implemented by a number of research institutions in Hanoi in the past period and VERN funded by IDRC and implemented by the Institute of Economics at present. The operation and objectives of VERN were presented in more details.

Researchers were invited to submit research ideas for consideration by the Selection Committee. Researchers were asked to submit a short (3-4 page) research idea relevant to VERN themes by December 31^st 2002 according to the format provided VERN office. The submission form was explained in great details. Dr. Ha assured participants that all academic advisors and technical assistance would be provided to all projects within this network. She emphasized that participation of researchers from the South is strongly encouraged to participate in VERN.

Then the participants actively discussed VERN themes and requirements for ideas to be selected. Questions arose especially about how to make proposals meeting requirements by the Network and to be selected. Participants also asked about specific topics that they were thinking about after they read the Call for Research Ideas sent by the VERN office via e-mail. Participants also expressed their expectation of being trained in research methodology.

On behalf of the VERN office