Kien Tran

Kien Tran is a Lecturer in Law at the Civil Law Department, School of Law, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Deputy Director (Research) at the Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS), a leading independent research institute in Vietnam. He holds an affiliate position at the University of Glasgow, where he earned his PhD (2015) and Master’s (2010) degrees with full scholarships. His legal education began at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (LL.B., 2007, with high distinction).

Education:

• PhD in Law, University of Glasgow, 2015
• Masters in Law, University of Glasgow, 2010
• LL.B., Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 2007

Research Interests: Kien’s interdisciplinary research focuses on legal reform in Vietnam’s post-socialist transition, integrating insights from history, art, economics, and social sciences. Key areas include constitutional law, human rights, immigration law, intellectual property, and cyber security law. His work examines how socio-economic dynamics shape legal frameworks in transitional societies.

Projects & Grants: He leads national/international research projects funded by Vietnam National University, NAFOSTED, and the International Center for Not-For-Profit Law. Projects span constitutional law, property rights, and digital governance.

Affiliations & Roles:

• Academic Convenor of the annual Engaging with Vietnam Conference
• Legal advisor to foreign embassies, NGOs, and private firms
• Member of ISDS’s research leadership team

Labs/Teams: Active within the Civil Law Department and ISDS, contributing to policy-relevant research on legal modernization and socio-legal challenges in Vietnam.