A launching pad for scientific dreams.

The Vingroup Innovation Fund not only inspires but also creates a change in the culture of scientific research.

In the final days of 2024, the VinIF Alumni Club – a network of young scientists receiving scholarships from the Vingroup Innovation Fund (VinIF) – received good news when four of its members won the Golden Globe Science and Technology Award, judged jointly by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

More than just financial support

Upon becoming the recipient of the Golden Globe Award, Dr. Nguyen Van Son from the University of Technology - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said that the award is a valuable recognition of his tireless efforts in scientific research and application. "Contributing to this success is the support of VinIF, not only financially but also in connecting me with leading scientists," the young researcher expressed.

Born in 1993, Dr. Nguyen Van Son completed his PhD at the University of Texas (USA) in 2022. Upon returning to Vietnam, his research focuses on software automation and artificial intelligence (AI). He is one of the authors of DoiT, a system that enhances document quality, currently used by over 15,000 individuals and numerous large educational institutions in Vietnam.

Dr. Pham Thanh Tuan Anh, Faculty of Science - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, conducts research on transparent conductive thin films and spectroscopic analysis methods.

For Dr. Pham Thanh Tuan Anh, from the University of Science - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, the VinIF domestic doctoral scholarship provides him with additional funding to invest in analytical methods in his scientific publications, thereby improving the quality of his research. The publication in the prestigious journal Acta Materialia is a significant contribution to his doctoral dissertation. "This award motivates me to strive even harder in my studies and research to contribute my small efforts to the overall development of the community and society," said the "Golden Globe" winner, Pham Thanh Tuan Anh.

Pursuing research in the application of nanomaterials in green energy technology, Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang (recipient of a postdoctoral scholarship from VinIF in 2023-2024) spent nearly two years conducting postdoctoral research at the Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics - Institute of Basic Sciences at Sungkyunkwan University (South Korea).

Upon returning to Vietnam, he established a research group on energy conversion materials at the Center for Nanostructured and Molecular Materials Research - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. Like other Golden Globe recipients, Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang considers the award a motivation to continue developing himself and to train and mentor young people passionate about scientific research.

Paving the way for the semiconductor ecosystem.

After six consecutive years of collaborating with researchers to realize cutting-edge, highly applicable projects, VinIF has funded 117 projects with a total budget of 590 billion VND. Good news continues as the State Council of Professors recently recognized Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Duc as a professor and Associate Professor Dr. Le Duc Hung as an associate professor – two of the many project leaders whose research was funded by VinIF.

Dr. Nguyen Van Son, from the University of Technology - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is one of 10 outstanding individuals to receive the Golden Globe Science and Technology Award in 2024. Photo: THANH TUYEN

Dr. Le Duc Hung, from the University of Science - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the idea for the project "Designing AI chips based on Spiking Neural Network architecture and multi-core RISC-V microprocessors combined with network-on-chip" originated from the process of conducting scientific research on signal acquisition chip design. The research team hopes to apply this system to smart city projects in Ho Chi Minh City and other localities. Through this, they aim to contribute to the development of the integrated circuit design and semiconductor technology industry, create "make in Vietnam" chips, and form a semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam.

"AI-related microchip products align with technological development trends and can contribute to the formation of a semiconductor and AI microchip ecosystem, geared towards start-up stages that the VinIF network can connect with and support," the research team believes.

Meanwhile, the project "Development of an AUV (Automated Underwater Vehicle) using sonar technology for underwater monitoring and measurement of marine environmental parameters," led by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Duc of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, has also received much attention. Successful development of an AUV prototype combined with a control station would pave the way for more in-depth research related to the underwater Internet of Things, maritime communication, and marine environmental management.

Make a bigger breakthrough.

Established in 2018, VinIF, part of the Institute for Big Data Research and within the VinBigdata ecosystem, focuses on funding and training in science and technology. The fund's mission is to support scientists and young talents from universities and research institutes in conducting scientific and technological research and innovation. To date, VinIF has supported a total of 3,500 scientists.

Professor Vu Ha Van, Scientific Director of VinIF, said that VinIF's guiding principle is to create a rational, transparent, and civilized working mechanism, thereby contributing to building a research culture that is creative, honest, and meets international standards. "Through this environment, we hope to inspire a generation of young scientists who are capable, honest, and socially responsible," said Professor Vu Ha Van.

According to VinIF representatives, the fund's most significant impact on society is its creation of a new wave in research investment, elevating academic standards and helping to curb brain drain. In particular, VinIF helps young scientists view research as a profession with full rights and responsibilities, thereby wholeheartedly developing their research capabilities. "These achievements are the driving force behind VinIF's continued innovation and creativity, working together with administrators, universities, and research institutes to create even greater breakthroughs for Vietnamese science," Professor Vu Ha Van stated.

The Chief Scientific Officer of VinIF believes that many scientists have good ideas, but transforming those ideas into products that are well-received by users requires many factors, from investment capital to the dynamism of the author. With its mission, VinIF is ready to support scientists if they can guarantee that their research products have great potential.

A policy change impetus

In participating in policy-making, VinIF contributed to the amendment of the 2013 Law on Science and Technology, aiming to increase incentives for scientists, accept risks in scientific and technological research, develop a sustainable science and technology market, and address several other important points.

Professor Le Quan, Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said that inspired by VinIF, the university has issued regulations on providing scholarships of up to 100 million VND/year for doctoral students and 120 million VND/year for young PhDs with outstanding research capabilities and international publications.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/be-phong-cho-nhung-uoc-mo-khoa-hoc-19625012209525547.htm