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Prof. Novoselov - one of the members of the VinFuture Prize Council from the first season. Photo: VFP

VinFuture has a worthy position globally

- This year marks the 5-year milestone of VinFuture. Looking back, how do you evaluate the mission and value of the award?

From zero, today, VinFuture has a worthy position on the global science and technology map. I believe that the success of the award is closely linked to the success of science serving humanity, with works aiming at sustainable development and the common benefit of billions of people.

I am proud of the Council’s selections over the years. This process has been and continues to be a lively and constructive debate. The diversity of the scientists honored, both in terms of field and nationality, is a testament to VinFuture’s humane and inclusive approach.

It is a good start to a long journey. Hopefully, VinFuture will continue to contribute in its own way to creating a sustainable future on a global scale.

- In your opinion, what is the most accurate description of VinFuture after its first 5-year journey?

If I had to sum up the VinFuture spirit in a few words, I would say: scientific excellence, breakthrough technology, and equality. These three elements are what make the VinFuture Prize truly special and have profound meaning for the future of humanity.

As long as VinFuture continues to stay true to its core philosophy of celebrating scientific excellence, groundbreaking technology, and the spirit of equality and respect for all differences, I believe we are on the right track and will continue to contribute to a greater mission.

- But from the very beginning, when VinFuture first appeared, what convinced you to believe in the vision and mission of this Prize?

There are many science prizes in the world , but VinFuture is truly different thanks to its unique philosophy: to honor inventions that change and revolutionize the way we live. This is a very special idea, a prize of special stature. That is why I am extremely excited to join the Prize Council and dedicate many years to this mission.

Honestly, this is a fascinating challenge. Many great discoveries are still in the lab, while many of the applications we use every day are derived from inventions made decades ago. But the amazing thing is that today, we are witnessing many technological breakthroughs being rapidly transformed into practical applications, changing the lives of millions of people. Therefore, learning about, exploring the potential and honoring the brilliant minds behind these inventions is a truly interesting and meaningful journey.

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The annual Science for Life Symposium organized by VinFuture Foundation discusses important topics in the world's technology development trends. Photo: VFP

Write a new chapter with knowledge and creativity

- After the first 4 seasons, many works honored at VinFuture such as mRNA technology, AlphaFold or GLP-1 then continued to receive prestigious global awards such as Nobel. What does that show, Professor?

This demonstrates the vision and pioneering nature of VinFuture’s evaluation process. It must be said that the evaluation of nominations requires a high level of dedication. The best applications have been selected through multiple screening rounds by the Secretariat and the Preliminary Council, followed by a high-intensity working process by the Prize Council.

We have to continually expand our knowledge into many different fields. It is an intellectual journey full of challenges but also extremely exciting, as each year we learn, discover and be inspired by these works.

- How do you perceive the role of the Award in connecting the international scientific community and Vietnam's growing research and innovation ecosystem?

Vietnam has long been a significant presence on the global scientific map, with many Vietnamese scientists working at leading research institutes around the world. But what is happening today is even more impressive: a powerful wave of innovation is emerging right here in Vietnam, where science is not just knowledge but has become an aspiration for national development.

The birth of the VinFuture Prize is a symbolic turning point for that aspiration. From an idea originating in Vietnam, VinFuture has created a magical 5-year journey, connecting the world's most brilliant minds, inspiring science to serve humanity, and making Vietnam a new bright spot on the global science map.

I believe that VinFuture not only enhances the prestige and position of Vietnamese science and technology, but also demonstrates the capacity, mettle and vision of a country that is proactively writing a new chapter in the story of development through knowledge and creativity.

Thank you, Professor!

Van Trang   (perform)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/2010-nobel-of-physics-recipient-and-his-strange-5-year-journey-with-vinfuture-prize-2457216.html