The driving force for Vietnamese science to move quickly and far

Directly participating in many academic activities organized by VinFuture, what Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tran Thuat (Deputy Director of the Center for Nano and Energy, University of Science , VNU Hanoi) is most proud of is the rare opportunity to meet "big names" in the global research community.

Associate Professor Nguyen Tran Thuat presented a report at the Symposium on “Development of Semiconductor Technology and Industry” organized by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, November 2023. (Photo: NVCC) — Associate Professor Nguyen Tran Thuat presented a report at the Symposium on “Development of Semiconductor Technology and Industry” organized by Vietnam National University, Hanoi , November 2023. (Photo: NVCC)

Narrowing the gap between Vietnamese science and the world

The expert with more than 15 years of experience in researching semiconductor materials and solar cells said that if you are not a member of international scientific networks, it is very difficult to access leading scientific minds, especially winners of prestigious awards such as Nobel, Turing, Millennium Technology...

In particular, it is even more difficult to directly discuss cooperation opportunities with the “big names” who play a leading role in global research trends. But thanks to VinFuture, international doors are gradually opening wide for Vietnamese scientists.

Associate Professor Thuat commented that Vietnamese scientists are very talented, and as long as they have the right strategic direction, they will go far.

“ With the guidance and further cooperation of outstanding scientists and leading scientific centers in the world, Vietnamese scientists will catch up with new trends, thereby going in the right direction, faster and further instead of doing it on their own. In particular, with interdisciplinary cooperation, many potential studies can soon produce sweet fruit ,” Associate Professor Thuat analyzed.

Sharing the same view, Associate Professor Dr. Le My Loan Phung (University of Natural Sciences, VNU-HCM) highly appreciated the issues that VinFuture has focused on and promoted in recent times such as: artificial intelligence, new materials and energy storage, high-tech agriculture, clean water and environmental sanitation.

Associate Professor Le My Loan Phung (left cover) is discussing with scientists at the 14th International Conference “Advanced Lithium Batteries for Automobile Applications”, November 2023. (Photo: NVCC)

According to a leading scientist in rechargeable battery technology, domestic science is pursuing fields suitable for Vietnam but often neglects research trends that the world is focusing on developing.

“VinFuture's emphasis on key industries will help guide Vietnamese scientists on what research they need to do to create momentum and big changes for Vietnam,” Associate Professor Phung explained.

Experts say that international cooperation in research is a long-term story, not easy to implement overnight, especially when there is still a certain gap between domestic and international science. Currently, the important value that VinFuture brings to Vietnamese scientists is encouragement and inspiration in research.

Professor Nguyen Duc Chien (right) at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnam Society for Materials Science and the Korean Society for Materials Science, August 2023. (Photo: V-MRS)

Citing the case of Dr. Kariko, co-winner of the VinFuture Main Prize season 1 and also co-winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Associate Professor Nguyen Tran Thuat said that VinFuture's honoring of these scientists helps their stories become more widely known, thereby inspiring more people.

“ I was moved when listening to Dr. Kariko share about the thorny research path she went through before standing on the podium of glory. Such real-life, real-life lessons are a source of motivation for us to have more faith in the path we are taking, encouraging Vietnamese scientists with the aspiration to reach new heights.

In the long run, the gap between domestic and international science will be narrowed ,” Associate Professor Thuat acknowledged.

Changing the way the world looks at Vietnam

According to experts, VinFuture's rise in stature and international prestige is also reflected in the surge in the number of nominations in season 3.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Chien (Chairman of the Vietnam Materials Science Association, Vice President of the Vietnam Physics Association) said that the number of nearly 1,400 nominations that VinFuture received this year, 3 times more than the first season and 40% more than the second season, is very impressive.

“ There are few awards in the world that receive as many nominations as this one. Although it is only in its third year, VinFuture’s reputation has been huge, ” said Professor Chien.

The Celebrate Award is one of eight important links in the innovation ecosystem. According to WIPO, in 2023, Vietnam ranked 46/132 in the world on the Global Innovation Index, up 2 places compared to 2022.

Professor Chien said that in the past, there were only a few fields that the international community knew about Vietnam. In terms of science and technology, Vietnam was still in the "lowlands" of the world. VinFuture has made an important contribution to changing the world's view of Vietnam. The award shows that Vietnam pays great attention to science and technology - one of the three pillars that can create breakthrough development for the country.

From decades of experience in research cooperation with international organizations, Professor Chien said that before deciding to invest in a certain field, foreign partners will often carefully consider the level of interest of Vietnam in that field. If the country is not interested, it will be difficult to receive investment because it will not be effective.

“ VinFuture helps the world know more about Vietnam in the field of science and technology. When people see that the country pays great attention to science and technology, they will be willing to cooperate and invest. Thanks to that, more opportunities will come to Vietnam ,” said Professor Chien.

The intangible but enormous values that VinFuture brings are also what Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung (National Innovation Center, Ministry of Planning and Investment) emphasized. According to the senior expert on research and development of the innovation ecosystem, VinFuture helps the world know a Vietnam that is not only about war, rice or coffee exports but also a country with a pace of advancement in technology and innovation.

In the innovation ecosystem diagram, the award honoring scientists and technological innovations is one of eight important links.

According to Ms. Ngoc Dung, a well-developed ecosystem that supports many creators and innovators needs more awards to honor and promote those who come up with new ways of doing things and encourage others to take on the difficult and risky task of innovation.

“ With VinFuture, for the first time in Vietnam, there is an award of great international value, honoring technology creators and international scientific researchers, bringing them closer to the Vietnamese scientific community. This is a wonderful thing, not only for experts but also has a great impact on the entire innovation ecosystem of Vietnam ”, expert Ngoc Dung affirmed.

Bao Anh

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