Professor Tran Thuc, the untold story of the person who predicted historic floods

The name Professor Tran Thuc is associated with historic floods. He not only forecasted storms but also created an early warning system, contributing to saving people and protecting crops.

When the rainy season comes, people in the Central or Northern regions not only listen to the forecast from the radio but also put their trust in every data and every news report from hydrometeorological experts. Among the people behind the heavy rain map, the name of Professor Tran Thuc stands out as someone who has devoted his whole life to "weighing rainwater, counting every raindrop, protecting every village".

Prof. Dr. Tran Thuc. Photo: TC KTTV.

The creator of climate change scenarios for Vietnam

Prof. Dr. Tran Thuc is one of the leading experts, leaving a strong mark in a series of important policies, strategies and documents of the country. He participated in the development of the Law on Hydrometeorology (2015), the Law on Environmental Protection (2014, 2020), the National Strategy on Climate Change (2022), along with many plans, schemes and action programs to respond to climate change and NDC of Vietnam.

Among the research works and projects that left a strong impression on Professor Tran Thuc are the National Target Program to Respond to Climate Change (2008), Climate Change Scenarios for Vietnam (2008, 2012 and 2016); Vietnam's Special Report on Managing the Risks of Natural Disasters and Extreme Events to Promote Climate Change Adaptation (2015); Drought and Water Shortage Map in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands (2010)...

He is proud that the KTTV forecast is increasingly trusted and recognized by society. “Our level is approaching the world level, we need communication so that society can clearly understand the forecasting capacity in the country,” he shared.

Not only stopping at KTTV, Prof. Dr. Tran Thuc also devoted much enthusiasm to hydrology, hydraulics and water resources with research on flood and drought forecasting, reservoir operation, water balance calculation, and flood prevention project design. In the field of environment, he focused on air quality, river water quality, coastal estuaries, serving planning and pollution control.

Since 2005, clearly aware of the impact of climate change, he has focused on researching and assessing the impact of climate on nature and socio-economic sectors, thereby proposing adaptation and mitigation solutions. That achievement has helped him to be continuously trusted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to preside over important tasks such as developing climate change scenarios, national programs and action plans to respond to climate change.

Prof. Dr. Tran Thuc always demonstrates vision and technological acumen through strategic proposals. He emphasizes the importance of applying artificial intelligence (AI) in hydrometeorological forecasting. “Let the computer synthesize human experience and support the forecasting advice,” he said.

He believes that to do this, Vietnam needs a comprehensive digital transformation infrastructure: historical data on natural disasters, modern computing equipment and advanced analytical technology.

In particular, the human factor remains key. Although the team has been trained in hydrometeorology and oceanography, there is still a lack of human resources with knowledge of AI, which needs to be trained to help the forecasting industry move into a smarter era.

Once you have a passion, pursue it persistently.

Prof. Dr. Tran Thuc, born in 1954 in Hanh Duc commune, Nghia Hanh district, Quang Ngai , is currently one of the leading experts in hydrometeorology and environment. After graduating from high school, he studied Hydrology - Environment (Irrigation) and in 1991 received his PhD from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.

Returning to Vietnam, he taught and researched at the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment, holding many positions from researcher, senior researcher to Institute Director and other important leadership positions.

With more than 40 years of experience in hydrometeorology and climate change research, Prof. Dr. Tran Thuc is recognized as one of the prestigious voices in the field. He believes that hydrometeorology and oceanography should not only be used for forecasting, but also become a source of information and climate services for society. From aviation, maritime, construction, energy, oil and gas, tourism to fashion and cuisine, all need accurate climate data.

It is important to know how to translate pure data into meaningful information, and then elevate it to knowledge for development. The task of scientists is not only to measure and analyze, but also to turn research results into practical climate products and services for the community and the economy.

He is also an inspiration to many generations of young scientists. According to him, to be successful, you need passion. “Passion is the first condition, without passion, you can’t do anything. Once you have passion, pursue it steadfastly,” he shared.

He also advised young scientists not to limit themselves to one field, but to broaden their knowledge to adapt to new requirements. Like him, starting from hydrometeorology, but thanks to self-studying more about the environment and climate change, he was able to meet the job requirements.

Sharing about the successes he has achieved in his career, Professor Tran Thuc said that his achievements today are not the result of a single effort. He is grateful for the dedication of his predecessors, the invaluable help of his colleagues, and especially the role of his students. According to him, students are special teachers.

“Without my students, I would not have the inspiration to think of topics to help them do their thesis. Then they become my colleagues and come back to work together. What could be happier? I am very proud that my students have all developed scientifically,” he shared.

Professor Tran Thuc is the President of the Vietnam Hydrometeorological Association for the 2019-2024 term; President of the Council of Professors of the Water Resources sector for the 2018-2023 term; President of the National Committee on the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program (2004-2024); President of the Steering Committee of the International Hydrological Program for the Asia-Pacific region (2005-2006); Former Vice President of the Advisory Council of the National Committee on Climate Change (2014-2020); Former Co-Chair of the Vietnam-US Working Group on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (2008-2014); Former Director of the Institute of Hydrometeorology and Climate Change (2003-2014).

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/gs-tran-thuc-chuyen-chua-ke-ve-nguoi-du-bao-nhung-tran-lu-lich-su-post2149057231.html