The efforts and contributions in research and teaching of Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh (lecturer of Pharmaceutical Testing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences , Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) have been recognized with many awards such as: Ho Chi Minh City Innovation Award, Golden Globe Award and "Creative Youth" Badge.
Most recently, she was one of 12 individuals awarded the 2025 Vietnamese Women's Award.
Connecting basic research with application
The path of scientific research for this young female PhD born in 1990 is an exciting and passionate journey of discovery with the belief that she will "find something new" and can create products that bring value to society.
The feeling of asking questions, finding answers and then seeing the results of her research contribute to knowledge made a strong impression on Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh the first time she participated in a scientific research project when she was a student.
It was that moment that urged her to choose scientific research to pursue and reap many successes.
Dr. Thuy Linh shared: "I have been passionate about basic sciences, especially chemistry, since I was a student. During my studies and work, I realized that interdisciplinary research on materials based on chemical knowledge can expand knowledge in biomedicine, pharmacy and the environment. Research on new materials not only brings interesting scientific discoveries but also has direct application value, contributing to improving human health and quality of life. It is the intersection between scientific significance and practicality in research that has created great attraction, urging me to commit and persistently pursue this path."
In more than 60 international publications and 20 research topics that she participated in, Dr. Thuy Linh is especially interested in the research direction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) applied in synthesizing biologically active organic compounds.
This is a project that has both scientific value and opens up practical prospects to solve the "bottleneck" in the supply of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Not only that, this research project has clearly demonstrated the spirit of connection between basic and applied research, contributing to the implementation of the goal of domestic drug production in the coming period of the pharmaceutical industry.
In 2023, Dr. Thuy Linh and her colleagues obtained a Korean Patent titled "A method for synthesizing aldehyde compound using metal-organic framework."
Dr. Thuy Linh said the invention proposes a new method using metal-organic framework (MOF) materials as catalysts to synthesize compounds containing aldehyde groups from hydrocarbons.
This process has the outstanding advantages of simple implementation conditions, low temperature, low cost but still achieving high efficiency and selectivity. In particular, MOF catalyst materials can be reused many times without reducing durability and activity.
This method not only opens up a new direction in aldehyde synthesis but also has the potential for wide application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
The path of scientific research is full of hardships and challenges, especially for a woman. To be steadfast in that journey requires a lot of effort to balance the pressure from research, teaching, family life and motherhood.
"The interdisciplinary guidance and support of the leaders, along with the working and research environment at the University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, have helped me wholeheartedly pursue my passion, conduct scientific research seriously and approach world standards," Dr. Thuy Linh shared.
Professor, Doctor, Pharmacist Thai Khac Minh, Head of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City National University, acknowledged that as a young and enthusiastic lecturer, Dr. Thuy Linh has affirmed her solid scientific research capacity and high sense of responsibility in teaching and research.
She has a clear orientation in the field of materials and physics applied in pharmaceuticals, focusing on the design and development of advanced materials for drug delivery, controlled release of active ingredients and supporting biomedical treatments.
This is a modern, highly interdisciplinary research direction between pharmacy - materials science - biomedical technology, contributing to creating products with practical application value.
Dr. Thuy Linh's research topics, international publications and patents have contributed to connecting basic and applied research in modern pharmacy.
"We highly appreciate Dr. Linh's sharp scientific thinking, interdisciplinary cooperation capacity and ability to lead the research team. Her works not only make valuable scientific contributions but also contribute to positioning the research direction of applied materials in pharmacy as a strategic strength of the Faculty in the new development stage," Professor, Doctor, Pharmacist Thai Khac Minh expressed.

Inspire passion for research
Sharing about her research orientation in the future, Dr. Thuy Linh wishes to continue developing and connecting all three fields: Biomedicine, pharmacy and environmental analysis; in which the focus is on biomedicine and pharmacy, because these are fields that have a direct and clear impact on human health.
"My biggest dream in my scientific research journey is to be able to create a product that brings value to society, such as an active compound, a drug, a process for producing pharmaceutical ingredients or biological products," Dr. Thuy Linh expressed.
To achieve that goal, she persistently built a strong research group, where generations of students, postgraduates, and researchers have a good learning and creative environment, thereby creating scientific works of real value for society.
Dr. Thuy Linh also expressed her wish to have the support of businesses right from the early stages of the research process. Because, the support and advice of businesses will help the group's research go in the right direction and reach the destination faster, and can soon put the research results into practical application.
In particular, according to Dr. Thuy Linh, the new breakthrough policies in science and technology development, especially in terms of investment mechanisms for research, are very positive signals that help scientists feel secure in their dedication, boldly pursue big ideas, with effort and passion, with the highest sense of responsibility; instead of the pressure of having to return products for the topic, according to the previous mechanism.
Participating in the research group directly guided by Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh, Nguyen Ngoc Minh Thy, a 4th year student majoring in Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City National University, shared: "We always clearly feel Ms. Thuy Linh's enthusiasm and high sense of responsibility in every job. Despite her busy work schedule, she is always ready to answer all students' questions enthusiastically and patiently. Not only is she a teacher who imparts knowledge, she is also an example for us in terms of seriousness in scientific research. From sharing her experiences, I understand that, to be successful, we must always learn continuously and be ready to face challenges."
Instilling a passion for research in students, Dr. Thuy Linh always encourages students to ask questions and experiment, because science starts with curiosity.
Sharing her own research story with both successes and failures, Dr. Thuy Linh hopes that students understand that science is a long but meaningful and attractive journey.
Her joy is when research has answers, can open up the possibility of practical application, can contribute to solving health and environmental problems of society./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ngay-phu-nu-viet-nam-2010-nu-tien-sy-tre-voi-hon-60-cong-bo-quoc-te-post1070861.vnp
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