Scientists from the "land of learning"

Born in Hoang Loc, Thanh Hoa province, a land renowned for its academic achievements, and having graduated from Lam Son High School for the Gifted, and having once shone with a Silver Medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le rejected an opportunity to work in Japan to return and develop artificial intelligence (AI) in Vietnam. This journey is the story of a female scientist who connects knowledge with social responsibility.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le: Scientific research must be geared towards the practical needs of Vietnam. (Photo provided by the subject)

Seeds of knowledge from a land of learning.

Hoang Loc has long been known as a "land of learning" in Thanh Hoa province. Here, people consider education as a profession and the most sustainable path to the future. In that environment, Nguyen Phi Le's passion for mathematics was nurtured and clearly manifested. Le's academic journey was also closely linked to Lam Son High School for the Gifted - a cradle for training top-performing students nationwide. Her years studying specialized mathematics not only honed her logical thinking but also instilled in her perseverance, ability to withstand pressure, and an unyielding spirit. These qualities have stayed with her throughout her later scientific research career.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le as a speaker at the "Taking Flight" Gala broadcast on VTV. (Photo provided by the speaker)

The first major milestone in Nguyen Phi Le's academic journey was the Silver Medal at the 2000 International Mathematical Olympiad. This medal opened the door for the mathematics-specialized student to enter the international academic environment. But more importantly, it helped Le realize early on that mathematics and science in general have no borders.

Studying in Japan: A transition from Mathematics to Artificial Intelligence

While a first-year student in the gifted engineering program at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Nguyen Phi Le received a scholarship from the Japanese government. Studying at the University of Tokyo – one of Asia's leading research centers – she gradually transitioned from pure mathematics to computer science and AI. The highly disciplined academic environment of Japan presented numerous challenges for a young international student. However, her solid mathematical foundation helped Le quickly adapt to modern research directions, especially in information technology. After completing her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Tokyo, she continued her research at the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Japan. During her doctoral studies, Nguyen Phi Le's work was published in many prestigious international scientific conferences and journals, marking a significant academic maturation.

Scientific research must aim to solve practical problems facing Vietnamese society.

After years of studying and researching, Nguyen Phi Le had the opportunity to stay and work in Japan, but she chose to return home, believing that she could do good work anywhere, not necessarily in the best conditions. Back in Vietnam, Nguyen Phi Le is both a lecturer and a researcher, as well as a connector for the academic community. Starting with small research groups, she encouraged students and graduate students to pursue in-depth scientific research. Research directions expanded, initially focusing on AI applications in network communication (her specialized field at the master's and doctoral levels), then broadening to include in-depth research on core AI technologies and AI applications in healthcare and the environment. For Nguyen Phi Le, scientific research is not limited to scientific papers, but must aim to solve practical problems in Vietnamese society. A significant milestone was the establishment of the AI4LIFE Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application. In his role as director of the institute, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le not only led the professional work but also expanded the institute's cooperation network, attracting many major domestic and international partners to collaborate in applying research results to practice.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le with a gentle, feminine demeanor outside of her research lab. (Photo provided by the subject)

The femininity and strength of a scientist

In the world of algorithms and data, Nguyen Phi Le leaves the impression of a petite, gentle woman, yet full of determination. Her soft demeanor doesn't clash with her scientific prowess; instead, it forms the foundation for her perseverance, composure, and decisive decision-making ability. It is this combination of femininity and logical thinking that has helped Nguyen Phi Le not only stand firm in a field with a low female representation but also gradually assert her role.

lead.

From a student in the academically-oriented Hoang Loc district, studying at Lam Son High School for Mathematics, winning a Silver Medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad, to leading an AI research and application institute at a top Vietnamese university, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le's journey is a testament to the power of knowledge when combined with social responsibility. It is a persistent and profound journey, an inspiring story of dedication to lasting values ​​for the community.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phi Le

- Silver Medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in 2000.

- Top student of the National Institute of Informatics, Japan, 2018.

- PhD from the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Japan.

- Director of the AI4LIFE Institute for Research and Application of Artificial Intelligence.

Minh Tuyet

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nha-khoa-hoc-tu-dat-hoc-277184.htm