Young female doctor keeps the passion for scientific research alive

In the flow of scientific development in Vietnam, more and more women are asserting their pioneering role, making practical contributions to the cause of innovation and sustainable development. Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh (born in 1990), lecturer of the Department of Pharmaceutical Testing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences (Ho Chi Minh City National University) is one of the typical faces, with more than 15 years of dedicated research and dedication.

From the lecture hall to the laboratory

Since her student years, Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh has shown a special passion for basic sciences , especially chemistry. During her studies and research, she realized that interdisciplinary works on materials based on chemical knowledge have the potential to expand applications to many fields such as biomedicine, pharmacy and environment.

Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh works hard in the laboratory, where she spends most of her time conducting experiments on new materials and pharmaceuticals.

According to Thuy Linh, research on new materials not only brings interesting academic discoveries but also has practical application value, contributing to improving human health and enhancing the quality of life. It is the intersection between scientific meaning and practicality that has become the driving force that urges her to commit and persistently pursue the challenging path of scientific research.

With more than 15 years of research experience, Dr. Linh has participated in 20 scientific projects, including 6 projects as the project manager, and has published more than 65 international publications in prestigious journals. Her research interests range from nanomaterials, synthetic chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry to environmental sensors. These are all projects with high scientific value and application potential, contributing to promoting technology localization, reducing raw material import costs and moving towards sustainable development.

“Every day is a joy. Whether the results are highly accurate or still have errors, they are valuable lessons that help me and my students progress. Each result, no matter how small, is part of a chain of links that can complement and strengthen other research groups,” Dr. Linh shared.

“In reality, the Vietnamese pharmaceutical industry still depends heavily on imported raw materials, while the demand for treatment drugs from patients is increasing. I always wonder how to create new materials to help the country be more proactive in the production of pharmaceutical substances. That aspiration is the driving force for me to persistently pursue this research direction,” Thuy Linh shared.

There were days when she started work at 7am and only left the lab when the clock struck 8pm. “Once I started a series of experiments, I was always eager to see the results, so I often stayed late to complete them, and when I got home I looked up the documents,” Thuy Linh said.

After many years of dedicated research, Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh and her colleagues were granted Patent No. 10-2521051 (December 29, 2023) by the Korean Intellectual Property Office with the title "A method for synthesizing aldehyde compounds using metal-organic framework - Method for synthesizing aldehyde compounds using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)".

The invention proposes a method of using MOF materials as catalysts to synthesize compounds containing aldehyde groups from hydrocarbons, an important reaction in the process of synthesizing pharmaceutical substances. This process has many outstanding advantages: simple implementation conditions, low temperature, low cost but high efficiency and selectivity. In particular, the catalyst material can be reused many times without losing its activity, contributing to a green, energy-saving and environmentally friendly production process.

Not only stopping at scientific significance, the project also opens up potential applications in the synthesis of biologically active organic compounds, especially derivatives used in the treatment of neurological diseases and Alzheimer's. This is considered a research direction with high practical value, contributing to the realization of the goal of self-sufficiency in raw materials and domestic drug production, in line with the development orientation of Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry in the period of 2030, vision 2045.

What keeps her passionate about research alive is the meaning that research brings and the belief that science can contribute to improving the health and environment of the community.

According to Thuy Linh, the journey from idea to scientific product always requires a long time and large resources. The companionship of enterprises is of special importance, not only helping to shorten the testing process but also contributing to bringing research results into practice faster.

“Businesses usually only participate when the product is almost finished, but if they accompany from the beginning, the research and application progress will be much faster and more effective. I hope there will be more businesses willing to accompany scientists on the journey from research to product,” Dr. Linh expressed.

Overcoming challenges, transmitting passion for scientific research to students

Like many other women scientists, Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh's research journey is not without its difficulties in balancing work, family and motherhood.

“In 2017, I got pregnant, so my research was interrupted. In the experimental field, pregnant women cannot enter the lab due to chemical risks, so I had to stop for a long time. Only when my child grew up could I return to normal work,” Linh shared.

Not only passionate about research, Dr. Linh is also a dedicated teacher and someone who passes on the passion for scientific research to the younger generation.

During the three years of pregnancy, childbirth and childcare, she had to arrange her time to maintain her job, read documents, guide students and prepare for her doctoral thesis. “That was the most difficult period, but also the time I learned the most about perseverance and life balance,” she said.

Fortunately, her husband works in the same field, so she receives sharing and support in every stage. Along with that, the open research environment at Ho Chi Minh City National University, where nanomaterial research is strongly developed, has created favorable conditions for her to access new knowledge, expand international cooperation and develop her works.

Dr. Linh instructs students in the research lab.

For Thuy Linh, a scientist not only creates pioneering work but also transfers the results into practice. Research opens up new knowledge, and application turns knowledge into value for society. The greatest joy in doing research is connecting theory and practice. “My field is experimental, so when the results are different from predictions, I am also happy because I may have just touched on something that science has never discovered ,” she shared with a smile.

When asked what helps her maintain her passion for research, which is often difficult and requires patience, Thuy Linh shared: “There are times when the pressure of research, teaching and personal life makes me tired and stressed, but I have never intended to stop. Belief in the path I have chosen and the opportunity to study and research, the encouragement of family, colleagues and students have helped me regain balance, continue walking and conquer new challenges. Every difficulty is an opportunity to learn. Whenever the research results can suggest applications in medicine or the environment, I find all efforts worthwhile."

Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh's biggest dream is to create products that bring practical value to the community. To realize that aspiration, she is building a research group where students, trainees and postgraduates can learn, create and develop in an open and humane scientific environment.

Dr. Linh shares her own research story, both successes and failures, so that students understand that science is a long but meaningful journey.

Not only passionate about research, Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh is also a dedicated teacher and a person who inspires the passion for scientific research to the younger generation. After working hours in the laboratory, she still spends her evenings reviewing results, discussing and guiding students and graduate students. She always encourages students to ask questions, explore and experiment.

“Science begins with curiosity. I hope you understand that failure is not a stopping point but an opportunity to discover something new. Every piece of data, whether it is incorrect or not as expected, is still a valuable lesson that helps us progress,” Thuy Linh expressed.

With outstanding contributions in scientific research, Dr. Nguyen Ho Thuy Linh has just been awarded the 2025 Vietnamese Women's Award, as well as the Ho Chi Minh City Innovation Award and the Golden Globe Award.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/nguoi-tot-viec-tot/nu-tien-si-tre-giu-ngon-lua-dam-me-nghien-cuu-khoa-hoc-20251020190248689.htm