Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, from the Vinmec Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology Research, has been elected to the Global Young Academy of Sciences for her outstanding achievements and ability to make a significant impact in her research field.
Out of hundreds of nominations, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, 33, is one of 45 researchers from 30 countries to become a member of the Global Young Academy of Sciences (GYA) Council in 2024. As the sole representative from Vietnam, Dr. Thao will be honored at the GYA's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from May 5-10. Among the four Vietnamese scientists elected to this list in previous years, Dr. Thao is the first female scientist.
The Global Young Academy of Sciences selects outstanding young scientists under 40 from countries around the world to attend the annual GYA General Assembly. Researchers elected to the GYA must have excellent professional achievements, the ability to make a significant impact in their research field, support young scholars, promote science, participate in policy debates, and foster international and interdisciplinary collaboration.
With a five-year term, members in each country will participate in developing international science policy, promoting the establishment of young scientists' academies in their respective countries, and exchanging and supporting international science education on various topics, including those related to young scientists.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao attended the World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany in 2022. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao pursues research in the fields of public health, mental health, psychology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. One of her notable works is the application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in the diagnosis and screening of mental disorders such as major depressive disorder, fatigue disorder, mood disorders, and sleep disorders in post-stroke patients. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Thao also participated in research on mental health, assessing the impact of the pandemic on the psychology of students and healthcare workers.
Dr. Thao graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree, specializing in Preventive Medicine, from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2014. She subsequently received a Master of Medicine degree (2018) and a PhD in Public Health from Hanoi Medical University (2023). She has published 16 international scientific articles in prestigious scientific journals (9 of which she is the first author). She has received numerous awards and is currently the President of the Vietnam Academy of Medicine.
Speaking to VnExpress , Dr. Thao expressed her joy and surprise at being the only Vietnamese person selected for this term, despite the rigorous selection criteria. She described it as "a wonderful opportunity and a desire to contribute to the community's mission."
Among the GYA members in 2024, there are 25 female scientists. She said she realized the biggest obstacle when entering the academic environment was being a woman over 30 with a young son. "I had to face gender bias and prejudice, and the pressure to balance family responsibilities with pursuing science," she shared.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (front row, second from the left) and her colleagues at an advanced course on epidemic response at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil. Photo: Provided by the interviewee .
GYA was established in February 2010, bringing together leading scientists to create a common voice for young scientists on sustainable development policies globally. The institute has a maximum of 200 members, elected from outstanding young scientists (under 40 years old) from many countries. Previously, Vietnam had Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Van Thanh (Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, joined in 2010); Dr. Tran Quang Huy, Phenikaa University (2017); and Professor Dr. Tran Xuan Bach, Hanoi Medical University (2018), who were elected as members.
GYA, headquartered in Halle, Germany, is primarily sponsored by the Leopoldina Academy of Sciences and the German Federal Ministry for Research and Education. Each year, GYA members are invited to attend an annual conference to discuss scientific issues alongside distinguished guests including prominent scientists and political figures. Currently, GYA has members from over 67 countries and territories worldwide.
Nhu Quynh
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