“With scientific research, it is never too late”

This was shared by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai, Deputy Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research (International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), one of the 11 individuals recently awarded the Vietnam Women's Award 2024.

Born in 1981 in Hai Duong , Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai pursued her passion for Biology from the 9th grade. She then studied Biology at Nguyen Trai High School for the Gifted (Hai Duong province) before being selected for the talented Bachelor of Science program at the University of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi).

After receiving her PhD in Germany, Thu Hoai returned to the University of Science - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, then went to the National Institutes of Health in Taiwan (China) for a short period of further study before going to Belgium for in-depth research.

In 2011, she decided to settle at the Department of Biotechnology, International University (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) to continue her research and teaching.

Despite having opportunities to work and conduct research abroad, Thu Hoai wanted to return to Vietnam to work and contribute to her country. Besides teaching and research, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai also actively participates in activities promoting scientific research among women.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai, Deputy Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.

According to this female PhD holder, women who decide to pursue a career in scientific research face many difficulties. The period between 25 and 35 is the time when women need to learn and accumulate the most knowledge, yet they also have to dedicate time to fulfilling their maternal duties. Therefore, once they choose a career in scientific research, the most important thing is to maintain their passion.

"Nowadays, technology is developing very rapidly. If you don't maintain your passion for continuous learning, you will fall behind and become discouraged. I think that when women have enough passion and interest, they will know how to manage their time to pursue scientific research."

In fact, returning to work at 35 after a period of childbirth and raising young children isn't a huge problem. Don't think you're too old to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. Once you have a foundation and passion, you can catch up; it's never too late," the female doctor emphasized.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai (center) hopes to inspire students to pursue scientific research.

For Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai personally, she has encountered numerous difficulties in her scientific research. However, the support of her family, along with the companionship and assistance of her superiors and colleagues, has become a pillar of strength that has helped her overcome these challenges.

“Scientific research is a long journey. I am never satisfied with what I have achieved. Therefore, I always strive tirelessly to contribute to the country,” Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai shared.

To date, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai has published 82 works, led 7 domestic research projects, and participated in 5 others. Among them, the projects "The distribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the human body" and "Research on the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of 37,150 Vietnamese students" have made significant contributions to public health.

For her contributions and dedication, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai received the L'Oreal-Unesco Outstanding Female Scientist Award (2023); and the "Outstanding Female Intellectual of Ho Chi Minh City in the period 2019-2024" award presented by the Ho Chi Minh City Women Intellectuals Association…

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/muon-theo-duoi-con-duong-nghien-khoa-hoc-phai-giu-duoc-ngon-lua-dam-me-20241018194828348.htm