Professor Dang Trung Thuan: The pioneer of Vietnamese geology

From the land of literature and martial arts to the lecture hall of science

Born and raised in Phu My district, Binh Dinh province - a land famous for its tradition of learning and heroic spirit - Professor, Doctor of Science Dang Trung Thuan had the aspiration to build the country through knowledge since his school days. After graduating from Phu Cat high school, in 1954 he gathered in the North, continued studying and passed the entrance exam to the Faculty of Geology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology. This is where he laid the first bricks for his persistent scientific journey later.

Portrait of Professor, Dr. Dang Trung Thuan at the age of over 80, still tirelessly contributing to science.

Thanks to his excellent academic ability, in 1959 he was sent by the State to study at Moscow State University - Soviet Union, which trained the world's leading scientists. After completing his bachelor's degree in Geochemistry (1963), he continued his studies and successfully defended his doctoral thesis in 1971 and his doctoral thesis in Geology in 1987. It was an academic journey that lasted nearly three decades, demonstrating perseverance, hard work and a passion for relentless research.

The sower of the seasons of knowledge

Returning to Vietnam, Professor Dang Trung Thuan did not choose to hide in the laboratory but instead devoted himself to teaching and training. From Hanoi University of Science and Technology, to the University of Mining and Geology, then the University of Natural Sciences - VNU, Hanoi, he spent nearly 60 years imparting knowledge to many generations of students, guiding dozens of master's theses and doctoral dissertations.

Professor Dang Trung Thuan at the Faculty of Geology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

He is not only a good teacher but also a role model of professional ethics, responsibility and dedication to teaching. Many of his students have grown up and held important positions in the education system, research, and management of natural resources and the environment across the country.

Scientific thinking is linked to practice.

One of the profound marks in Professor Thuan's career is his consistent viewpoint: science must be linked to practice and serve life. Not only teaching theory, he also participated in a series of state-level research projects, including projects with far-reaching application implications such as:

· Economic-environmental models in ecological regions;

· Research on environmental changes in Ha Long - Quang Ninh, Hai Phong;

· Environmental impact assessment of Bai Bang paper mill, Vinh Phu province;

· Ecological model of arid wasteland in Binh Dinh;

· Environmental planning for the key economic region of the Central region...

Geochemistry Textbook edited by Professor Dang Trung Thuan

In addition, he is also the editor and co-author of many monographs, textbooks, dictionaries and teaching materials such as: Petrology of magmatic rocks, Geochemistry and health, Russian-Vietnamese Geological Dictionary, Environment and people, Geochemistry textbook,... These books are still widely used in training and research.

Honoring a lifetime of dedication

Not only active in the lecture hall, Professor Thuan also holds many important positions in specialized scientific organizations:

· Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Geological Society (7 consecutive terms from 1983 to 2020);

· President of the Vietnam Geochemical Association for three terms (2005–2020);

· Vice President and President of Vietnam Geochemistry Association for many years.

He is considered to be the one who contributed to connecting and gathering the Geological - Geochemical research force at home and abroad, promoting cooperation, academic exchange as well as creating forums for Vietnamese scientists to speak up.

With his persistent and profound contributions, Prof. Dr. Dang Trung Thuan has been recognized by the Party, the State and scientific organizations with many noble awards: Third-class Resistance Medal; Second and Third-class Labor Medal; Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister; Title of Excellent Teacher; Ho Chi Minh Prize for Science and Technology (with the cluster of works on the Geological and Mineral Maps of Vietnam at a scale of 1:500,000); and many medals and commemorative medals for the cause of Education, Geology, Science and Technology in Vietnam.

Professor Dang Trung Thuan is one of the scientists awarded the State Prize for Science and Technology for the project of the Geological and Mineral Map of Vietnam at a scale of 1/500,000 in 2005.

At the age of over 80, Professor Dang Trung Thuan still quietly contributes – guiding graduate students, writing books, reading documents, participating in specialized seminars. He is not noisy, does not seek fame. But his academic footsteps have quietly paved the way, cultivating a solid and lasting geological science.

Dear readers, please watch the video of family and students sharing about the character, qualities and enthusiasm of Professor, Doctor of Science Dang Trung Thuan for the Vietnamese geology industry.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/gs-dang-trung-thuan-nguoi-mo-duong-cho-nganh-dia-chat-hoc-viet-nam-post268061.html