Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu: Pioneer of Vietnam's meteorological industry

In the history of Vietnamese science, there are people who have quietly contributed, not for fame but for the desire to explore and responsibility for the future. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Ngu is one of them. He is not only a leading scientist in meteorology and hydrology but also a pioneer in bringing the concept of climate change to Vietnam, opening a strategic direction in research and response to natural disasters. But before becoming a scientific monument, he went through a challenging journey, with a strong will and a lifelong love for science and nature.

From poor boy to leading scientist

Born in 1937, in a large family, Nguyen Duc Ngu's childhood was a series of difficult days. His father died early, his mother raised 12 children alone, he had to drop out of school after 7th grade to work to support his family. But amidst the hustle and bustle of life, there was one thing he never gave up: his dream of studying.

In 1955, when the opportunity arose, he enrolled in a basic meteorology course, then became a staff member at the Yen Bai Meteorological Station, and then worked at the Phu Lien Geophysics Station. While working, he diligently studied on his own, completing his high school program in a situation where many others might have given up. That perseverance led him to the door of Nanjing University (China) and then to Poland - where he successfully defended his doctoral thesis in science.

Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu at the Climate Change Conference in 1991. Photo: NVCC

But no matter how far he went, he never forgot that science must be closely linked to practice. Returning to Vietnam during the fierce war, he cycled through bombs and bullets, passing through the harshest lands such as Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Vinh Linh to survey the climate. Those years forged in him not only knowledge but also the spirit of a soldier on the scientific front.

Scientist changes perception of Vietnam's climate

In 1976, Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu’s work on the climate of Northern Vietnam ended a long-standing debate among meteorologists and geographers. Previously, some views held that the North had a subtropical climate, leading to the cultivation of wheat, potatoes, sheep, etc. – unsuitable crops and livestock, causing heavy damage to agriculture. He clearly asserted that the North had a tropical monsoon climate, thereby reorienting agricultural policy, contributing to changing the scientific awareness of an entire generation.

Not stopping there, he continued to conduct in-depth research on the climate of the Central Highlands, participating in two major survey programs and publishing the book Climate and Climate Change of the Central Highlands (1985). This work not only helped assess the potential for socio-economic development, but also contributed to national defense and security in this strategic land.

The book Climate and Climate Change in the Central Highlands is edited by Professor, Doctor of Science Nguyen Duc Ngu. Photo: NVCC

With his fundamental research, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis in Poland in 1988 and was highly appreciated by Professor and Academician Nguyen Van Hieu. In 1992, he was awarded the title of Professor and became one of Vietnam's leading experts on climate.

Pioneering climate change research in Vietnam

Since the early 1990s, when the concept of “climate change” was still unfamiliar to many people, Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu soon realized the importance of this issue. He was the head of the Vietnamese delegation to the Second World Climate Conference in Switzerland, and then, together with his colleague Nguyen Trong Hieu, published the first study on climate change in Vietnam.

His research helped Vietnam prepare for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (1992), where Vietnam officially signed the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Since then, he has continued to preside over many international projects on climate change, building climate maps in the “National Atlas” program - a project that received the Ho Chi Minh Prize in 2005.

Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu at an international conference. Photo: NVCC

The book "Climate Change" (2008) edited by him is the first document to provide a comprehensive view of this phenomenon in Vietnam. His contributions laid the foundation for the National Target Program to Respond to Climate Change, approved by the Prime Minister in December 2008.

Dedicated teacher and manager

Not only an excellent scientist, Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu is also a dedicated teacher and an honest leader. He has held the positions of Director of the Institute of Hydrometeorology, Director General of the General Department of Hydrometeorology, and Deputy Head of the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention. Regardless of his position, he always works with the highest sense of responsibility, contributing to policies on natural disaster prevention and sustainable development.

Since 2002, despite his retirement, he has continued to research, teach, and lead many important projects on ENSO, climate change, and has participated in training many generations of young scientists.

Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu takes a photo during his student's thesis defense ceremony. Photo: NVCC

The legacy of a lifetime of dedication

With his great contributions, Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu has been awarded many noble titles: Ho Chi Minh Prize for Science and Technology, Third-class Independence Medal, Second-class Labor Medal, 55-year Party membership badge and many other medals and certificates of merit from Ministries, Departments and Branches at home and abroad.

Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu in a meeting with General Vo Nguyen Giap. Photo: NVCC.

But perhaps the greatest reward is the scientific works that bring great practical value, and the generations of students who continue the path he has taken.

Although his hair has turned gray over the years, his eyes still shine brightly when talking about the climate, the wind, the water, and the laws of nature that he has devoted his whole life to understanding.

Professor Nguyen Duc Ngu is not only a scientist, but also a person who inspires passion, a testament to the will to rise up and the spirit of lifelong dedication to science and to the country.

He quietly passed through the years, leaving behind not only books and climate maps, but also an example, an immortal legacy in the hearts of many generations.

Dear readers, please watch the interview video of Knowledge and Life Newspaper with Professor, Doctor of Science Nguyen Duc Ngu to better understand the challenges and his will to succeed in the process of doing science.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/gs-nguyen-duc-ngu-nguoi-tien-phong-cua-nganh-khi-tuong-viet-nam-post267009.html