Associate Professor passionate about research on marine toxins and food safety

Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha introduces the message about the value of resources and awareness of protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland to staff of the Nha Trang Oceanographic Museum. (Photo: VNA)

In the context of increasingly complex marine environments due to global climate change, seafood poisoning has also become more complicated due to the appearance of some marine toxins that have not been previously recorded in Vietnam.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha, Director of the Institute of Oceanography (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), has spent many years pursuing research on marine toxins and food safety in Vietnam and the Western Pacific region.

With those efforts, she was honored to become one of two female scientists to receive the Kovalevskaia Prize in 2023.

Closing the “gaps” in marine toxins

In order to gradually resolve the "gaps" in the research direction on marine toxins and food safety in Vietnam, Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha and the research team of the Institute of Oceanography have chosen the approach of following cases of marine food poisoning without knowing the reason.

These research results were accumulated, compiled and published by the research team in the monograph "Vietnam's Poisonous Marine Animals" (Science and Technology Publishing House).

The research team considered and selected the most basic and outstanding features with the images used in the book mostly collected by scientists of the Institute of Oceanography from survey trips in Vietnam's seas.

The research results of the research group are scientific evidence of the nature, composition and characteristics of toxins in Vietnamese marine animals with the desire to provide scientific information, a source of oriented documents for research on exploitation and application of marine toxins to serve life.

The research results of the research team have contributed to social security through the widespread dissemination of knowledge through leaflets, wall paintings and direct television interviews to reduce the risk to public health from poisonous marine animals.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha (wearing glasses) and the research team of the Institute of Oceanography conduct scientific research. (Photo: VNA)

In addition, the above results also contribute to the sustainable development of the marine economy by providing a scientific basis for monitoring seafood quality and supporting businesses to enhance the reputation of exported seafood products.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha shared: “With continuous efforts, step by step the research direction of marine toxins in Vietnam is recognized internationally, our experience and knowledge in this field are highly appreciated, have important reference value and affirm the scientific importance in Vietnam's dialogue at international forums to protect the interests of exported seafood products.”

Spreading passion for scientific research

Due to the specific nature of marine science and technology research, there are leadership tasks that seem not to be for women, such as organizing, operating or directly participating in marine survey trips; responding to and handling situations, but Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha always ensures work efficiency and completes tasks...

In addition to his position as Director of the Institute of Oceanography, Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha also serves as Director of the Nha Trang Oceanographic Museum.

She has inherited the experiences and achievements of previous generations and received investment attention from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in building potential, developing highly qualified human resources and strategic orientation on marine science and technology.

She has also developed ideas and implemented innovative solutions, expanding the display system to spread and enhance awareness of environmental resource protection and sea and island sovereignty in the community.

In addition, as Head of the Department of Marine Science and Technology of the Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, she directed and coordinated training on marine science and technology for provinces and cities in the Central and Central Highlands regions.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai presented the 2023 Kovalevskaia Prize to Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha, Director of the Institute of Oceanography. (Photo: VNA)

During more than 30 years of working at the Academy, to date, Associate Professor, Doctor Dao Viet Ha has chaired 6 scientific research topics at the State level and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology level; published 104 scientific articles including 41 articles in prestigious international journals; is the main author of 1 useful solution, 1 monograph and 1 bilingual monograph chapter...

With his tireless efforts, Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha has received the Certificate of Merit from the President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology three times; was an Emulation Fighter at the Institute level in 2021; the Certificate of Creative Labor from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor in 2020; and the Certificate of Merit "Outstanding Intellectual of Khanh Hoa Province in 2022" from the Provincial People's Committee.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Viet Ha expressed: “To pursue their passion, female scientists not only need to make efforts but also endure pressure from many sides. My biggest concern now is maintaining succession through training and how to create a good working environment for the younger generation. From there, encourage young scientists, especially female scientists, to boldly participate in research to overcome challenges”./.

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nu-pho-giao-su-dam-me-nghien-cuu-ve-doc-to-bien-va-an-toan-thuc-pham-post938560.vnp