At 90, the VinFuture Prize winner still inspires young scientists

NDO - One year after being honored on the VinFuture stage, Professor Khush continues to contribute to science with meaningful support for young people in rice research.

NDO - One year after being honored on the VinFuture stage, Professor Khush continues to contribute to science with meaningful support for young people in rice research.

Professor Gurdev Singh Khush, co-winner of the VinFuture 2023 Special Prize for Scientists from Developing Countries, shared his emotional journey of research and collaboration with Professor Vo Tong Xuan to create new rice varieties, contributing to ensuring food security for millions of people around the world.

At the VinFuture 2024 Award Ceremony, he shared about the influence of the Award in promoting scientific research and solving global challenges.

"I still spend time supporting young scientists"

Reporter: Your research has brought great benefits to millions of people in developing countries. What do you think when you were honored with the VinFuture Prize, an international award initiated by a developing country and the world's leading rice exporter?

Professor Khush: I am honored to receive this award, especially since it is the first major science award to be given by a developing country. Most other prestigious awards originate from developed countries. I believe that the VinFuture Prize will play an important role in raising global awareness of pressing issues of today.

The award has further strengthened my commitment to enhancing global food security, a challenge I have dedicated my career to addressing. The recognition and resources provided through the VinFuture Prize have also provided me with meaningful support and renewed vigor to continue pursuing solutions to this pressing global issue.

Reporter: Standing on the same stage to receive the VinFuture 2023 Special Prize was your long-time colleague, Professor Vo Tong Xuan. How do you feel?

Professor Khush: It was a truly special moment to meet Professor Xuan again and stand next to him to receive the joint award. We have worked together for 40 years, making significant contributions to food security by developing disease- and insect-resistant rice varieties.

Our joint work has addressed important food security needs in Vietnam and around the world. It was an honor and privilege to work with him, and we have maintained contact and discussions over the years. So I was deeply saddened to learn of Professor Xuan’s passing. His passing is a great loss to the scientific community and to me personally.

It has been a great pleasure to work with such an outstanding and dedicated colleague. Our partnership transcends political differences and demonstrates the power of international cooperation. Such cooperation is essential to solving global challenges.

With over 60 years of dedication to his passion for science, Professor Gurdev S. Khush has made great contributions to ensuring global food security.

Reporter: What areas of research are you currently interested in, and how will these areas contribute to advances in agriculture or to solving humanity's food security challenges?

Professor Khush: I am now 90 years old and retired after more than 60 years of scientific work. Although I no longer lead research projects, I still spend time mentoring and supporting young scientists.

Nurturing the next generation of scientists is essential to continuing to solve global challenges. To that end, I attend conferences and engage in discussions with them, learn about the latest research methods, and share my own experiences.

I believe that research is the key to opening new doors of knowledge, bringing great progress to humanity. And I will continue to devote myself to research as long as I can.

The revolution in agriculture was greatly promoted by the efforts of Professor Gurdev Singh Khush and Professor Vo Tong Xuan in inventing and popularizing disease-resistant rice varieties, contributing to strengthening global food security. Professor Khush pioneered the creation of rice varieties with the ability to resist many types of pests and diseases, short growing period, and high yield, such as IR8, IR36, IR64…

The development of high-yielding rice varieties has revolutionized rice farming worldwide, dramatically increasing yields while reducing costs and reliance on toxic chemicals. Among these groundbreaking new rice varieties, IR64, developed by Professor Khush and researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has received the most attention.

Promote the resolution of pressing human problems

Reporter: How do you evaluate VinFuture's role in promoting a collaborative environment for scientific innovation, especially in narrowing the gap between developed and developing countries?

Professor Khush: Bridging the scientific development gap between developed and developing countries is a central goal of the VinFuture Prize. By recognizing and honoring international collaborations that have transformed the lives of millions of people, the prize encourages researchers from diverse countries and backgrounds to work together, fostering a global scientific community.

In particular, VinFuture’s commitment and contribution are even clearer and stronger when it dedicates a prize to scientists in developing countries. This is an important effort to help promote a truly equitable scientific landscape.

According to Professor Khush, the VinFuture Prize plays an extremely important role in promoting international cooperation and solving macro issues in the world such as food security. (Photo: The Tribune India)

Reporter: Regarding promoting innovation and solving urgent global challenges, what do you think is VinFuture's hallmark and strength?

Professor Khush: Through its awards and activities, VinFuture will draw the attention of the global scientific community to the urgent issues we are facing. And by honoring outstanding research in important fields, VinFuture contributes to affirming the value and promoting the development of breakthrough scientific solutions.

Looking back at last year's awards, I was really impressed that VinFuture chose key research areas that have great significance for the world community.

As the world becomes more aware of VinFuture, more dedicated scientists will venture into these fields, joining hands to solve common challenges of humanity.

Reporter: Thank you, Professor!

Source: https://nhandan.vn/o-tuoi-90-chu-nhan-giai-thuong-vinfuture-van-truyen-lua-cho-cac-nha-khoa-hoc-tre-post844516.html