'VinFuture encourages passion for discovery for young scientists'

The series of "dialogues to explore the future" between the world's leading scientists, Nobel Prize winners and students from 6 Vietnamese universities is considered to "encourage young researchers to pursue their passion".

The VinFuture 2023 Prize Award Ceremony and Science Week were held from December 18 to 21 in Hanoi with many discussions and exchanges on current topics. In particular, Prof. Salim Abdool Karim, winner of the VinFuture 2021 Prize, talked about building research capacity to solve global health problems; Prof. Susan Solomon (USA) talked about the story of the ozone hole in Antarctica; Prof. Stanley Whittingham and Prof. Martin Andrew Green discussed breakthrough developments creating a sustainable foundation for green energy...

Prof. Dr. Ta Thanh Van, Chairman of the Council of Hanoi Medical University, assessed the idea as "wonderful" because it creates conditions for young Vietnamese researchers to directly interact with the world's leading scientists. This is an opportunity to exchange expertise, experience in implementing research topics and approaches to funding sources.

According to Professor Van, young researchers usually approach influential scientists through their works and media. Therefore, attending lectures directly will create passion and a desire to explore science. "Like Professor Karim, the winner of the VinFuture 2022 special prize, said that doing science requires passion to create motivation for the long journey ahead," he said.

Professor Ta Thanh Van evaluates the opportunities for young scientists to interact with the world's leading scientists. Photo: Phuoc Van — Professor Ta Thanh Van evaluates the opportunities for young scientists to interact with the world's leading scientists. Photo: *Phuoc Van*

As the first Vietnamese scientist to receive the VinFuture Award, Professor Vo Tong Xuan, Nam Can Tho University, expressed his hope that young scientists will be oriented on the path of applied research in Vietnam.

He said that the Preliminary Council and the VinFuture Award Council not only recognize the scientific value of an initiative based on the article, but also evaluate the practical significance it brings. These are studies that look at the real problems farmers face, how to improve the quality of life, and from there build projects to include in scientific reports. "The trend in many countries today, including Vietnam, is that scientists think about too many topics to research and try to get articles published in international journals, but they are not applied in practice. That is costly in terms of money," he said.

People's Teacher, Professor, Dr. Vo Tong Xuan. Photo: Van Luu — People's Teacher, Professor, Dr. Vo Tong Xuan. Photo: *Van Luu*

Professor Vo Tong Xuan suggested that when research budgets are limited, young scientists should find and identify practical and social problems in areas and regions that are close to the major they are pursuing. Then they must design hypotheses and conduct experiments to test the proposed problem, from which the results can be applied.

He believes that instead of just writing an article, a topic with results and then leaving it on the bookshelf, research what people are interested in with results that touch people's lives. "I hope young researchers follow that direction, young people should always learn, first of all learn for real," he said.

Professor Stanley Whittingham, Binghamton University, State University of New York, USA, expressed his impression. "I am very impressed with young people who are passionate about their field of study and interested in the energy industry and the future development of Vietnam," he said.

Scientists ask questions to speakers at Hanoi University of Science and Technology on the morning of December 19. Photo: Phuoc Van — Scientists ask questions to speakers at Hanoi University of Science and Technology on the morning of December 19. Photo: *Phuoc Van*

Professor Whittingham once described himself as often feeling and finding motivation from young people. He said he "still keeps in touch with most of the students" even weekly via Zoom, from high school students who later became chemistry professors, or students from the US and China to exchange technology or start businesses. From his experience in science, he hopes that Vietnamese students will truly pursue what they want. "Don't do everything for money, find more passion in your field of study," he said.

Martin Green, University of New South Wales, Australia said he was inspired by Vietnamese students because they were very interested in the field of clean energy and asked impressive questions. He said that the field of clean energy and renewable energy will have many opportunities in the future, so he hopes that young researchers will persevere and maintain their passion.

Nhu Quynh

Source link