Top 7 Most Renowned Vietnamese Female Scientists Worldwide

Throughout Vietnam's scientific history, many renowned figures have brought the country's name to the global stage. Among them, one name stands out: Dr. Trần Thị Lý, the first Vietnamese female scientist to receive the prestigious Noam Chomsky Award. With a deep love for science and a passion to inspire future generations, she has captured not only the scientific community's attention but the world’s as well.

Associate Professor Dr. Trần Thị Lý is recognized as one of the leading researchers in the field of linguistics. She has published numerous influential papers on Vietnamese phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, providing detailed insights and revealing surprising findings about the development of the Vietnamese language over various historical periods. Her work has made significant contributions to global linguistics research and development. Throughout her scientific career and teaching journey, Dr. Lý has won over 30 international and national awards and research scholarships for her outstanding achievements in research, education, and academic performance. Moreover, she initiated the project “Share Love - Receive Happiness” to promote a love for reading and encourage reading culture, which has helped nurture English skills and provided access to quality books—both in Vietnamese and English—for children in remote areas of Vietnam, giving them a “dream of reading” that becomes reality.

Dr. Trần Thị Lý’s success is not only hers but also a triumph for the entire Vietnamese scientific community. Her groundbreaking research has made a lasting impact, opening new paths for future Vietnamese researchers. She has inspired young generations and significantly contributed to the cultural and scientific development of her country. The Noam Chomsky Award is a well-deserved recognition of her efforts, and it serves as a source of encouragement for Vietnamese scientists everywhere.

In today's challenging world, acquiring high levels of knowledge and expertise has become more crucial than ever. Amidst this landscape, Dr. Lê Thái Hà has emerged as a symbol of success and relentless dedication. As the only Vietnamese female listed in the 2021 Time magazine’s list of the 100,000 most influential people globally, she serves as a role model for all of us.

Dr. Lê Thái Hà graduated with a Bachelor's and Ph.D. in Economics from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She achieved the remarkable feat of completing her Ph.D. thesis in a record-short time of just two years, finishing at 24 years old with the highest coursework score in her department (4.92/5.0). Currently, Dr. Lê Thái Hà serves as the CEO of the VinFuture Prize, VinFuture Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, she spent nearly three years as the Director of Research and Senior Lecturer at the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management. Furthermore, she is the only female and youngest member of the Economic Science Advisory Board for the 2022-2024 term at the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED). Throughout her research career, Dr. Thái Hà has published nearly 70 scientific research papers in prestigious national and international journals. According to PloS Biology in 2021, Dr. Hà was recognized among the top 1% of the world’s most influential scientists across all fields and is the only Vietnamese female researcher to be included in this prestigious ranking.

With her dedication and continuous hard work, Dr. Lê Thái Hà has become one of the most successful and influential Vietnamese women on the global stage. Through her invaluable and meaningful research, she continues to make significant contributions to the development of both Vietnam and the world. She is a woman to be admired, and we should all look up to her for her determination and impactful contributions.

There is no denying the immense power of science and technology in advancing a nation's development. In this global race, Vietnam has been making relentless efforts to stand firmly on the world’s scientific map. However, not everyone can achieve remarkable accomplishments like Professor Nguyễn Thị Kim Thanh, one of the brightest stars in Vietnam’s scientific community today. With her significant contributions to the medical applications of nanomaterials, she has been honored with the prestigious award from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Professor Nguyễn Thị Kim Thanh is a world-leading expert in the medical applications of nanomaterials and cellular analysis. She has made numerous important contributions to the field, recognized in top international scientific journals. Through her research, she has advanced new diagnostic and treatment methods, making healthcare more accessible and effective for people globally.

The Royal Society of Chemistry award is not only a great honor for Professor Nguyễn Thị Kim Thanh but also serves as an inspiring example for all Vietnamese scientists, encouraging them to continue researching and contributing to the global development of science and technology. We take pride in her achievements and hope her success will continue to inspire future generations of Vietnamese scientists.

In the Vietnamese academic community, Professor Nguyễn Thục Quyên is a familiar name for anyone interested in science. She is one of the first Vietnamese women to be honored as a professor in the field of Biotechnology, and recently, she was ranked among the top 1% of the most influential scientists worldwide. This recognition reflects her relentless efforts to bring Vietnamese science to the global stage and contribute to the advancement of humanity.

Professor Nguyễn Thục Quyên has made numerous significant contributions to the field, gaining recognition in top international scientific journals. Her research focuses on the electronic properties of conjugated polyelectrolytes, interfaces in optoelectronic devices, new materials for organic solar cell applications, nanomaterial properties in organic solar cells, and the physics of devices. Through her research, Professor Quyên has achieved remarkable breakthroughs, including the discovery of a new type of cancer cell and the development of novel methods for diagnosis and treatment. Her pioneering solutions have had a global impact, improving the lives of people worldwide.

With her dedication and talent, Professor Nguyễn Thục Quyên has played a pivotal role in advancing both the scientific and technological fields of Vietnam, while promoting the country’s vision on the world stage. Her recognition in the top 1% of the world’s most influential scientists is a proud moment for the entire nation and for Vietnamese women. We hope that her continued success will inspire future generations of Vietnamese scientists.

Being recognized by UNESCO is a significant achievement for any scientist, and Associate Professor Hồ Thị Thanh Vân accomplished this at the age of 44. Through her research on environmental protection and sustainable development, she has become one of Vietnam's prominent young scientists.

Associate Professor Hồ Thị Thanh Vân is currently the Director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Research and Development at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology. She is an expert in renewable energy, environmental protection, and sustainable development. She has led and participated in several international and national projects in these fields. In 2021, UNESCO awarded her the 'Sustainable Development Award' for her contributions to sustainable development efforts in Vietnam. She has worked tirelessly to propose solutions that align with current conditions and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, she has authored numerous respected scientific papers and has made significant contributions to teaching and training students.

Associate Professor Hồ Thị Thanh Vân is one of the leading young scientists in Vietnam. Her contributions to the country's sustainable development are invaluable. Her recognition by UNESCO is just a small part of her many remarkable achievements. We hope that she will continue to provide innovative and effective solutions to help Vietnam and the world develop in a more sustainable manner.

On Earth, there are remarkable individuals filled with passion and dedication, advancing science and pushing humanity further in the quest to explore distant worlds beyond our planet. Professor Lưu Lệ Hằng is one such individual. A renowned astronomer, she has left a significant mark in the history of space science. In 2012, she was awarded the Shaw Prize in Astronomy for her contributions to identifying 'objects beyond Neptune.'

Born in 1963 in Hanoi, Professor Lưu Lệ Hằng was educated at the University of Paris Diderot, France. With over 30 years of experience in the field of astronomy, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of the science. She has uncovered key findings regarding the formation and development of celestial bodies, particularly in the area of gamma-ray radiation. Additionally, Professor Lưu Lệ Hằng is one of the few Vietnamese scientists to receive multiple prestigious international awards, including the Lomonosov Prize, the Royal Canadian Award, and the Asia Science and Technology Award. In recognition of her discovery of 30 asteroids, the American Astronomical Society named asteroid 5430 after her – 'Luu.'

Her talent, perseverance, and passion for science have elevated Professor Lưu Lệ Hằng to one of the leading scientists in the world. She serves as an inspiring role model for future generations, demonstrating that with passion, persistence, and dedication, anyone can achieve incredible accomplishments. Her career continues to inspire, motivating young Vietnamese scientists to advance research and contribute to the development of science, technology, and society as a whole.

As science and technology continue to evolve, humanity is discovering more ways to enhance and transform our lives. One area of significant research is the creation of new explosives, and Dr. Huỳnh Mỹ Hằng has emerged as a groundbreaking inventor in this field, developing a new explosive with numerous potential applications.

Dr. Huỳnh Mỹ Hằng, born in 1985 in Ho Chi Minh City, graduated from the University of Danang before moving to the United States to study at the University of Illinois, specializing in Chemistry. During her research, Dr. Hằng realized that conventional explosives still relied on mercury and other harmful substances that posed environmental and health risks. She set out to replace these with copper and iron, though her initial attempts were unsuccessful. However, by May 2005, she succeeded in creating a new compound known as the 'Green Base Explosive,' which is free of lead and mercury. This innovative material is safer and more affordable to produce, and it holds promise for applications in defense, industry, and even medicine. For her groundbreaking work, Dr. Hằng was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in September 2007, which came with a $500,000 grant, recognizing her excellence in technical and scientific fields.

Dr. Huỳnh Mỹ Hằng's invention has revolutionized the way explosives are produced and used. Through her dedication, creativity, and expertise, she has made significant contributions to science, creating a safer and more efficient world. As a pioneer in her field, Dr. Hằng will undoubtedly continue to lead the way in scientific innovation for years to come.