On May 11, 2025, the Bao Son National Award Ceremony of 2024 was held at the Hanoi Opera House. The event gathered dignitaries, scientists, administrators, and media representatives from Vietnam and abroad. Organized by the Bao Son Education Fund (Bao Son Group) in collaboration with the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, the Bao Son National Award is one of the most prestigious awards in Vietnam. It aims to honor applied scientific research projects that have made significant contributions to the country’s economic, social, cultural, and human development.
In 2024, the judging panel, comprising prominent scientists such as Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, Academician Dang Vu Minh, Professor Phan Xuan Dung, and Professor Tran Tho Dat, evaluated and selected four outstanding projects from diverse fields: Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Animal and Environmental Protection.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
To ensure objectivity, the winning projects must receive a high level of consensus from both the preliminary and final judging panels, which include renowned scientists known for their integrity and impartiality. The criteria for selecting the award-winning projects include high scientific and practical value, effective application, and significant contributions to Vietnam’s economic, social, cultural, and human development. The awards also encourage innovation, creativity, and knowledge transfer.
The 2024 Bao Son National Award honored four distinguished scientists for their excellent research contributions in various fields.
Dr. Nguyen Van Diep, General Director of AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company, was recognized for his research and production of the African Swine Fever vaccine (AVAC ASF LIVE), making a significant contribution to Animal and Environmental Protection.
“Each award-winning project receives a prize worth 120,000 USD (approximately 3.1 billion VND), along with a gold cup and a certificate. With the philosophy of ‘All for improving the quality of life,’ the Bao Son Award aims to honor projects with high scientific value and practical applications, making significant contributions to Vietnam’s economic, cultural, social, and human development.”
Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Chairman of Bao Son Group
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Luong was acknowledged for his research on the “Application of endoscopic surgery in treating thyroid diseases,” contributing to the field of Health Sciences.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Dinh Duc, from the University of Technology, VNU Hanoi, was honored for his research on “Research and application of advanced three-phase composite materials and structures in engineering,” making a significant contribution to Engineering and Technology.
Professor Furuta Motoo, from the Vietnam-Japan University under the VNU Hanoi, received the award for his research on “The History of Ethnic Policies of Vietnamese Communists,” contributing to the Social Sciences and Humanities field. Notably, Professor Furuta Motoo is the first foreign scientist to receive the Bao Son National Award.
Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Chairman of Bao Son Group, emphasized, “Developing science and technology and promoting innovation is the only way to advance our country. This award serves as a launchpad to recognize outstanding contributions, encourage innovation, and foster sustainable development. The Bao Son Award will be maintained and developed for decades to come, and the value of the awards will continue to increase by 10,000 USD each year per award. By the end of the 21st century, each award is expected to reach 1 million USD, totaling 5 million USD in awards annually.”
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Among the four outstanding projects recognized, Dr. Nguyen Van Diep’s research and production of the African Swine Fever vaccine (AVAC ASF LIVE) left a strong impression in the field of Animal and Environmental Protection, bringing immense practical value to the livestock industry and the socio-economic sector.
After receiving the Bao Son Award, Dr. Nguyen Van Diep shared his emotions and pride, stating that the award is a great honor and encouragement. The Bao Son Award is highly regarded both domestically and internationally for its recognition of the practical applications of scientific research projects.
Dr. Diep also announced that along with the export of the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine to the Philippines since 2024, they plan to export 100,000 doses of the vaccine to Indonesia in May 2025.
“Indonesia officially approved the circulation of the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine on April 23, 2025, and decided on the importing unit on April 25, 2025. It is expected that Indonesia will import the first 100,000 doses in May 2025 and a total of 500,000 doses throughout the year,” said Dr. Diep.
According to Dr. Diep, the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine has already been introduced to the market and is a result of intellectual investment and practical application. This award strengthens the trust of farmers in using the vaccine to prevent African Swine Fever. Currently, there is a lot of misinformation about the vaccine, leading to a lack of understanding among farmers, which is unfortunate as they are suffering significant losses by not utilizing the vaccine. While the vaccine is an effective tool, it is not a perfect solution.
“This award also provides a basis for countries that are considering the use of the ASF vaccine to make bolder decisions,” emphasized Dr. Diep. “The AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine has not only been evaluated and recognized by state agencies but also reviewed by an independent, reputable, and objective council.”
The project to develop the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine is more than just a research endeavor; it serves as a launchpad for young people passionate about veterinary medicine, biology, and biotechnology. At AVAC, many students have gained practical experience through internships and direct contributions to the research and production process. These hands-on experiences not only enhance their expertise but also ignite their passion, build their confidence, and shape their future careers.
The AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine stands as a testament to the creativity and relentless efforts of Dr. Nguyen Van Diep and his team at AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company. This project has helped control the disease, restore the livestock industry, improve the quality of life, boost the socio-economic development of the country, and enhance Vietnam’s global standing. With its exceptional contributions, AVAC ASF LIVE rightfully deserves the recognition it received at the 2024 Bao Son Awards, inspiring scientists to continue striving for a sustainable future.
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