Last night (December 5th), at the Ho Guom Theater in Hanoi, the moment the recipients of the four VinFuture Award categories were honored left many in awe. Notably, the main VinFuture Prize celebrated four American scientists—Dr. Douglas R. Lowy, Dr. John T. Schiller, Dr. Aimée R. Kreimer, and Prof. Maura Gillison—for their groundbreaking development of the HPV vaccine, which prevents human papillomavirus-induced tumors.
However, the 5th VinFuture Awards Ceremony also featured a special guest: Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Chair of the World Academy of Sciences and a member of the VinFuture Awards Preliminary Jury. In the inaugural VinFuture season (2021), she was a co-recipient of the Special Award for Outstanding Scientist from Developing Countries.
Invited to speak after the presentation of the Special Award for Female Scientist, Prof. Karim reflected: “As both a past VinFuture laureate and a jury member, I believe it’s time to pause and reaffirm the importance of science. Science is the cornerstone of a nation’s success and prosperity. Countries that invest robustly in science thrive more rapidly.”
“Today, we celebrate this year’s laureates and honor science’s role in serving humanity. This aligns perfectly with VinFuture’s mission to recognize the world’s brightest minds, including those from Vietnam,” she added.
Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim proposed an unprecedented addition to the VinFuture Awards: a dedicated category for Vietnamese scientists.
Addressing global challenges, Prof. Karim emphasized their complexity and the absence of quick fixes. She praised the gathering of brilliant minds at the event, united in their pursuit of a better future through scientific innovation.
“I hope VinFuture introduces an award for Vietnamese scientists contributing to global prosperity. They deserve recognition on this prestigious platform,” she urged.
If adopted, this proposal would establish a fifth VinFuture category, significantly inspiring Vietnamese scientists.
Vietnam’s First VinFuture Laureate
Prof. Vo Tong Xuan and Prof. Gurdev Singh Khush received the 2023 VinFuture Special Award for scientists from developing nations.
Since its launch in 2021, the sole Vietnamese honoree has been the late Prof. Vo Tong Xuan. In the 2024 season, he and Prof. Gurdev Singh Khush earned the Special Award for their work on “Developing and Disseminating Disease-Resistant Rice Varieties.”
Prof. Xuan played a pivotal role in introducing the IR36 variety across Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, collaborating with farmers to implement advanced cultivation techniques. His efforts expanded access to high-quality seeds, boosted rice yields cost-effectively, and minimized harmful chemical use.
(Photos: MH/VFP)
Revealed: The Recipient of the $3 Million Award from the Foundation of Billionaire Couple Pham Nhat Vuong
On the evening of December 5th, the 5th Annual VinFuture Global Science and Technology Awards Ceremony took place at the Hoan Kiem Theater in Hanoi, under the theme “Together We Rise, Together We Thrive.”
“Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong’s $4.4 Billion Fortune to Impact Millions Globally”
“This insight comes from Professor Đặng Văn Chí, a pivotal figure among the esteemed judges of VinFuture Prize, the visionary initiative co-founded by billionaire Phạm Nhật Vượng and his wife.”
Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong’s Award-Winning Scholar, Now Nobel-Recognized, Reflects: “I Had a Challenging Childhood”
The recipient of both the VinFuture and, most recently, the Nobel Prize, once shared a poignant glimpse into their humble beginnings: “My family of ten lived in a single-room house, sharing space with cattle, often going days without electricity or water.”
Vingroup Sets Unprecedented Record in Vietnam’s History: Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong and Wife Receive Double Joy in a Single Day
This marks the first time in Vietnamese history that a business has achieved such a feat.
