Professors Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc are being promoted to the Officer rank of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang sent a congratulatory letter on July 18.
Extending her warmest and most sincere congratulations to both professors, Deputy Minister Hang emphasised that this promotion reflects the immense respect for their lifelong dedication to science and to nurturing the younger generation. It also stands as a collective honour for the global Vietnamese community and Viet Nam.
For decades, Professors Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc have established themselves as internationally respected figures in the scientific community. Beyond their professional accomplishments, they have continuously contributed to Viet Nam’s scientific and educational development through heartfelt initiatives. These include organising international scientific conferences, founding the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), and running numerous support programmes for students and underprivileged children.
Those who have attended the Odon Vallet Scholarship ceremonies organised by the two professors often speak of being deeply moved by their heartfelt commitment to nurturing the next generation, the future of Viet Nam. Thousands of students across the country have been inspired and empowered by opportunities created through the scholarship fund.
Deputy Minister Hang affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue working closely with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to support the professors in their efforts to promote scientific and educational development and global integration for Viet Nam, contributing to the rise of the nation.
In her letter, Deputy Minister Hang wished the professors and their family continued health, happiness, and further success. She also expressed hopes for their continued contributions to the international scientific community, to Viet Nam, and to the enduring friendship between Viet Nam and France.
Professor Tran Thanh Van, originally from Dong Hoi City in Quang Binh Province (now Quang Tri Province since July 2025), is a world-renowned physicist of Vietnamese origin. He is the founder of the internationally recognised physics conference series "Rencontres de Moriond", "Rencontres de Blois", "Rencontres du Viet Nam", and most notably the ICISE in Quy Nhon City of Binh Dinh Province (now Gia Lai Province since July 2025).
Professor Le Kim Ngoc, wife of Professor Tran Thanh Van, hails from Vinh Long Province and is an alumna of Marie Curie High School in Ho Chi Minh City. She graduated with distinction in natural sciences from the Sorbonne University in France. Professor Ngoc was the first in the world to introduce the concept of Thin Cell Layer (TCL), a revolutionary breakthrough in plant biotechnology, which has been widely cited in international scientific literature.
In 2000, Professor Tran Thanh Van was awarded the Knight rank of the Legion of Honour by the French government. In 2012, he received the Tate Medal from the American Institute of Physics, one of the most prestigious awards in the scientific field.
In 2016, Professor Le Kim Ngoc was honoured with the Knight rank of the Legion of Honour by then-President François Hollande during his visit to Ho Chi Minh City.
