Three Vietnamese scientists included in Asia’s top researchers list

Three Vietnamese scientists, all female, have made it into the list of Asia’s most outstanding researchers in 2019 as compiled by the Singapore-based Asian Scientist magazine.

Three Vietnamese scientists: Tran Thi Hong Hanh, Ho Thi Thanh Van and Pham Thi Thu Ha (from left to right)
Three Vietnamese scientists: Tran Thi Hong Hanh, Ho Thi Thanh Van and Pham Thi Thu Ha (from left to right)

They are Ho Thi Thanh Van at the Ho Chi Minh University of Natural Resources and Environment, Tran Thi Hong Hanh at the Vietnam Academy for Science and Technology and Pham Thi Thu Ha at Ton Duc Thang University.

All three received the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Fellowship in 2019 for their research, the magazine noted.

According to Asian Scientist, Van is working in the field of material science and is being honoured for synthesising novel nanomaterials to enhance the efficiency of fuel cells.

Hanh is well known for her research on using finger chromatography to assess the quality of medicinal herbs sold commercially in Vietnam, while Ha is noted for using molecular markers to develop high-yielding salt-tolerant rice varieties in adversely affected areas along the Mekong Delta.

This is the fifth time that Asian Scientist has compiled a list of Asia’s top researchers to celebrate the success of the region’s best and brightest, highlighting their achievements across a range of scientific disciplines.

In the first list announced in 2016, Vietnam had two researchers included, namely Tran Lien Ha Phuong from the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City and Dang Thi Oanh from the University of Thai Nguyen.