Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung attended the ceremony hosted by the French Embassy in Viet Nam and presented flowers to congratulate Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van and Professor Le Kim Ngoc.
According the French Embassy, the Officer rank of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction, have been conferred upon two eminent French scientists of Vietnamese origin, both senior researchers at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS): Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van, PhD in Physics, and Professor Le Kim Ngoc, PhD in Biology.
Professors Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc had devoted their lives, energy and personal resources to the advancement of science and to strengthening ties between France and Viet Nam, as well as between Viet Nam and the international scientific community.
Earlier, on July 11, to mark France’s National Day (July 14), the French president signed a decree promoting and appointing new ranks within the National Order of the Legion of Honour.
Among the honourees, Professors Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc were awarded the Officer rank of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, a prestigious recognition by the French government.
Professors Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc had previously been awarded the Legion of Honour at the rank of Knight (Chevalier – fifth class), in 2000 and 2016 respectively.
The Legion of Honour, established in 1802, consists of five ranks. It is France’s highest national distinction, awarded for military or civil merit.
