According to Professor Friend, VinFuture brings an uplifting sense of optimism, encouraging efforts that make the world a better place.
The fifth edition of the VinFuture Prize will be presented this December in Ha Noi. The number of official nominators has grown remarkably, reaching 14,772, more than twelve times the figure of 1,200 in the inaugural season.
Professor Friend expressed his excitement about returning for this year’s awards and his hope that, together with fellow council members, they will honour works that bring positive change to humanity.
VinFuture’s remarkable four-year journey
Reflecting on the current standing of the Prize, Professor Friend noted that his colleagues have responded very positively. “At first, many wondered whether a young prize from Viet Nam could gain global recognition. But now, the list of honoured scientists speaks for itself,” he said.
He described VinFuture’s journey as “positive” in every sense. “In a developed world, we often tend to dwell on what is wrong or inadequate. VinFuture is different, it celebrates what is right and motivates efforts to make the world a better place.”
The Prize is not confined to specific disciplines such as Chemistry or Physics, but instead embraces all areas of innovation that can benefit humankind.
Speaking about what he found most remarkable – the spirit of learning among the Council members – Professor Richard Henry Friend said that although the members come from diverse professional backgrounds, they all share a genuine thirst for knowledge and a deep respect for learning.
Each meeting, he noted, is a journey of discovery. The members learn not only from the nominations but also from the in-depth exploration of the nominated works.
The discussions are always lively, at times highly debated, yet they all share a common goal: to truly understand the impact of each work, so that the final selection is fair and the most deserving project is honoured. The members constantly challenge one another with difficult questions, delve into every detail, and, ultimately, consensus is reached in a natural and thoughtful way.
“After four successful seasons, the laureates of the fifth edition will soon be revealed at the end of this year. I believe each recipient has earned genuine recognition and respect from the global scientific community,” Professor Friend concluded.
Honouring efforts that transform humanity
Launched at a time when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the VinFuture Prize carries a special meaning: to recognise and celebrate scientific efforts that bring about positive change for humankind.
The very first Grand Prize was awarded to the scientists, who later also received the Nobel Prize, for their groundbreaking work on mRNA vaccine technology. Their presence in Viet Nam in January 2022, at a time when much of the world was still under lockdown, was truly remarkable. Meeting those who had saved millions of lives, right at the height of the pandemic, was an unforgettable experience.
Recalling the award ceremony, Professor Friend described it as “a moment when the whole world seemed to come together, radiating hope and opening new opportunities.” The fact that it took place in Ha Noi, a symbolic crossroads of the world, made it even more meaningful.
Praising Viet Nam as a nation that proactively embraces the opportunities science and technology bring to society, the economy, education, and employment, Professor Friend said that meeting VinFuture laureates could serve as a powerful source of inspiration, encouraging researchers and young Vietnamese to believe in their own potential.
“The Prize Week in Ha Noi is always a vivid illustration of that spirit. We have brought to Viet Nam great stories that have changed the world. Countless conversations and dynamic discussions take place, attracting not only researchers but also the public. That is when science truly becomes part of everyday life.
I can clearly feel Viet Nam’s determination to turn good aspirations into reality. I believe that meeting those who have changed the world will ignite a strong belief that Vietnamese people, too, can achieve extraordinary things,” Professor Friend said.
