Two female scientists awarded the 2024 Kovalevskaia Prize

The award ceremony was held on the morning of March 8, on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Associate Professor Nguyen Minh Tan is currently the Director of the Institute for Research and Development of Natural Compounds Applications, and a lecturer at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dang Thi My Dung is the Deputy Director of the Institute of Nanotechnology, Ho Chi Minh City National University.

The two female scientists were honored for their important contributions to research and practical application, contributing to the development of the unit and the industry. Many of their research projects have been transferred technology, bringing economic value of billions of VND to businesses in Vietnam.

Speaking after receiving the award, Associate Professor Nguyen Minh Tan believes that the Kovalevskaia Award will continue to be a source of encouragement for female scientists on the path of research and dedication. "Do not let any limits hinder your aspirations. Each failed experiment today is a brick for the tower of success tomorrow," she sent a message to female scientists.

The Kovalevskaia Prize, named after the outstanding Russian female mathematician Sophia Kovalevskaia (1850 - 1891), honors female scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the field of scientific research.

According to the President of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Tuyen, over the past 40 years, the Award has been presented to 22 groups and 57 outstanding female scientists in the fields of natural sciences in Vietnam. The Vietnam Women's Union is the standing body, advising the Award Committee.

In the coming time, the Vietnam Women's Union will promote the development of the Award, accompany and encourage women to participate in scientific research, apply it in practice, and affirm the role and potential of women in all fields.

Professor, People's Teacher, Hero of Labor Nguyen Thi Tram, who was awarded the Kovalevskaia Prize in 2000 for her achievements in rice breeding, emphasized the role of researchers in constantly researching, discovering and solving problems. She said that despite limited state resources, scientists still need to diligently pursue their work and innovate methods to achieve results.

Professor Tram highly appreciated Resolution 57 of the Politburo and Resolution 193 of the National Assembly on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, especially the policy of exempting researchers from civil liability when causing damage in the process of using the state budget, as long as they fully comply with legal procedures and regulations. She believes that this policy will create conditions for scientists to confidently propose bold ideas, conduct difficult and new research, thereby helping the country develop.

Prioritize the development of high-quality female human resources

Speaking at the award ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that throughout history, generations of Vietnamese women have always strived to overcome all adversities and prejudices to contribute to building and firmly defending the Fatherland. Today, Vietnamese women have developed in all aspects, affirming their role, position and important contributions in all fields.

In the field of science and technology, the female intellectual force is growing stronger and stronger, many of them have achieved great success both domestically and internationally, and have been recognized by the international community. In the period 2019 - 2024, there will be 601 female professors and associate professors, accounting for 21.5%.

The Prime Minister requested all levels, sectors and localities to prioritize resources and train high-quality female human resources, especially in science and technology, innovation and in disadvantaged areas; create conditions for women to access technology, digital transformation, scientific research and start-ups according to Resolution 57; support women in international integration, and enhance the country's position in science and technology.

The Government leader also requested the Kovalevskaia Award Committee to continue to honor outstanding female scientists in key fields. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Vietnam Women's Union were assigned to research and propose awards to honor female scientists in the fields of economics, society, humanities and young female scientists.