by Lê Hương

For more than 20 years, the home of Dr Nguyễn Phan Kiên, Deputy Director of the Institute of Health Science and Technology at Hà Nộii University of Science and Technology, has doubled as an invention workshop – or a laboratory packed with various materials and equipment for students to conduct research and practical work.

What sets Kiên’s lab apart is its home-like atmosphere. But the relaxed setting is not intended for leisure. Rather, it helps remove barriers between teacher and students, creating an open environment for discussion and research and fostering practical solutions to improve diagnosis, treatment and care for patients.

It was in these cramped rooms, cluttered with research equipment, that Dr Kiên and his students developed dozens of highly practical inventions, more than ten of which were put to use during the COVID-19 pandemic. VNS

A group of students presents their project progress to Dr Kiên at his home laboratory in Hà Nội.

A student uses a 3D printer at Dr Kiên’s home laboratory in Hà Nội.

Students often feel comfortable studying in Dr Kiên's home lab.

Dr Kiên has invested in facilities at his home lab to support his students' learning and research.

Dr Kiên sets aside every Saturday to work with students at his home laboratory in Hà Nội.

A typical Saturday at Kiên’s home lab, with several groups of students working on various research projects.