HÀ NỘI – A jury in Việt Nam yesterday granted awards to five outstanding female scientists for their research in the field of materials science and life science last year.

The five scientists were associate professor Nguyễn Thị Hoài, head of the Pharmacy Faculty at the Huế University of Medicine and Pharmacy; PhD Trần Thị Ngọc Dung, head of the Environmental Technology Division at the Institute of Environmental Technology; PhD Trần Phương Thảo, lecturer in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Faculty at the Hà Nội University of Pharmacy, PhD Hoàng Thị Đông Quỳ, lecturer of the Science and Materials Science Faculty at the HCM City University of Natural Sciences and PhD Nguyễn Thị Lệ Thu, lecturer in Materials Science at HCM City University of Science and Technology.

Hoài and Dung, recognised as the two outstanding scientists of the year, received awards of VNĐ50 million (US$2,200) each. The award is given annually to Vietnamese female research scientists who have made long-term contribution to the country’s science.

Thảo, Quỳ and Thu were recognised as young potential scientists, and received scholarships of VNĐ150 million ($6,600) each to continue their work to create benefit for the community.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Valery Gaucherand, general director of  L’Oreal Việt Nam, said that the discoveries by the five outstanding Vietnamese women scientists were changing the world and the Vietnamese community.

“Their discoveries are offering new solutions and answering vital questions. Their ground breaking innovation is advancing entire fields of research and even opening new ones,” he said. “They are proving time and time again that women in science have the power to change the world,” he said.

Professor Châu Văn Minh, president of the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology and president of the L’Oreal - UNESCO Women in Science jury, said he believed that the scientists would inspire more young women to follow their path.

“Female scientists  typically work more strenuously than male ones, especially in the context of scarce funds and equipment in Việt Nam,” said Associate professor Nguyễn Thị Hoài, one of the five outstanding scientists.

“I want to recommend that young scientists target career-defining achievements. Research will bring you success, and success will bring you more and more passion,” said Hoài.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science initiative began 19 years ago to support and recognise accomplished women researchers, to encourage more young women to enter the profession and to assist them once their careers are in progress. The programme has been held for Vietnamese women since 2009.– VNS