Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam hands over the KOVA Prize to Lê Thị Tuyết Anh, director of the Miền Trung Pharmaceutical Research and Production Centre.— VNS Photo Thanh Hải

HÀ NỘI — The 16th annual KOVA Prize honoured three scientific research projects along with nine individuals and students for their outstanding contributions to the fields of applied science and technology, social welfare and scientific research at a ceremony on Saturday.

The first group prize in the Creative Ideas for Applied Science category was awarded to the Kidney Department at Chợ Rẫy Hospital in HCM City led by Professor Trần Thị Bích Hương for their research on diagnosing causes and kidney function recovery treatment on rapidly-developing kidney failure patients.

The research made important discoveries by identifying rapidly-developing kidney failure caused mainly by venous thrombosis disease. The project has helped reduce the need for dialysis machines and recovered kidney function in 60 per cent of patients.

The second prize also honoured Professor Lê Chí Dũng and his colleagues from the HCM City Traumatology and Orthopaedics Hospital for their medical research into hands and feet preservation surgery in bone cancer treatment.

Dũng and his co-workers were the first physicians in Việt Nam to successfully develop methods to preserve thousands of patients’ hands and feet over the past 20 years. The breakthrough method has opened a new age and treatment philosophy for bone cancer patients, improved the quality of life for patients and reduced treatment expenses at least 10 times compared to other countries in the region.

Former Vice President Nguyễn Thị Doan (first right) hands over the KOVA Prize to Major Trần Tuấn Anh, Captain of the 952 Ship, Brigade 161, Navy Region 3.— VNS Photo Thanh Hải

The third prize went to Lê Thị Tuyết Anh, director of the Miền Trung Pharmaceutical Research and Production Centre.

Given that most materials to produce domestic drugs are imported, Tuyết researched and developed safe traditional medicine in Phú Yên.

Phú Yên is the first place in Việt Nam to cultivate Diệp Hạ Châu (Phyllanthus urinaria) (a material used to treat liver disease) following World Health Organisation standards.  

The research has benefited farmers and cultivation has expanded to tens of hectares in Phú Yên Province, contributing to hunger reduction and poverty elimination, as well as environmental protection in the region.

The 2018 KOVA Prize in the category of Beautiful Living were presented to two group and seven individuals which have inspired other people to follow, including group from Navy Region 2 and Major Trần Tuấn Anh, Captain of the 952 Ship, Brigade 161, Navy Region 3. They were recognised as an outstanding group and individuals who have carried out the task of protecting the nation’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.

The KOVA Prize also honoured 12 outstanding students for their outstanding results in scientific research while 151 others received KOVA scholarships.

The KOVA Prize, which was set up by former Vice President Nguyễn Thị Bình and Associate Professor Nguyễn Thị Hòe, chairwoman of the KOVA Paint Group in 2002, is held annually to honour individuals and groups who have made significant contributions in the fields of science, education, charities and other areas.

Over the past 15 years, the awards have been given to hundreds of groups and individuals. The organisation aims to encourage students, individuals and groups – especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds – to pursue innovations in science, technology and social welfare. — VNS