A bridge of scientific cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and France
WVR - On October 3, on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron, the French Embassy in Vietnam held a ceremony to award the Officer's rank of the Legion of Honour to two Vietnamese-French scientists: Prof. Jean Tran Thanh Van, a physicist, and Prof. Le Kim Ngoc, a biologist.
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| The Officer's rank of the Legion of Honour is a well-deserved recognition for the exceptional contributions of Prof. Jean Tran Thanh Van, a physicist, and Prof. Le Kim Ngoc, a biologist. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
Attendees at the ceremony included: Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung; French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet; Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy; Secretary of the Central Youth Union, Chairman of the Vietnam Student Association Nguyen Minh Triet, along with friends and citizens of both countries.
The Officer's rank of the Legion of Honour – France's highest honour – is a tribute to the extraordinary journey of these two scientists. It reflects the French state's appreciation for their significant contributions to scientific development, fostering international research communities, and promoting scientific cooperation and friendship between France and Vietnam.
Previously, on July 11, on the occasion of France's National Day (July 14), President Emmanuel Macron signed a decree promoting the two professors to the Officer's rank of the Legion of Honour. This year, both professors are 91 years old and are the only couple to be promoted together in this batch.
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| French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet delivers the opening speech. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
In his opening speech, Ambassador Olivier Brochet affirmed that the ceremony aims to express appreciation and recognition for the two professors – Vietnamese youths who studied in France over 70 years ago and, through their talent and courage, have become distinguished figures, bringing honour to their homeland. The scientists have tirelessly united the research community, connected generations, and contributed to their homeland Vietnam, building on the shared history between the two nations.
The French Ambassador emphasized: “The international scientific community, the younger generations of both countries, and both nations are immensely grateful for the contributions of these two professors. France welcomes and honours two outstanding citizens, two great scientists, wonderful and generous individuals, who for the past 60 years have helped elevate France's standing on the international stage and strengthen Franco-Vietnamese relations.”
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| Prof. Le Kim Ngoc encourages Vietnamese youth to have faith in their dreams, assert themselves, and preserve their identity. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
Prof. Le Kim Ngoc believes this award is not only a personal honour but also holds great significance for Franco-Vietnamese scientific cooperation. The achievements of the "Meet Vietnam" programs and the ICISE Center are the result of collective contributions from friends worldwide, many of whom are from France. These accomplishments serve as a vibrant symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
She advises Vietnamese youth: “Have faith in your dreams, dare to assert yourself, and preserve your identity. Listen and share, for only then can we break down barriers and spread humanity.”
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| Prof. Jean Tran Thanh Van hopes Vietnamese youth will continuously cultivate and persist in basic scientific research, as it is the foundation of future technologies. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
Meanwhile, Prof. Jean Tran Thanh Van expressed gratitude to all friends who supported him on his path to success, especially his life partner Le Kim Ngoc. He hopes Vietnamese youth will continuously cultivate and persist in basic scientific research, as it is the foundation of future technologies.
In an interview with The World & Vietnam Report, Prof. Jean Tran Thanh Van emphasized that today is a joyful and special occasion shared with his close friends. “This medal is not just for me, but a recognition for all those who have accompanied and collaborated with me over the years. Our journey began 60 years ago, and that enduring friendship continues to this day,” he expressed.
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| Overview of the ceremony. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
The names of the two professors are associated with four prominent activities: the "Meet Vietnam" international conference series (initiated in 1993), the ICISE Center in Quy Nhon (inaugurated in 2013), the Vallet Scholarship, and the SOS Children's Villages in Vietnam – initiatives combining science, education, and humanitarian efforts aimed at sustainable development for the younger generation.
Notably, the "Meet Vietnam" international conference series has, for over 30 years, brought together leading scientists worldwide in fields such as particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and interdisciplinary sciences like biophysics, materials informatics, and biomechanics. The ICISE Center, operational since 2013, has become an international scientific hub in Vietnam and the region, welcoming tens of thousands of scientists from 60 countries and territories, including 19 Nobel laureates and many renowned scientists in various fields.
Alongside their scientific endeavors, the two professors have devoted themselves to humanitarian work. In 1970, they founded the Association for the Support of Vietnamese Children in France, raising funds from selling Christmas cards in the cold winters of Paris to help establish three SOS Children's Villages for orphans in Vietnam: SOS Children's Village Da Lat in 1974, SOS Children's Village Hue (formerly Thuy Xuan Children's Support Center) in 2000, and SOS Children's Village Dong Hoi in 2006.
