Trịnh Xuân Thuận and Phạm Quang Hưng are two Vietnamese physicists who have earned recognition worldwide. At this year’s Recontres Du Vietnam, or Meeting Vietnam, the two professors exchanged their views on scientific development.
"Basic science education should be central to Vietnam’s development. I think we should focus on physics, chemistry and biology, invest in universities and research, and send our students abroad for further education. Vietnam should also offer foreign scientists necessary facilities and high salaries for their contributions." - Prof. TRINH XUAN THUAN, Astrophysicist, University of Virginia, United States.
"Improvements in the working environment are needed to attract young Vietnamese scientists who return from foreign countries. This is extremely important." - Prof. PHAM QUANG HUNG, Theoretical High Energy Physics, University of Virginia, United States.
Meeting Vietnam was initiated by a Vietnamese physicist. After 23 years, the event has attracted the participation of thousands of overseas Vietnamese scientists to collaborate on research and provide guidance to students. This year, new scientific fields were suggested for Vietnam.
"Ecotoxicology is an essential area for Vietnam. After meeting with Vietnamese scientists, I think the field is not very developed here. Ecotoxicology will be further developed with the help of overseas Vietnamese scientists." - Assoc. Prof. HOANG CHUNG THAM, Ecotoxicologist, Loyola University Chicago.
Vietnam is currently in the beginning stages of industrialisation and faces environmental, health and technology challenges. Accessing the world’s technological advances is necessary to tackle the issue, and the work can hardly be done without overseas Vietnamese scientists.
