The French President has just decided to promote the Legion of Honor to Professor Tran Thanh Van and his wife, Professor Le Kim Ngoc, on the occasion of the French National Day (July 14). Professor Tran Thanh Van's scientific journey is mentioned as a symbol of the borderless connection between science and patriotism.
Building global scientific bridges
Born in 1934 in Dong Hoi, Quang Binh , Tran Thanh Van moved to France at the age of 17. After studying at Sorbonne University, he defended his doctoral thesis in nuclear physics at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), where he soon distinguished himself with his theoretical studies on nuclear structure and quantum mechanics. However, the biggest milestone in his scientific career came not only from his research but also from an idea that had a cross-border impact: organizing an international scientific forum for physicists around the world.
In 1966, Professor Tran Thanh Van initiated the Rencontres de Moriond conference series in a small mountain area in the French Alps. He wanted to create a space that did not discriminate by age or academic level, where young scientists could directly dialogue with leading names in a friendly, open atmosphere. Moriond's unexpected success became a model for later international scientific conferences.
Since then, Professor Van has continued to expand “Rencontres” with Rencontres de Blois (since 1989) and especially Rencontres du Vietnam since 1993, a milestone that shows that he has brought world science closer to his homeland. These forums are not only a place to publish important research results, but also become the glue that connects the global scientific community. From a particle physicist, he has become the creator of a platform for exchange and cooperation for generations of scientific intellectuals, transcending all political or cultural borders.
ICISE – Incubating science at home
With a deep love for his country, Professor Tran Thanh Van always has a burning desire: to make Vietnam a meeting place for global intelligence. After many years of organizing a series of international scientific conferences in France and developed countries, he is determined to bring this model to Vietnam. That idea has been materialized into a passionate project: the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province.
Started in 2011 and inaugurated in 2013, ICISE was built amidst lush green nature, by the mountains and the sea, following the philosophy of close, humane science. This is a place to systematically connect the international scientific community, with more than 200 conferences held over the past decade, gathering nearly 16,500 scientists from 60 countries, including nearly 20 Nobel Prize winners.
Not stopping there, Professor Tran Thanh Van and his wife, Professor Le Kim Ngoc, also promote the Explorascience project: a science museum combined with an astronomical observation area for the public, especially students. Each conference held at ICISE is accompanied by activities to inspire the young generation of Vietnam, from lectures to opportunities to directly dialogue with the world's leading scientists.
ICISE is not only a physical structure, but also a symbol of the aspiration of Vietnamese intellectuals to connect, learn and spread. In the mindset of the person who laid the first brick, Professor Van does not seek personal fame but always aims for a Vietnam integrated with knowledge, where science is nurtured with faith and dedication.
“Science and homeland are my life!”
“Science and my homeland are my reason for living”, that love is not just empty words of Professor Tran Thanh Van, but is proven through concrete actions. Since 1953 studying abroad in France, he has always told himself that he must use his knowledge to serve his country. “I love Vietnam, I love science, it is a love that cannot be explained”, he shared.
Professor Van believes that science is the path to help society develop sustainably, although it cannot be measured in money. He once emphasized that scientific research is not like business investment, but "the benefits of science are enormous". Therefore, Professor Van continuously calls on the Government to increase long-term investment, creating a favorable environment to retain and attract talent.
Inspired by the saying: “young scientists need to be independent and free to fly”, he hopes that policy makers “let them freely research, not be bound by age or rank”. According to him, many young talents have left to find opportunities elsewhere, and this is clear evidence of the lack of priority mechanisms and quality support in Vietnam.
For many years, he and his wife, Professor Le Kim Ngoc, have devoted all their efforts to building ICISE, the “Meeting Vietnam” Association and the Vallet scholarships. He always emphasized the role of affection: between scientists and the country, between the older generation and the youth.
His sharing is not only about theory, but also about a way of life: from selling Christmas cards with his wife to raise funds for Vietnamese children in France, to taking many flights from France to Binh Dinh himself to prepare for the conference, all to realize the aspiration of connecting Vietnamese knowledge with the world.
"As long as I have strength, I will contribute to my homeland", that is a lifelong journey of a scientist who always aches for the Fatherland.
The Legion of Honor was established in 1802 and has five ranks. This is the highest award of the French state, given to those who have made contributions in the military and civilian fields. In 2000, he was awarded the Legion of Honor, Knight class. In 2012, he was honored with the Tate Medal of the American Physical Society, one of the most prestigious awards in the scientific community.
Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/chuyen-it-biet-ve-gs-viet-duoc-phap-trao-bac-dau-boi-tinh-post1554726.html
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