On 17 December, VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) conferred the 2025 Le Van Thoi Awards upon five researchers, celebrating exceptional achievements in undergraduate and postgraduate research. These distinctions honour exemplary academic contributions and foster a culture of scholarly innovation throughout the learner community.

For the 2025 cycle, the Awards Council recognised three outstanding submissions across distinct categories. Ms Nguyễn Lê Anh Đào (Faculty of Chemistry) received the prize for Best Bachelor’s Thesis; MSc Trần Nhật Thông (Faculty of Materials Science and Technology) secured the award for Best Master’s Thesis; and Dr Tôn Nữ Quỳnh Trang (Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics) received the accolade for Best Doctoral Dissertation.

Moreover, the Council presented Commendation Awards to Dr Lê Ngọc Thành (Faculty of Information Technology) and MSc Phạm Phú Quân (Faculty of Materials Science and Technology). The adjudicating panel highly commended the work of these researchers for inherent novelty, methodological rigour, and significant contributions to the respective fields.

The University additionally acknowledged the pivotal guidance provided by the academic supervisors, including Assoc. Prof. Trần Hoàng Phương (Faculty of Chemistry), Assoc. Prof. Hoàng Thị Đông Quỳ (Faculty of Materials Science and Technology), Assoc. Prof. Vũ Thị Hạnh Thu (Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics), Prof. Lê Hoài Bắc (Faculty of Information Technology), and Assoc. Prof. Phạm Kim Ngọc (Faculty of Materials Science and Technology).

Established by Prof. Lê Ngọc Thạch, the awards commemorate the late Prof. Lê Văn Thới, former Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Sai Gon (now HCMUS). Presented annually since 2017, the prize stands as one of the University’s most prestigious academic honours, designed to encourage scholars to pursue rigorous, methodical scientific research and engage with the international community.

The 2025 awards attracted 30 applications—nearly double the volume of the previous year—comprising 10 undergraduate, 12 Master’s, and eight Doctoral submissions. Beyond the numerical increase, the Council noted the exceptional calibre of the entries, reflecting the institution’s thriving research culture.

Eligibility requirements stipulated that projects must have undergone defence at HCMUS between 1 January and 31 December 2024. Regulations mandated the publication of at least one international article in a Q1-ranked journal within the relevant discipline, listing the candidate as the principal (first or corresponding) author. Crucially, the article content must derive entirely from the thesis or dissertation. Articles published with page numbers or a DOI by 30 August 2025 qualified for consideration.

Selection relied upon stringent criteria, including journal classification (Q1–Q4), Impact Factor (IF), and the authorship position held by the candidate. In the event of a tie, the Council granted preference to the individual holding the higher Grade Point Average.

On 1 December in Ha Noi, the L’Oréal–UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ programme presented national fellowships valued at 150 million VND to three distinguished Vietnamese female scientists. Among the laureates, Assoc. Prof. Phạm Kim Ngọc (Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, VNUHCM-University of Science) received acclaim as a prominent figure for pioneering research into semiconductor devices and nanomaterial structures.

Amidst the rapid progression of Artificial Intelligence (AI), traditional computing infrastructure is approaching a critical overload point. The conventional von Neumann architecture, relying upon the separation of processing units from memory, creates a data ‘bottleneck’. Such a limitation results in significant energy wastage and decelerates the AI training process. Consequently, developing AI systems capable of mimicking brain activity—operating with greater speed and energy efficiency—stands as a paramount challenge in modern science and technology.

Addressing these practical demands, the project titled “Research and Fabrication of Memristor Devices and Circuits for Application as Artificial Synapses in Neuromorphic Computing Systems,” led by Assoc. Prof. Phạm Kim Ngọc, garnered high commendation from the Scientific Council for novelty and applicability.

The investigation explores breakthrough solutions in In-Memory Computing (IMC) architecture. A central focus remains the use of memristors—electronic components capable of storing analogue states, mimicking biological synapses, and allowing for high integration within crossbar arrays. To enhance reliability, Assoc. Prof. Phạm Kim Ngọc concentrates on Self-Rectifying Memristors (SRM), constructing the study from the fundamental materials level through to device and circuit fabrication.

According to the Scientific Council, such work paves the way for realising non-von Neumann hardware AI systems. These platforms promise superior learning capabilities, parallel processing, and energy efficiency, mimicking human brain function more closely than ever before. The research serves as a foundation for developing next-generation AI chips, fostering a more powerful and sustainable era of Artificial Intelligence.

Currently serving as Head of the Department of Nanomaterials and Thin Films, Assoc. Prof. Phạm Kim Ngọc has acted as Principal Investigator for numerous ministry-level and VNUHCM-level projects. The professor’s academic portfolio includes over 50 papers in prestigious international journals, four patents, and several published monographs. Furthermore, the awardee remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of researchers in the field of advanced materials, contributing significantly to the development of the materials science and semiconductor industries in Ģ����ý.

Lê Nguyễn Phương Thùy’s journey into science and technology did not start in modern, gleaming laboratories. Instead, began in a small internet café in her home village. Few would have predicted that the curious young girl watching her youngest aunt type on a computer screen would go on to be named one of the 20 outstanding recipients of the Vietnamese Female Students in Science and Technology Award 2025. Phương Thùy remains a final-year Information Technology student at VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS).

From Childhood Curiosity to Career Path

Phương Thùy’s childhood involved accompanying her youngest aunt to the internet café. While her aunt worked and studied computing, Phương Thùy sat nearby, utterly fascinated by the ‘magical’ computers. Early passion was nurtured by her parents and teachers, who encouraged her to enter competitions like Violympic and IOE, where she subsequently won numerous district and provincial awards.

Awareness of technology’s true power became clearer during high school, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “I realised technology was the tool that kept society functioning amidst difficulties, and I wanted to be someone who understood, created, and improved those tools,” she explained. Choosing Information Technology at HCMUS in 2021 was a natural next step, opening up exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

As a female student pursuing engineering, she inevitably faced some prejudice. However, Phương Thùy quickly grasped that ability lies not in gender, but in sheer perseverance and a willingness to learn. Her greatest inspiration is her mother—an elementary school teacher who taught herself AI to enhance her teaching quality. She also draws motivation from the excellent female programmers she met in competitions, such as her classmate Võ Hoàng Hoa Viên (Vietnamese Female Students in Science and Technology 2024). “They prove that women can absolutely go far in technology if they have enough passion and confidence in themselves,” Phương Thùy remarked.

The Humanitarian Value of Explainable AI

When honoured at the Vietnamese Female Students in Science and Technology Award 2025, Phương Thùy impressed the judges with a research topic rich in humanitarian value. Her project focuses on solving a core problem for AI in healthcare: trustworthiness.

She explains that many AI models can predict diseases accurately but function like a ‘black box,’ unable to explain why produced a certain result. Lack of transparency makes difficult for doctors to feel confident in the diagnosis. Furthermore, medical data is exceptionally sensitive and often unbalanced.

Phương Thùy’s group devised a two-pronged solution: researching how to make the AI model ‘articulate the reason’ for each prediction, while simultaneously utilising AI to generate safe, synthetic medical data. This approach helps train AI effectively without compromising patients’ real information.

“The distinctive element of the project lies in combining technology with human values. I understand that a scientific product is only truly meaningful when transparency and responsibility are built into the design,” Phương Thùy stated.

A New Chapter

Another pivotal moment in Phương Thùy’s journey occurred when she realised she loved not only research but also sharing knowledge. She transitioned from being a student to a mentor, explaining complex concepts to her friends. “That moment made me dream of one day standing in a lecture hall, both teaching and conducting AI research.” This ambition, inspired by her mother, has been fostered by the open academic environment at HCMUS and the VNUHCM system, where students are encouraged to begin researching early on. Phương Thùy expresses sincere gratitude to the lecturers of the Faculty of Information Technology for their continuous inspiration and support.

For Phương Thùy, the award is not a ‘destination’ but a ‘new starting point.’ The recognition is a powerful reminder to continue learning, exploring, and sharing her knowledge, especially by inspiring young female students to take up technology. In the future, Phương Thùy plans to conquer higher levels of knowledge, researching transparent and responsible AI in depth, with the ultimate aspiration of becoming a researcher and a lecturer.

Offering advice to young people, Phương Thùy shared: “Academic passion doesn’t require a grand beginning; one only needs to be genuinely curious and dare to persevere to the end… Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, and don’t worry about being slow, as every attempt is an opportunity for growth.”