Amidst a societal shift increasingly acknowledging the vital role of women in science and technology, the IEEE NPSS Women in Engineering (WIE) community orchestrated an inspiring engagement in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. The primary objectives of this initiative were fostering interest among younger generations in pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and providing a platform for local female scientists. The IEEE NPSS WIE gathering occurred on 18 August 2025, at VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS). This session functioned as a transversal component of the IEEE NPSS International School on Advanced Topics in Medical Imaging, held in the same city from 12 – 19 August 2025.

Notably, despite women playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and technological advancement, female professionals continue to face numerous career challenges. To mitigate such obstacles, the event aimed to honor the significant contributions of women in science. The proceedings also focused on raising awareness regarding the necessity of an equitable, supportive environment for women in research. Moreover, the program sought to support female researchers while encouraging younger generations to engage in scientific fields, thereby contributing to an increased female presence in STEAM.

 Attendees at the WIE-Hosted Event at HCMUS.

The WIE session maintained an inclusive policy, welcoming a diverse audience. A total of 104 attendees—87 in person and 17 online—participated, comprising students from the IEEE NPSS School (ages 20-32) and scholars from HCMUS (Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral levels). Members of the general public, including children, also attended. The gathering boasted remarkable diversity regarding knowledge bases and research fields.

The session commenced at 1:00 PM with Dr. Hoàng Thị Kiều Trang welcoming participants. A lecturer of Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, HCMUS and an active IEEE NPSS WIE community member, Dr. Trang served as the local organizer for both the school and the WIE event. Her opening remarks raised awareness of IEEE NPSS WIE activities and transmitted the essence of the gathering to the audience.

Following Dr. Trang, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, Assoc. Prof. Trần Thiện Thanh, offered welcoming remarks. Finally, Dr. Martin Grossmann from the Center for Proton Therapy at PSI, Switzerland, and IEEE Senior NPSS CANPS and TNC, highlighted the school’s activities, primary goals, and impact, while encouraging students to pursue their desired careers.

The opening ceremony preceded interventions by six scientists—four international and two local to Viet Nam:

• Dr. Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro (Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Instrumentation in Molecular Imaging, I3M, Valencia, Spain) outlined the WIE community’s main objectives and available resources. Dr. Gonzalez-Montoro also introduced the field of medical physics and provided an overview of her academic and research trajectory to inspire a passion for science among young attendees.
• Dr. Agnette Peralta (Professor at the University of the Philippines and former Department of Health member, Philippines) summarized a distinguished career, addressing challenges faced by medical physicists—particularly women—and highlighting the medical physicist’s vital role in ensuring safety and effectiveness in therapeutic procedures. Observing the profound impact on the audience, Prof. Peralta resolved to co-organize a WIE event in Manila, scheduled for September 2026.
• Dr. Cathy Tsai (Professor at the Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Science, National Tsing Hua University, NTHU, and Director of the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Center) shared experiences researching BNCT. Her presentation served as a source of inspiration for young women to pursue scientific careers, emphasizing the critical role female scientists play in addressing global challenges.
• MSc. Phan Nguyễn Ái Nhi (Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, HCMUS) showcased community-connected STEAM (SL-STEAM) projects executed with active contributions from undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematics Education and graduate students in Experimental Biology at HCMUS. The initiatives aim to support visually impaired teachers and students through interdisciplinary applications. These projects affirm the role of women in engineering and education, contributing to the advancement of gender equality in STEAM.
• Assoc. Prof. Võ Lương Hồng Phước (Head of the Department of Oceanography, Meteorology, and Hydrology at the Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics, HCMUS) reviewed the role of mangroves in coastal protection. Prof. Phước stressed the capacity of mangroves to serve as natural barriers against erosion, storm surges, and sea-level rise—threats increasingly intensified by climate change. The presentation also discussed the socio-economic benefits of mangrove conservation, illustrating how integrating mangrove protection into broader coastal management frameworks can promote sustainable development while enhancing climate resilience.
• Dr. Cinzia Da Vià (Professor of Physics at the University of Manchester, UK, and Research Professor at Stony Brook University, USA) presented virtually on the main objectives of the NPSS Climate Change Initiative. The audience received this talk warmly as the content complemented the previous speaker’s topic. Dr. Da Vià explored the intersection between climate hazards and social inequities, highlighting the role of community-based adaptation strategies and recovery plans led by local communities.

Special commendation is due to Dr. Nguyễn Trí Toàn Phúc from HCMUS, who provided outstanding assistance by performing live translations of speeches into Vietnamese, accommodating local attendees with limited English proficiency. This action demonstrates that language gaps need not be barriers to spreading the mission.

A mid-session intermission facilitated networking, allowing attendees to approach speakers, pose questions, and share testimonies. This break fostered a collegial atmosphere, helping everyone feel comfortable and part of a large international community.

Both the IEEE NPSS School and the IEEE NPSS WIE Event received organization and financial support from the NPSS Educational Committee in collaboration with the local organizing committee from HCMUS. Dr. Trang and the team attended to every detail, resulting in an outstanding occasion. Due to high engagement and interest, the session extended until 6:00 PM.

In summary, the 2025 IEEE NPSS WIE activity in Ho Chi Minh City featured presentations where female scientists shared career experiences. The gathering facilitated interactions between international scientists, local researchers, and participants. Through this initiative, the organizers hope to inspire young women to pursue research or academic careers, while promoting greater public understanding of the contributions female scientists make toward building a sustainable future.

Source: https://newsletter.ieee-npss.org/2025-wie-vietnam/