In a field often considered a ‘domain’ of men, Phạm Thanh Hoa—a fourth-year Materials Science student at VNUHCM-University of Science—has asserted herself through unwavering passion and effort. The student became one of the 20 faces honoured at the Vietnamese Female Students in Science and Technology Award 2025 for her research on environmentally friendly biomaterials.

A Unique Path in Science

Born without a ‘fateful turning point’ that directed her toward scientific research, Thanh Hoa came to Materials Science through thorough investigation and natural enthusiasm. The student particularly enjoys small experiments focused on understanding the structure and properties of matter.

“I realised that materials are everywhere in life, from everyday objects to battery technology, sensors, and biomedical materials. This is a field that is both accessible and capable of creating major societal change,” Hoa shared.

Thanh Hoa’s decision to choose this discipline surprised many people around her. “People hear ‘materials’ and immediately think of cement, steel, and heavy labour, so they worried the work would be too hard for me,” Hoa recalled. Instead of stepping back, Hoa chose to clarify: the research direction she pursues involves polymers and composites—a highly applicable area, ranging from biological packaging to advanced materials. “Once they understood correctly, my family became my strongest supporters,” the student said.

Commencing the four-year university journey, Hoa entered the world of research with rare curiosity and persistence. “Scientific research has no shortcuts. There were weeks when I repeated the same experiment dozens of times, yet the result still would not materialise,” Hoa recounted. Late nights spent on lab duty, and failures where solutions changed to the wrong colour, all became an essential part of the maturation process.

Amidst these difficulties, Thanh Hoa always had the University and especially Assoc. Prof. Hoàng Thị Đông Quỳ as immense sources of support. “This university and that dedicated lecturer not only taught me technical expertise but also the spirit of scientific work: perseverance, meticulousness, and never stopping to question. I remember the warning that science is not for those in a rush, and I gradually understand that in every experiment I perform,” Thanh Hoa stated.

Green Materials and the Aspiration for Sustainable Development

The project that led to Thanh Hoa’s recognition as one of the 20 outstanding national recipients of the Female Students in Science and Technology Award 2025 is ‘Developing Ion-Conducting Membranes from Cellulose.’

The research utilises cellulose—a natural polymer abundant in agricultural by-products such as straw and rice husks—to create a proton-conducting membrane for application in hydrogen fuel cells.

This type of cell generates electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water, not CO2. “I want to take advantage of discarded raw materials to create clean energy, both reducing pollution and moving towards sustainable development,” Hoa said.

The greatest difficulty of the project lay not in the theory but in the practice. “On paper, every formula seems perfect, but in the laboratory, the material properties do not always match the desired outcome.” There were periods of continuous experimental failure, causing Hoa to doubt herself. But then, thanks to the support of her teachers and senior group members, the student gradually learned to remain calm, viewing the problem from multiple perspectives.

The spirit of persistence, intellectual curiosity, and focus on practical application helped Hoa’s project receive high praise at the Vietnamese Female Students in Science and Technology Award 2025. For her, the award is not just personal pride but also an affirmation that women can certainly stand firm in the technical and technological fields with enough passion.

Thanh Hoa expressed her gratitude to the University for providing excellent conditions for student research: modern labs, an international collaboration environment, and, crucially, lecturers who always encourage students to question, explore, and discover. For Hoa, the university is not just a place of study but a ‘cradle of serious and open research thinking.’

Phạm Thanh Hoa is a vivid demonstration of a new generation of VNUHCM-University of Science female students—elegant, intellectual, and courageous—confidently stepping into the era of green science and technology.