In 2025, amongst the eight candidates in the field of Physics approved by the State Council for Professorship, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân – Dean of the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) – stood as the sole female scientist. At the age of 45, the academic officially became the year’s youngest female professor. This milestone serves not merely as well-deserved recognition of academic prowess but also illustrates a resilient journey: commencing from the nascent passion for Physics of a schoolgirl in Central Viet Nam, traversing years of steadfast research, to eventually becoming a radiant source of inspiration for generations of students.

Traversing Hardships to Reach Science

Mornings at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, HCMUS, invariably begin with a familiar sight: a petite woman with a gentle smile, walking briskly through the corridor leading to the laboratory. Few would surmise that behind this composed demeanour lies over two decades of persistent pursuit of the scientific path – a journey that has established the scholar as the youngest female professor in Viet Nam in 2025.

Born and raised in Tam Quan, a rural area of Binh Dinh marked by deprivation, the Professor’s secondary school years were associated with Physics lessons where access to experimental equipment remained a distant luxury. Yet, precisely these deficiencies kindled within the young student a burning desire to comprehend the mechanisms governing objects and the interaction between light and matter.

Upon matriculating at HCMUS, the path of Physics led the young scholar into a depth of knowledge she had not previously envisaged. Here, mentors imparted not only wisdom but also the spirit of dedication, rigour in research, and the philosophy of the teaching profession. “That milestone confirmed I had selected the correct path,” she reflects.

Following the completion of a Master’s degree, the scholar proceeded to France as a doctoral candidate, pursuing a specialisation in Optics-Lasers and Physics-Chemistry-Atmosphere. These years abroad provided not only access to an advanced academic and research environment but also a profound understanding of the role of science and technology as a pivotal driver for national economic development.

However, when presented with the opportunity to remain in the expansive international environment, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân opted for the path deemed more challenging: returning to the homeland. In 2011, she resumed work at HCMUS – the institution that had sparked initial scientific dreams – amidst a context of limited income and sparse research facilities. To many, such a move appeared bold. To her, the decision was simply ‘what was necessary’. “I believe that with persistence, all difficulties shall eventually be surmounted,” she asserts.

From a young lecturer recently returned from abroad, she gradually assumed the role of Vice Dean, and subsequently Dean in 2018. Parallel to administrative duties, she heads the Department of Magnetic and Biomedical Materials, leading research activities, building teams, training human resources, and deploying numerous projects aligned with practical social needs. Her three research directions – rare-earth doped luminescent materials, biomedical materials, and functional nanomaterials – all aim towards a singular objective: science holds intrinsic value only when the discipline delivers practical benefits to life.

To date, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân has published 81 scientific papers, including 45 in prestigious international journals, and two monographs – a formidable figure for a scientist who must partition time between teaching, research, and administration. “This result stems from the serious labour of the research group and generations of students,” she shares with characteristic humility.

“The title of Professor or Associate Professor represents not merely recognition for persistent efforts in teaching and scientific research, but also a significant responsibility, demanding academic rigour and a spirit of commitment to the community.” – Prof. Vân shares.

The Mission to Inspire Learners

On the day the State Council for Professorship announced the 2025 list, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân was the sole female candidate in Physics to receive recognition. Amidst the congratulations, she spoke less of personal joy and more regarding the weight of responsibility. “The title serves as recognition, yet also as a reminder to strive further. Responsibility to oneself to be worthy; to the collective to progress, mature, and strengthen together; and to students to truly inspire,” she states.

In the capacity of Dean, she views people as the pivotal factor determining all change and development. Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân encourages colleagues to jointly construct a professional working environment, creating conditions for young staff to boldly participate in new tasks and major projects to enhance capabilities, whilst proactively connecting and cooperating with enterprises and international partners. For her, a unit with a mission of training and scientific research must not only be strong in expertise but must also be a place where students perceive companionship and guidance, and are afforded opportunities and trust to mature.

To students, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân is a teacher who is gentle yet highly principled and clear. When students lose their bearings, the Professor does not hasten to provide the answer but assists them in ‘dialoguing with themselves’: identifying strengths and weaknesses, understanding personal values, reviewing objectives, and thereby determining how to resolve the issue. With doctoral candidates, she values the qualities of a scientist – honesty, patience, and resilience – over immediate results. “Provided one maintains passion, patience, and discipline, each individual will discover the appropriate pace for the journey,” she remarks.

Now, having become the youngest female professor of 2025, she still chooses the accustomed manner of proceeding: quietly, persistently, and with full responsibility. Her greatest concern is to build the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology into a strong training and research unit in the field of advanced materials domestically, holding a position within the region; ensuring research results are applied in practice, making practical contributions to national development; and above all, being a place where every student finds faith in knowledge and in themselves.

Addressing the younger generation, she advises: “The future remains ever open to those who dare to dream and persevere. Maintain curiosity to explore, discipline to overcome challenges, and a spirit of commitment to become the best version of oneself.”

HCMUS

PROF. TRẦN THỊ THANH VÂN: “THE FUTURE REMAINS EVER OPEN TO THOSE WHO DARE TO DREAM AND PERSEVERE”

A conversation with the newly appointed professor

Sharing more deeply about this distinctive journey, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân confided her passion for Physics and her reflections on the teaching profession.

Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân, from a schoolgirl fond of Physics to the youngest female professor of 2025, what was the genesis that led you to the scientific path?

My affinity for Physics emerged at an early age, whilst still at the secondary level – a time when knowledge of the natural world appeared only through the pages of books, with virtually no opportunity for experimentation or direct observation. Precisely that absence of experiential learning fuelled the fascination: I desired to understand why phenomena occur, why matter possesses the properties we observe, and why the world adheres to certain laws.

I have never perceived Physics as “dry”. Physicists, conversely, are often rich in emotion and humanity, for they dedicate their lives to pursuing the most fundamental questions of the universe. Furthermore, I have never believed science to be limited by gender; we differ only in the equation of balancing work, family, and research. Thus, what convinces me that I belong on this path is the sense of satisfaction when solving a difficult problem, standing at the lectern, and living in an environment where curiosity is constantly nurtured.

The most significant milestone for me was perhaps when I became a student at the Faculty of Physics, HCMUS. My lecturers sowed within me not only knowledge but also kindness, dedication, and the archetype of genuine scientists. This realisation compelled me to return to the university following the period of study in France.

What did the research experience in France yield, and why did you decide to return to Viet Nam in a context where research conditions remained limited?

My years as a doctoral candidate in France assisted me in realising more clearly the role of science in the development of a nation. I accessed a modern research environment, operated very methodically, where the spirit of interdisciplinary cooperation was highly exalted. I also realised that a teacher transmits not only knowledge but also belief: a timely word of encouragement can orient an entire research journey.

In 2011, upon completing the thesis and returning to Viet Nam, I faced no small number of difficulties: low income, limited equipment, and modest laboratories. However, I never contemplated diverging from the path, for I believed in the environment where I matured, believing that Vietnamese science would develop if there were those who persisted in remaining. Through optimism, I viewed difficulties as lessons, compelling me to be more creative, more patient, and more resilient.

What compelled you to select the research direction of materials – a field demanding substantial investment and long-term persistence?

I selected materials because this field is capable of direct translation into practical applications. With rare-earth doped luminescent materials, we aim for high-performance lighting solutions, display screens, optical sensors, and anti-counterfeiting security. Viet Nam possesses large rare-earth reserves, yet the value added remains modest. If we master the technology of manufacturing materials from rare earths, we can create significant strides in the high-tech supply chain.

Simultaneously, I pursue research on biomedical materials, serving dentistry, drug delivery, and antibacterial purposes; and functional nanomaterials applied in the environment, sensors, and energy. Each research direction is attached to the practical needs of society: health, environment, and high technology. I always believe a scientist must perceive their responsibility within the problems for which the community requires solutions. Holding a portfolio of over 80 scientific papers, with 45 published in prestigious international journals, represents not merely personal effort but the fruit of a collective spanning many generations. That achievement empowers me with the motivation to proceed further.

In the position of Dean and guide to many generations of students, how do you perceive the mission of a teacher in the modern university?

The modern educator transmits not merely knowledge but also instils independent thought, accompanying the doubts and queries of the learner. I always encourage students thus: commence by understanding oneself, including strengths, weaknesses, objectives, and personal values. When one understands oneself, the path becomes clearer.

For doctoral candidates, what I desire most is not solely professional competence, but the spirit of doing science in the truest sense: honesty, persistence, and passion. Each person possesses their own velocity, but if one maintains the correct attitude, one shall proceed very far. My happiest moment is standing in class, observing the eager eyes of students. That feeling always reminds me that the teaching profession has profound resonance; a teacher’s word can shape a learner’s entire future.

As the youngest female professor of 2025, what is your initial emotion, and what message do you wish to send to the young generation commencing the journey of knowledge discovery?

My primary thought concerns responsibility, not the title. Responsibility to myself, to the Faculty collective, to students, and to the field I am pursuing. I desire to build a united, open academic environment; a collective strong in expertise and rich in humanity. I also hope my research will be transferred and widely applied, contributing to the scientific and technological development of the country.

To young people, I simply wish to say: The future remains ever open to those who dare to dream and ceaselessly learn. Maintain curiosity to explore, discipline to overcome difficulties, and persistence to pursue to the very end that in which you believe.

Thank you, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân, for sparing your time to share!

KHẮC HIẾU – Website VNUHCM.