Prof. Nguyen Dinh Duc encourages young scientists to venture further afield

Prof. Sc.Dr. Nguyen Dinh Duc, who is the Chairman of the Board of the University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University Hanoi has become a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Aerospace Science and Technology, Elsevier, Netherlands. Prof. Nguyen hoped that this milestone would inspire young scientists to venture further afield and international integration.

Prof. Nguyen is the first Vietnamese scientist honored to become a member of the editorial board of this prestigious international journal.

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Duc, Chairman ofThe VNU University of Engineering and Technology, Vice Chairman oftheVietnam Mechanics Association, Director of the Advanced Materials and Structures Laboratory

A source of encouragement for young scientists

According to the VNU University of Engineering and Technology, Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc, Chairman of the University's Council, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Mechanics Association, Director of the Advanced Materials and Structures Laboratory has officially become a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Aerospace Science and Technology. This is one of the leading international journals in the SCI index, in the top 5%, with prestige and high quality in the field of Aerospace Science, Engineering and Technology. Members of the Journal's Editorial Board are outstanding scientists in the field from many countries worldwide such as the US, UK, France, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, China, and so on.

Prof. Dr.ScNguyen Dinh Duc is a passionate and committed educator who wholeheartedly imparts knowledge to his students.

In an interview with 'Khoa hoc va Doi song' Magazine, the Professor shared that the invitation for Vietnamese scientists to participate in this international editorial board demonstrates the growing reputation and position of Vietnamese scientists on the international scientific map. This is not only a source of joy and encouragement for himself but also a source of pride for the VNU University of Engineering and Technology. Particularly, it serves as an encouragement for young scientists.

"This will also encourage young scientists to bravely immerse themselves and integrate with the international scientific community," said Prof. Nguyen.

Born in 1963 in Lai Xa village, Kim Chung commune, Hoai Duc district (formerly Ha Tay province, now part of Hanoi), Prof. Nguyen Dinh Duc showed signs of intelligence and outstanding learning abilities from an early age.

In 1984, he graduated as the top student from the Department of Mathematics - Mechanics at the old Hanoi University of Science. He was selected by the Ministry of Education to participate in the overseas research scholar selection exam in 1985 and achieved the highest score.

Subsequently, he was sent by the Ministry of Education to pursue his doctoral studies at M. V. Lomonosov. In 1991, at the age of 28, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis in Mathematics - Physics. In 1997, at the age of 34, he excellently defended his doctoral thesis in Science at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

With these achievements, he was invited to work as an assistant professor at Clemson University (USA). However, he declined the offer and chose to return to Vietnam because he wanted to contribute to the development of the composite science field in Vietnam and to train the younger generation.

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Duc (6th from left) attends the first meeting of the Science and Training Council of VietnamJapanUniversity in Japan

The first scientist in the composite field

After returning to Vietnam, Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc was entrusted by Professor, Academician Vu Tuyen Hoang, who was then the Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, to take on the responsibility of mobilizing, founding, and becoming one of the first Vice Presidents of the Vietnam Association of Young Scientists & Engineers (2004-2010). 

In his 40 years devoted to the profession, Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc has become one of the pioneering scientists in Vietnam in the field of Mechanics and Composite Materials. At the age of 36 (1999), he was recognized and awarded a patent on the rules of behavior of physical and mechanical characteristics of 3Dm 3-phase composite materials (matrix, particles, and fibers). 

Up to now, he has published over 350 papers and scientific works, including more than 200 papers in reputable international ISI journals.

From 2019 to the present, Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc has consistently been ranked among the top 10,000 most influential scientists in the world and the top 100 leading scientists in the field of Engineering and Technology - ranking 85th in the world in 2023.

For many years, he has been the only Vietnamese working in the country to be ranked as an outstanding scientist in the world in the field of Engineering and Technology by Research.com.

Prof. Dr. Sc. Nguyen Dinh Duc is also one of the few Vietnamese scientists named in the most prestigious ranking - the 100,000 most influential scientists in the world based on lifelong achievements.

Scientist requires passion

Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc shared that his path in science has been filled with numerous difficulties and challenges, lacking in many aspects. The results of today's successes stem from perseverance, enduring determination, as well as support from the university and colleagues.

One of the things that brings him the greatest joy is having built a strong research group, establishing new laboratories, departments, and disciplines at various universities, including the Advanced Materials and Structures Laboratory, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Transportation at the VNU University of Engineering and Technology, and the Civil Engineering Department at Vietnam-Japan University. He contributed to establishing a prestigious scientific field on advanced composite materials at VNU, known within the scientific community both domestically and internationally. As an educator, he has trained many talented and successful students over the years.

According to the professor, young scientific staff are now being systematically trained and provided with opportunities for internships and further education abroad, which allows for high integration capabilities. This is an advantage compared to previous generations.

"I always hope that young people will have perseverance and resilience, not chasing after superficial fame. Engaging in science requires daring to accept setbacks and sacrifices," said Professor Nguyen.