Celebrating Women in Science
On March 8, during a ceremony at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Kovalevskaia Prize by honoring two remarkable female scientists with the 2024 awards.
Recognized Leaders in Science
This year’s distinguished recipients are:
- Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Minh Tan, Director of the Institute for Research and Development of Natural Compounds, and lecturer at the School of Chemical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
- Associate Professor Dr. Dang Thi My Dung, Deputy Director of the Institute for Nanotechnology at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Kovalevskaia Prize: A Testament to Women’s Contributions
Named after renowned Russian mathematician Sophia Kovalevskaia (1850-1891), the Kovalevskaia Prize honors the invaluable contributions of female scientists in the natural sciences. This award underscores their pivotal research and its practical applications, which have significantly benefited Vietnamese institutions and industries, realizing technology contracts worth billions of dong.
The Essential Role of Women
In his address, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh accentuated the crucial role women play in family, community, and national progression. He expressed pride in how Vietnamese women continuously strive for excellence, significantly contributing to the country’s development and economic growth.
Advancements in Gender Equality
Vietnam is recognized as one of the pioneering nations in achieving the Millennium Development Goals regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment. The 2024 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum ranked Vietnam 72nd out of 146 countries, an impressive climb of 11 positions since 2022.
Female Leadership in Government
Women’s representation in governmental roles is also on the rise, with female members making up over 30% of the National Assembly during the 2021-2026 term, placing Vietnam among the leaders in the Asia-Pacific region.
Women in Science and Technology
In the field of science and technology, female intellectuals have made incredible strides, gaining both national and international recognition. From 2019 to 2024, 601 women were appointed professors or associate professors, representing 21.5% of all academic promotions during this timeframe.
A Legacy of Recognition
The Kovalevskaia Prize has established itself as the first national-level award dedicated to honoring female scientists and has played a significant role in motivating Vietnamese women in the sciences. With four decades of prestige, it is a celebrated recognition within the scientific community.
Encouraging Future Generations
Prime Minister Chinh congratulated the awardees, acknowledging their hard work and resilience. “Their achievements showcase the intellect, innovation, and determination of Vietnamese female scientists,” he remarked.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister called on government entities and research organizations to enhance support for women in science, technology, and innovation. He stressed the importance of equitable access to scientific resources and opportunities, particularly in areas like digital transformation and research commercialization.
Fostering an Inclusive Environment
Vietnam is dedicated to nurturing an environment where female scientists can excel, contributing to technological progress and national development in line with the Politburo’s Resolution 57.
