BackStories » Vietnam » Young Vietnamese Scientist Receives UNESCO Women in Science Award

Young Vietnamese Scientist Receives UNESCO Women in Science Award

Alongside 15 others, Nguyen Thi Hiep (second from the left) received an award and was recognized as a young talent for her research on biomedical technology.  

Hiep was recognized last month as an emerging talent in the East Asia-Pacific region by UNESCO-L'oreal's "For Women in Science" (FWIS) program, Tuoi Tre reports. The initiative aims to highlight the achievements of younger women in scientific research and development (R&D).

"I was really surprised and proud, the honor is globally highly selective. I rejoiced to see Vietnam appear in the ceremony," Hiep told the newspaper.

Hiep is a member of the biomedical engineering faculty at Saigon's International University, part of Vietnam National University and was acknowledged for a project launched in 2013 called "A 21st-century first-aid kit," according to UNESCO's press office.

Her ambitious proposal last year succeeded in securing US$20,000 through the annual ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women.

"My current work focuses on biomaterials such as bio-glue, bio-tape and needle-less suturing for wound repair that can be used by patients at home," she told reporters at the ceremony.

The ongoing research involves the development of a smart gel by cross-linking hyaluronic acid, which aids cell proliferation in the human body, and chitosan, a material useful for tissue regeneration. It is capable of delivering microscopic ingredients like nanoparticles for a variety of applications, Tuoi Tre reports.

Her team's goal is to refine the material so it can stop bleeding by absorbing liquids from wounds while erecting a barrier against invading microorganisms. The product aims to be so simple that it can be used in the comfort of one's home. So far, the first-aid gel has performed well in tests using animals such as pigs. 

Despite significant progress in her project, bringing the substance to clinical trials remains a challenge. This is a notoriously expensive yet crucial step in eventually making the product available for public use. However, Hiep told the newspaper that she is determined to make the first-aid-kit commercially available. To that end, she has launched a start-up to develop similar biomaterials.

"My research goal is to study and bring new technologies from developed countries back to Vietnam," she said, "While also launching biomaterials and medicines originating in Vietnam on world markets."

[Photo via Flickr user L'Oréal Corporate Foundation]


Related articles:

- Two Vietnamese Scientists Included in Top 100 Asian Academics List

- Vietnamese Scientist Discovers New Shiitake Species in Central Highlands

- Vietnam's Big Science Competition Wins Ring Hollow to Academics


Related Articles

in Vietnam

$14 Million Approved For Restoration Of Hanoi’s 112-Year-Old Long Biên Bridge

The fate of one of Vietnam’s most beloved and storied structures took another positive turn last week when the government approved a $14 million restoration package for Long Biên Bridge.

in Vietnam

'Amazing Race Vietnam' Apologizes for Challenge Harming Coral Reef

An underwater challenge during this year’s installment of The Amazing Race Vietnam is not sitting well with environmentalists.

in Vietnam

'Engaging With Vietnam' Conference Ruminates on Heritage in Huế

“Living with Heritage, (Re)Creating Heritage: Vietnam and the World” is the title of the 14th Engaging with Vietnam conference, a series of activities including academic panel discussions, keynote tal...

in Vietnam

10 Killed, Over 30 Missing in Central and Northern Vietnam as Storm Son-Tinh Brings Flash Floods

Heavy rains from storm Son-Tinh, which eventually weakened to a tropical depression, have caused flash floods and fatalities in central Vietnam.

in Vietnam

104-Year-Old Great-Great Grandmother Fights Off Robber

Taking advantage of the elderly will inevitably result in some bad karma, a lesson a Dong Nai man quickly learned after attempting to rob Vo Thi Bai, a 104-year-old woman.

in Vietnam

116-Year-Old Recognized As Vietnam's Oldest Man

The Vietnam Record Organization (VRO) has recognized 116-tear-old Y'N Dong of Đắk Nông Province as the country’s oldest man, reports Vietnam Net.

Partner Content