Brian Jeffrey
| Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and Minister of Science and Technology Huỳnh Thành Đạt (left) present the Tạ Quang Bửu Award to Dr Nguyễn Thị Kim Thanh. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Hiếu |
Dr. Nguyễn Thị Kim Thanh, 46, is affiliated with the Institute of Physics within the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology.
She received recognition for her research titled ‘Thermoelectric transmission in a three-channel Kondo charge circuit,’ published in Physical Review Letters (PRL), a leading journal in physics, relevant to advancements in quantum computing technology.
Professor Mikhail Kiselev, a collaborator on the study, described Thanh’s research as “an elegant masterpiece of modern physics.”
Thanh explained, “This work marks the first comprehensive theory on the three-channel Kondo effect, facilitating the exploration of parafermions and Majorana particles, critical for the understanding of quantum circuit components used in computer technology.”
She noted the successful collaboration with international experts as a testament to the seamless teamwork across borders, which enhances the global standing of Vietnamese science.
Personal Journey
Thanh reflected that her success results from persistent effort and a deep passion for physics.
“I owe my initial opportunities to my parents, who provided a supportive environment for my studies, and to the incredible teachers who guided me. In 2007, I was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics. This allowed me to work alongside Professor Mikhail Kiselev, a leading figure in the Kondo effect research.”
Their partnership has yielded impressive results, culminating in their paper’s submission to PRL in 2019.
Through determination and resilience, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, their work was published, fulfilling a dream for physicists.
This achievement led to Thanh receiving the esteemed Tạ Quang Bửu Award.
Expressing gratitude, she mentioned that Kiselev has been more than a mentor; he is also a close friend.
During her award acceptance speech, Thanh dedicated the honor to her father, who ignited her passion for physics, and emphasized that this accolade fuels her motivation to further pursue her research endeavors.
“I aspire to produce more significant research outcomes in the future, driven largely by the support from the National Fund for Science and Technology Development and various theoretical physics institutions in Việt Nam,” she stated.
Thanh encouraged young individuals to “follow their passions, as true devotion will be reciprocated.”
The Tạ Quang Bửu Award, initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), aims to acknowledge and promote exceptional contributions to research in natural sciences and engineering, fostering the progress of Việt Nam’s scientific landscape.
This award has gained recognition as one of the most prestigious honors within the Vietnamese scientific community, receiving respect both locally and internationally.
The application period for the 2024 award spans from November 2023 to January 2024.
Last year, the MoST received 97 applications across diverse fields, with a significant increase in nominations compared to prior years.
Major General Professor Trần Xuân Nam, Chairman of the Award Council, remarked that each nomination reflected high-quality research, which prompted careful deliberation to select the most deserving recipients.
Over the last decade, the MoST has honored 18 scientists for outstanding scientific contributions and four young scientists, serving as role models and inspiration for the next generation in innovative scientific research and technology advancement. — VNS
