Vietnam’s young minds reach for frontiers of science

Organized by the Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation (HLFF) with the support from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU), the annual event connects some of the brightest young researchers with the world’s most distinguished laureates, recipients of the Abel Prize, Fields Medal, ACM A.M. Turing Award, and Nevanlinna Prize.

Each year, around 200 young scientists from more than 50 countries are invited to join lectures, discussions, and cultural exchanges designed to spark inspiration, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary innovation.

This year, Vietnam was proudly represented by Nguyen Hai Ly, 23, a graduate in computer science from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, an Ivy League university in the U.S., and Le Xuan Hoang, 22, a mathematics graduate of the honors program at the University of Science under Vietnam National University-Hanoi.

At the Heidelberg Laureate Forum, young researchers and world-class laureates share not only their scientific pursuits but also their personal stories.

For Ly, the most memorable part was the dinners where people dove deep into knowledge and were remarkably open-minded.

“No one laughed at naive questions," Ly recalled. 

"That openness gave me the confidence to ask freely and express ideas without fear of being judged.” 

For Hoang, what stood out was the interactive design of every activity.

“We were encouraged to talk, connect, and learn from one another before diving into science," he said.

"That made the academic atmosphere warm and engaging."

The event offered each participant a chance to meet with the great minds of their fields.

Hoang recalled an unforgettable talk with Professor Leslie Lamport, a Turing Award laureate in computer science.

“It helped me understand the deeper meaning of mathematical proofs," Hoang recollected. 

"Contrary to stereotypes, many top professors are not distant but warm, humorous, and deeply human.”

Meanwhile, Ly cherished lessons from Jeff Dean, a senior fellow at Google Research.

“Set the right problem, be patient in building systems and data foundations so others can go further, and always communicate ideas clearly, even when they’re complex,” she said.

Both young researchers agree that scientific excellence depends not only on talent but also on a supportive ecosystem.

“Countries like Germany or South Korea fund long-term research without demanding quick returns, while the U.S. invests heavily in infrastructure so scientists can focus on discovery,” said Ly.

Hoang added, “Peers from Belgium and Ghana showed me how equality in education and a daily reading culture can foster lifelong curiosity.”

After HLF, Ly plans to share her experiences through talks with Vietnamese students in both the U.S. and Vietnam.

“I want to encourage more young women in computer science and mathematics," Ly said.

"I also write a blog to inspire others to apply for international opportunities.”

For Hoang, the forum marks the beginning of a new academic journey. 

He is currently preparing applications for PhD programs in the U.S., skipping the master's level.

"This is my chance to continue exploring mathematics and collaborate with international researchers I met at HLF," he said.

In international settings like the Heidelberg Laureate Forum, young scientists are encouraged to question assumptions, challenge conventions, and share ideas freely, qualities as vital as technical expertise.

They noted that breakthroughs often emerge at the intersection of disciplines, where diverse perspectives converge.

Unlike the tendency to specialize narrowly, many young researchers abroad embrace interdisciplinary thinking, connecting ideas across fields to spark discoveries.

Engaging with peers from around the world also offers lasting opportunities for collaboration.

Shared research interests can grow into joint projects, extending the spirit of the forum far beyond its closing ceremony.

For women in science, such spaces hold even deeper meaning.

The forum fosters solidarity among female researchers, inspiring one another to overcome barriers in male-dominated fields.

Diversity, they believe, is not something to be corrected but celebrated, a driving force that keeps science evolving.