On the evening of October 3 in Hanoi, on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron, the French Embassy in Vietnam held a ceremony to bestow the Officer of the Legion of Honour — one of France’s most prestigious decorations — upon Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van, a physicist, and Professor Le Kim Ngoc, a biologist, both of Vietnamese origin.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Brochet noted that the couple has devoted their entire lives, intellect, and even personal resources to the advancement of science, the promotion of Franco-Vietnamese ties, and the integration of Vietnam into the global scientific community. Both professors were previously knighted with the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in 2000 and 2016.
In an emotional address, Professor Le Kim Ngoc said the recognition was not only a personal honor but also a meaningful tribute to Franco-Vietnamese scientific collaboration. She sent a message to young Vietnamese: “Believe in your dreams, dare to define yourself, and stay true to your identity. Learn to listen and share — only then can we break barriers and spread humanity”.
Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van expressed his gratitude to all who have supported him throughout his career, especially his lifelong partner, Professor Le Kim Ngoc. He encouraged young Vietnamese scholars to persist in pursuing fundamental research, which he described as the cornerstone of future technologies.
The couple’s most remarkable legacy is the founding of the Rencontres du Vietnam conference series in 1993 — an international platform that has brought together hundreds of leading scientists from diverse fields ranging from fundamental sciences to sustainable development and the humanities. All proceeds from these events were reinvested to establish the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) in Quy Nhon, inaugurated in 2013.
A unique initiative in Vietnam, ICISE aims to become a premier venue for high-level scientific and academic conferences, attracting researchers from around the world. Its success is reflected in the participation of numerous Nobel laureates and Fields Medalists in events hosted there. The center also seeks to promote a culture of science among the Vietnamese public, especially by inspiring scientific curiosity among the youth.
Adjacent to ICISE is the Explorascience complex, which features a planetarium and several interactive exhibition halls developed with support from France’s Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the Palais de la Découverte, and the French space agency CNES.
The initiative has received strong backing from both French and Vietnamese authorities, and was notably highlighted during the state visit of Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam to France’s President Emmanuel Macron in May.
Beyond their scientific endeavors, Professors Jean Tran Thanh Van and Professor Le Kim Ngoc have long been devoted to humanitarian work. In 1970, they founded Aide à l’Enfance du Vietnam in France to support underprivileged Vietnamese children. They later helped establish the first SOS Children’s Village in Vietnam, offering homes and hope to countless orphans.
