A year after being honored at the VinFuture ceremony, Professor Khush continues to dedicate himself to science, providing invaluable support to young researchers in rice studies. As the 2024 VinFuture Award ceremony is near, he shares insights into the award’s impact on fostering scientific research and addressing global challenges.

“VinFuture is a source of inspiration for my scientific endeavors”

– Professor, your research has had a profound impact on the lives of millions in developing countries. As a recipient of the VinFuture Prize, an international award initiated by a developing country that is also a leading rice exporter, what are your thoughts and emotions?

Prof. Khush: I am deeply honored and privileged to receive this award, especially as it is the first prize of its kind to be established by a developing country. While many prestigious prizes originate from developed nations or media organizations, this award holds a unique significance. It is a great honor to be recognized in this way, and I am confident that it will contribute to a deeper global understanding of the critical issues highlighted by the VinFuture Prize.

This award has further motivated me to continue my efforts in advancing global food security, a lifelong research focus of mine. With this prestigious recognition from the VinFuture Prize, I am even more inspired to devote my full attention and resources to this critical area. The generous funding provided through this prize will undoubtedly support my ongoing research and continue pursuing solutions for this urgent global issue.

– The VinFuture Prize recognized the impactful work you and Prof. Xuan Vo-Tong accomplished together. How did this recognition offer a meaningful opportunity for you to share the honor with one of your lifelong colleagues?

Prof. Khush: The opportunity to stand alongside Professor Xuan to receive this award was a truly memorable occasion. Collaborating with Professor Xuan for four decades has been a profound honor. Together, we made significant contributions to the field of food security by developing disease- and insect-resistant rice varieties. Our partnership was instrumental in addressing food security challenges both in Vietnam and globally. I cherished the privilege of working with such a distinguished scholar. I always maintained a strong association with him through discussions about rice. Professor Xuan’s absence is deeply felt, by the scientific community and myself.

Collaborating with such an exceptional and intellectually gifted colleague from another country was a truly rewarding experience. This partnership serves as an excellent example of successful international collaboration in addressing global challenges. This experience was both enjoyable and immensely rewarding.

– What are your current research interests, and how do you envision these areas contributing to advancements in agriculture or addressing global food security challenges?

Prof. Khush: I am 90 years old and have retired after dedicating over 60 years of my life to scienctific research. Thus I no longer lead research projects but I continue to devote my time to mentoring and supporting younger scientists.

Nurturing the next generation of researchers is essential for preparing them  for addressing global challenges.  I participate in conferences and symposia and engage in discussions with young researchers and share my own experiences with them.

I believe that research is the key to unlocking new knowledge for advancement of humanity. As long as I am able, I will continue to dedicate myself to the pursuit of knowledge.

Accelerate solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges

– How do you view the role of VinFuture in fostering a collaborative environment for scientific innovation, particularly in bridging the gap between developed and developing countries?

Prof. Khush: VinFuture Prize’s decision to award prizes to scientists  from developing countries is admirable as it will help bridge the gap between developed and developing countries which is the central goal of the VinFuture Prize. By recognizing and honoring the scientists who have have made a significant impact on the lives of millions, the prize motivates researchers from diverse nations and backgrounds to work together, for the  benefit of global  community.

– In terms of fostering innovation and tackling global challenges, what sets the VinFuture Prize apart and makes it so impactful?

Prof. Khush: By highlighting its award recipients, the VinFuture Prize can draw the attention of the scientific community to the critical issues facing the world such as climate change, poverty, energy crisis, misinformation and cyber security. Moreover, by focusing its awards on these areas, the VinFuture Prize can raise global awareness of the pressing challenges being addressed. The previous year’s awards showcased the VinFuture Prize’s commitment to recognizing research in areas of paramount importance to the world community.

Increased global recognition of the VinFuture Prize will undoubtedly attract more scientists to work in these critical areas, further advancing progress and innovation and continuing to address critical global challenges.

– Thank you Professor.