Professor Friend, Chair of the VinFuture Prize Council, introduced the prize as a new set of awards that recognizes the impact of fundamental advances in science and engineering in improving lives and sustainability globally. As Professor Friend stated, “We do want as many nominations as possible, both within areas that are obviously recognized but also those that have yet to be recognized, to enable the VinFuture Prize to have the largest pool of opportunities where there is that magic of fundamental advance but pull through to meaningful changes in the everyday lives of people around the whole world.”

Professor Alta Schutte believes that the VinFuture Prize’s focus on impact and meaningful change sets it apart from other awards. She noted that some Nobel Prize winners’ fundamental discoveries have not necessarily benefited millions of people, the VinFuture Prize aims to recognize discoveries that have already impacted people across the world, not just in one country. Examples of such discoveries include the mRNA vaccine and the global network technology, which have had a significant global impact.

The VinFuture Prize also acknowledges the potential for further change and innovation in emerging fields, as well as the contributions of female innovators, and those from developing countries. Professor Schutte believes that the VinFuture Prize will have a positive impact on the scientific community and society as a whole by capacity building and collaboration through science dialogues and events. As she said, “It’s quite an exciting event in that respect.”

Overall, both esteemed members of the VinFuture Prize councils believe that the VinFuture Prize is a unique set of awards that recognizes the significance of fundamental advances in science and engineering and their impact in improving lives and sustainability worldwide.

The nomination portal for the 2023 VinFuture Prize will close at 14:00 (GMT+7) on May 15th, 2023. Nominators can submit their nominations at https://online.vinfutureprize.org/nomination