VinFuture facilitates innovative collaborative partnerships
– How has this recognition influenced the direction of your research and could you please disclose a little on how the prize funding has supported you to further develop your continued research?
The VinFuture Prize has significantly motivate my research into next-generation battery technology, as well as opened doors to exciting collaborations. Since the Award Ceremony in December 2023, I have prioritized Vietnam for my technology transfer projects, particularly making connections with VinUni University and VinFast.
I have sent a proposal to work with both VinUni and VinFast on implementing the fast-charging technologies, we hope to successfully establish the fastest-charging technologies in the world in Vietnam. This groundbreaking achievement would not only strengthen Vietnam’s position in the global context but also address one of the bottlenecks of the electric mobility industry. I am excited with this collaboration to help Vietnam become a world leader in fast-charging solutions.
– Since the 2023 VinFuture Prize, you have been a valuable partner to the VinFuture Foundation, participating in numerous events and programs. What are your impressions of VinFuture’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration and elevate scientific innovation?
I have participated in numerous events hosted by the VinFuture Foundation, most recently the InnovaTalk webinar in August 2024. It is important to note that we do not only enables fast charging, but also enhances battery safety.
In the electric vehicle and green energy storage sectors, safety is fundamental. Our solution, which is not final, can reduce risks by 50%, even 60% or 80%. Discussions at this webinar indicated that this could be a promising avenue for collaboration with global partners.
Through discussions with VinFast, I can’t think of a better team to bridge the gap between academia and industry. It’s a fantastic setup. Often, we deal with separate entities – one focused on batteries, the other on electric cars. They might not always be on the same page. But here, it’s a unified organization, and that’s the ideal scenario for tech implementation. There’s a clear commitment, both to the technology and to collaboration. I’m confident that the outcomes of these discussions will benefit not just Vietnam, but the entire world, and it starts with the VinFuture Foundation’s impact.
– How do you see the VinFuture Prize acting as a catalyst for guiding Vietnam toward a sustainable future by fostering connections with the international scientific community?
I believe Vietnam has the potential to do what other countries cannot, you are an amazing country. Your people are hard workers, hungry for knowledge. You have exceptional scientists, skilled technologists and engineers, and a very promising market. TheVinFuture Foundation is rapidly bridging the gap between Vietnam’s science and technology and the rest of the world, which facilitates the swift and efficient integration of new technologies, contributing to sustainable development not only for Vietnam but also the global community.
Reinforcing the title “Asia’s Nobel Prize”
– As a previous winner of this prestigious award, what do you see as the most compelling aspects of the VinFuture Prize?
As I understand it, the VinFuture Grand Prize is dedicated to innovations that have an impact on humanity as a whole, not just Vietnam. That’s why I often refer to it as “Asia’s Nobel Prize”. I consider it at the level of Nobel Prize, really – looking at the laureates of recent years, it becomes evident that they are truly Nobel-level scientists.
The selection process, from nominations to the final decision by the Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, is done with professionalism. The nominations are made by the knowledgeable and esteemed experts in the field. These factors have contributed to VinFuture’s growing international prestige, despite being only in its fourth year.
– Considering the world’s current demands for innovation and sustainability, which scientific fields do you predict will be particularly highlighted in the 2024 VinFuture Prize?
So now, if you look at what has changed the world recently, of course, it has to do with the internet-related fields and artificial intelligence. A significant example would be the GPS, which changed the world deliberately. It have been invented more than 30 years ago, just like lithium-ion batteries. I believe there are many inventions that begin like that decades ago, then little by little, they gained in markets and acceptance by the people and become indispensable technologies. Similarly, I think the fusion of the internet and mobile communication could be a worthy recipient of the Grand Prize.
Furthermore, there is a growing interest in safe and sustainable materials within the energy sector. In particular, technologies that can address critical challenges such as battery charging time and safety are crucial for accelerating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and contributing to sustainable development goals.
– Thank you Professor!
