Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh Awarded France’s Order of Academic Palms

	Cecile Le Pham: Heartfelt Bridge of Compassion between Vietnam and France
	Fostering Science - Technology and Innovation Cooperation between Vietnam and France

On April 10, 2026, at the Embassy of the French Republic in Hanoi, Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh - President of the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) - was honored with the rank of Officier in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, one of the oldest and most distinguished awards recognizing individuals with outstanding contributions to education, science, and the promotion of Francopone culture worldwide.

Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam, delivered remarks. (Photo: USTH)

The medal was presented by Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam, on behalf of the French Government, in recognition of Prof. Mai Thanh’s significant contributions to the establishment and development of USTH, as well as her efforts in promoting educational and research cooperation between Vietnam and France.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Olivier Brochet highlighted the important role of Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh not only as a distinguished scientist, but also as an administrator, diplomat, and visionary leader in higher education. Her journey has been regarded as a strong source of inspiration, contributing to greater participation of women in science and research.

Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam, presented the medal in recognition of the outstanding contributions of Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh. (Photo: USTH)

Notably, being directly awarded the rank of Officier - rather than starting from the Chevalier rank as is customary - demonstrates the French Government’s special recognition and high appreciation of her outstanding contributions.

In her remarks upon receiving the medal, Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh expressed her deep honor, affirming that the award is not only a personal recognition but also a testament to the enduring cooperation between the education systems of Vietnam and France.

Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Mai Thanh spoke at the ceremony. (Photo: USTH)

Her connection with France began in 1994, when she joined research cooperation programs in the field of materials science and received a French Government scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree, followed by a PhD at Paris VI University. After returning to Vietnam, she continued to actively contribute to joint research projects between Vietnam and France, before being entrusted by the President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology with a management role at USTH from 2016.

Under her leadership over nearly a decade, USTH has achieved remarkable development, becoming a typical model of French higher education cooperation abroad, while affirming its role as a symbol of the friendship between Vietnam and France.

She also emphasized her commitment to further strengthening close cooperation with French partners, especially universities and research institutes within the USTH Consortium, aiming to develop USTH into one of the leading institutions in Vietnam in science and technology, and gradually advance into the top 200 universities in Asia in the coming years.

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