Prof. Dr. Ngo Kieu Nhi is one of Vietnam’s most distinguished scientists and educators, whose career has spanned more than five decades of research, teaching, and human resource development. At the heart of her life’s work is a profound sense of gratitude toward the generations who sacrificed and worked to build Vietnam, a motivation she describes as the driving force behind her commitment to science. Rather than pursuing recognition or personal achievement, she has viewed scientific research as a way of repaying her country through knowledge and innovation. [
As a lecturer and researcher at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, she specialized in applied mechanics, measurement, control engineering, and automation during a period when women were rare in technical fields. Her work focused on creating practical technologies that could strengthen Vietnam’s industrial capabilities and reduce dependence on imported equipment. Her research team successfully developed measurement and control systems, CNC controllers, and other technologies that were applied in industry and, in some cases, enabled Vietnamese companies to compete internationally.
Her achievements earned prestigious honors, including the Kovalevskaia Award, the State Prize for Science and Technology, and the title of People’s Teacher. Yet she considers her greatest legacy to be the generations of engineers, researchers, and technology leaders she has mentored. Known for her rigor, integrity, and emphasis on practical impact, she has inspired countless students to use science in service of society. Even at 82, she remains actively engaged with Vietnam’s scientific community and continues to support young researchers.