Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van and Professor Le Kim Ngoc received the French Legion of Honor Officer Medal.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van and his wife Le Kim Ngoc.

Attending the ceremony was Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung. The Deputy Prime Minister presented flowers to congratulate Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van and Professor Le Kim Ngoc.

Professor, Doctor of Physics Jean Tran Thanh Van and Professor, Doctor of Biology Le Kim Ngoc have devoted their entire lives, passion and dedication to the development of science , while contributing to strengthening the relationship between France and Vietnam, as well as connecting Vietnam with the world scientific community.

The Legion of Honor Officer is the highest honor of France, awarded to Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van and Professor Le Kim Ngoc to honor the special contributions of the two scientists, and at the same time to show France's appreciation for their great contributions in promoting scientific relations between France and Vietnam.

The two Professors' long-term commitment to science began with the initiative to organize the "Meet Vietnam" Conference, which has been held annually since 1993, bringing together many of the world's leading scientists in the fields of sustainable development science (oceanography, earth observation, biology, medicine), basic science (nuclear physics, astrophysics, mathematics), as well as social sciences and humanities.

All proceeds from this scientific event were reinvested to establish the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), with Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van as Director since 2013.

As a unique initiative, the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) aims to become a major destination for high-profile scientific and academic conferences, attracting researchers from all over the world. This endeavor has been demonstrated by the presence of many Nobel Prize winners and Fields Medalists at the events organized by the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) since its inception.

Not only is it a place of intellectual convergence, the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) also focuses on disseminating scientific culture to the public, especially arousing the passion for research in the young generation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Olivier Brochet emphasized that the awarding of this medal demonstrates France's recognition of the two Professors' research and great contributions to the development of science. He highly appreciated the initiative of the couple Jean Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc, with the desire to develop in Vietnam the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE).

“The International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) will implement scientific projects and serve as a meeting place for scientists from around the world when they come to Vietnam. This initiative is a connection of friendship and scientific cooperation between France and Vietnam,” the Ambassador affirmed.

In addition to their contributions to science, the two professors also devoted much of their time to charitable activities. In 1970, Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van and Professor Le Kim Ngoc founded the Association “Aide à l'Enfance du Vietnam” (Support for Vietnamese Children), and at the same time established the first SOS Children's Village in Vietnam, which became a home for many orphans.

The Legion of Honor (French: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) is the highest medal of the French State. This medal was established by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, to reward individuals or organizations (both civil and military) who have made special contributions to France. Those who are awarded the Legion of Honor will become a member of the Légion d'honneur (honorary army), they are called légionnaires.

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Source: https://nhandan.vn/giao-su-jean-tran-thanh-van-va-giao-su-le-kim-ngoc-nhan-huan-chuong-bac-dau-boi-tinh-bac-si-quan-cua-phap-post912822.html