Vietnam-France Cooperation: Journey of Scientific Creation and Reaching the Universe

On the morning of September 24, the French Embassy in Vietnam in collaboration with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology organized a seminar "Intersectional perspective from the universe: Journey, creativity and cooperation between France and Vietnam".

President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology Jean Marc Lavet delivered the opening speech at the seminar. (Photo: To Duyen)

Attending the program were Mr. Olivier Brochet, French Ambassador to Vietnam; Mr. Jean Marc Lavet, Rector of Hanoi University of Science and Technology; Ms. Claudie Haigneré, the first French female astronaut to fly into space; Mr. Jean-Pierre Haigneré, French Air Force pilot and former astronaut of the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES) and lecturers and students of Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

In his opening speech, President of the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi Jean Marc Lavet expressed his honor to welcome distinguished guests from France and Vietnam. He emphasized that universities are centers of knowledge, the “heart” of science and technology, and at the same time the place to train the young generation to shoulder the mission of development. The University of Science and Technology of Hanoi is a testament to the effective cooperation between Vietnam and France in the fields of education and culture.

According to Rector Lavet, the event with the participation of scientists, politicians and international influential figures not only brought students inspirational stories, but also affirmed the significance of international cooperation in promoting knowledge and creativity. He expected students to take advantage of the opportunity to learn, exchange, nurture aspirations and confidently integrate globally.

Take risks, surpass yourself

On July 16, 1969, NASA's Apollo 11 mission first landed a man on the Moon, marking "a small step for man" but "a giant leap for mankind". That historic moment ignited Claudie Haigneré's passion for science fiction and her dream of conquering space. She began her career as a rheumatologist at Cochin Hospital (Paris), but then in 1985 she was recruited by the French National Center for Space Research. astronaut selection

As the only female candidate selected, Ms. Haigneré became the first French woman to fly into space in 1996, opening a journey of commitment to space science research.

Claudie Haigneré was the first French female astronaut to fly into space. (Photo: To Duyen)

Sharing about the process of participating in the project, Ms. Haigneré said that scientists had to prepare very carefully on Earth, build strict procedures and simulate many different situations. However, in a zero gravity environment, the requirements are much more stringent. Laboratories must rely on orbits that allow them to directly conduct many studies that previously could only be brought back to Earth, such as cell culture or biological data analysis. This is an important step forward, helping to save time and improve accuracy.

According to the female astronaut, these experiments have made important contributions to science, especially in medicine and biology, helping humanity better understand the changes of the human body in the space environment, thereby opening up directions for the development of new treatment methods, preparing for other missions in the future.

In addition, Ms. Haigneré especially emphasized the role of the younger generation, especially female students, in nurturing a passion for science and boldly entering new fields such as aerospace. The scientist encouraged young people not only to stop at dreams, but also to proactively seek opportunities, participate in research projects and join hands to build international initiatives; at the same time, sent a message to female students: Be confident in accepting challenges, because determination will affirm your position in the scientific community. According to her, the diversity in approaches and contributions of both men and women will open up many new directions, bringing richer and more sustainable solutions for human development.

In her sharing, Ms. Haigneré pointed out that young people do not need to follow ideal models, but rather know how to find their own path, nurture their dreams and dare to make them come true. Sometimes, the precious thing is not the destination, but the journey of pursuing dreams - where each person accumulates experience, matures and learns many profound lessons. The female astronaut encouraged the younger generation to focus on building relationships based on trust, cultural understanding and respect for differences, thereby opening the door to diverse and sustainable cooperation.

Claudie Haigneré on her first flight into space in 1996. (Source: ESA)

In particular, when asked about the source of motivation that helps her overcome difficulties, Ms. Haigneré shared that she always keeps in mind the saying: “Take care and take time - Know how to take care of yourself, take time to prepare, dare to accept risks and overcome yourself. Failure can happen, but from it we learn a lot of things.”

According to her, it is careful preparation, the ability to independently handle emergency situations and a steadfast spirit that helps astronauts overcome challenges. Today, modern technology supports more, but human will and courage are still the decisive factors to conquer journeys in outer space.

In addition, sharing with reporters of the World and Vietnam Newspaper , Ms. Claudie Haigneré emphasized the importance of international cooperation in many fields, including aerospace. Cooperation will create opportunities for Vietnam to access technology, experience and multidimensional perspectives. The female scientist also noted that the young generation is an important factor, which needs to be facilitated in creative research to come up with many ideas to contribute to the development of Vietnam's aerospace industry.

Claudie Haigneré is a rheumatologist, researcher and astronaut, the first French woman to fly in space (space missions in 1996 and 2001), and the first European woman to set foot on the International Space Station ISS.

Ms. Haigneré served as French Minister of Research (2002-2004) and Minister in charge of European Affairs (2004-2005). She headed the Universcience system and its two affiliated scientific centers (Discovery Power and Science City) for 6 years (2009-2015). In the European Space Agency (ESA), as advisor to the Director General, she focused on European space policy and the lunar exploration programs until 2020.

As a member of the French Institute of Technology (Académie des Technologies), she contributes to many working groups specializing in innovation and is considered an inspirational figure, especially in encouraging young people and women to pursue science and technology.

Overview of the discussion. (Photo: To Duyen)

To love the Earth more

Accompanying his wife on the journey to explore space, Mr. Jean-Pierre Haigneré, former astronaut of CNES and husband of Mrs. Claudie Haigneré, said that the aerospace field is always associated with great challenges, requiring careful preparation and a steadfast spirit. From researching zero gravity environments, recycling water sources on spacecraft, to protecting astronauts' health with specialized exercises, all are proof of the constant efforts of humans in adapting to harsh conditions outside of Earth.

Mr. Jean-Pierre Haigneré, former astronaut of CNES, affirmed that the Vietnam-France cooperation relationship is increasingly being strengthened and expanded, in which aerospace is a bright spot. (Photo: To Duyen)

Experiments in space, according to the former astronaut, not only help medicine better understand the human body's ability to adapt and evolve, but also open up new directions in solving global problems, from health care to technology development. In addition, satellite data plays an increasingly important role, helping to monitor sea level rise, observe climate change and forecast natural disasters. Direct experience from orbit, witnessing pollution, the decline of the Amazon forest or atmospheric changes, has made Mr. Haigneré more aware of the urgency of protecting the blue planet, which is the only home of humanity.

"On the second flight, we saw South Africa, saw rising sea levels, saw forest fires in the Amazon... These are things that cannot be seen on the ground," he pointed out.

In addition, Mr. Haigneré emphasized that the Vietnam-France cooperation relationship is being increasingly strengthened and expanded, in which aerospace has become a bright spot demonstrating the depth of scientific cooperation and strategic diplomacy between the two countries.

Over the years, the two sides have implemented joint cooperation programs, from using satellite data to monitor the atmosphere and forecast climate change, to developing small satellites and building a control center in Vietnam.

Accordingly, France is ready to accompany Vietnam in human resource training, technology transfer and international cooperation expansion. This is not only scientific support, but also a demonstration of long-term diplomatic commitment, laying the foundation for the two countries to jointly promote the space science industry in the present and the future.

The former astronaut also mentioned the role of the young generation of Vietnam, and stated that the dynamism, creativity and progressive spirit of young people will be an important driving force for the Southeast Asian country to go further in the field of aerospace, while contributing to the common development of humanity.

Delegates take souvenir photos with students of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. (Source: French Embassy in Vietnam)

During Mr. and Mrs. Haigneré's working visit to Vietnam, Vietnam will join the SCO Earth Observatory (SCO) project through the signing ceremony of the SCO Commitment by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Following this signing ceremony, the fifth summer course on Earth Observation will be held from October 13-17 at the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (Quy Nhon).

The course is one of the activities of the Vietnam-France Innovation Year, hosted by the French Embassy, ​​focusing on ocean observation. The event is linked to the United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC-3) taking place in Nice (France) in June 2025, where the Vietnamese delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh actively contributed to the overall success.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hop-tac-viet-phap-hanh-trinh-sang-tao-khoa-hoc-va-cham-toi-vu-tru-328716.html