Professor Tran Thanh Van and his wife were awarded the Legion of Honor, Officer rank.

On the afternoon of October 3, at the French Embassy, ​​a ceremony was held to award the Legion of Honor Officer to Professor Tran Thanh Van and his wife - Professor Le Kim Ngoc.

In July 2025, the French President issued a decree to promote the Legion of Honor Officer rank to Professor Tran Thanh Van and Professor Le Kim Ngoc.
This year, the two professors, both 91 years old, are the only married couple to be promoted at the same time.

The Legion of Honor Officer - one of France's highest honors - was awarded to two outstanding French scientists of Vietnamese origin, who are also senior researchers of the French National Agency for Scientific Research (CNRS).

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet awarded the Legion of Honor Officer to Professor Tran Thanh Van and his wife. Photo: Government Information.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said that through the awarding of the Medal, France wants to show its recognition to two professors, young Vietnamese men who came to France to study more than 70 years ago and thanks to their talent and courage, have become two of the most brilliant sons of whom France is especially proud.

The two professors constantly strive to connect researchers, bring generations closer together and help Vietnam and France on the basis of cultivating the common history between the two peoples.

Professor Le Kim Ngoc spoke at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Le Kim Ngoc expressed that this honor was not only for her and her husband but also for all those who have accompanied her up to now.

What is particularly meaningful is that the Medal awarding ceremony was held right on the occasion of the French-Vietnamese Year of Innovation. The two professors also wished the young people to have faith in their dreams, dare to assert themselves and maintain their identity.

Professor Tran Thanh Van, from Quang Binh (now Quang Tri), studied in France since 1953, is a leading expert in atomic physics theory. In 2012, he received the Tate Medal of the American Physical Society.

Professor Le Kim Ngoc, from Vinh Long, also went to France, studied at Sorbonne University from 1953, then did research at the French National Center for Scientific Research. She is famous for her work "Thin cell slices", which is considered a pioneering step for modern plant biotechnology.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/vo-chong-gs-tran-thanh-van-nhan-huan-chuong-bac-dau-boi-tinh-hang-si-quan-2449075.html