Ton Duc Thang University’s scientist appear in the top 100 Asia scientist in 2020.
Dr. Pham Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Director of the Institute of Genetic and Genetic Research of Ton Duc Thang University, was honored in the field of Agriculture. She is noted for her research on developing salt-tolerant rice varieties through molecular marker selection and dissemination in affected areas of saline conditions in the Mekong Delta. Giao Duc Vietnam reporter has had an interview with the doctorette.
Dr. Pham Thi Thu Ha
R: What was your emotions when you know you are one of three Vietnamese female scientists appear in the top 100 Asia scientist.
Dr. Pham: This was a big surprise to me. I did not know about this until the Dean told me. The event was an encouragement for all the hard work I have put and keeping my passion in the research.
R: Can you share your views on the difficulties in promoting the development of current scientific research projects? How has the place where you are working - Ton Duc Thang University helped you to overcome this difficulty?
Dr. Pham: There are many difficulties in promoting agricultural science. While the demand for new seed sources is very high, in the country, the research, breeding, selection of seeds has been very limited. The production of agriculture in response to climate change has not yet been met. However, the funding only focuses on paying salaries, with very little investment in research and lack of technical and technological investment.
I first heard of Ton Duc Thang University in 2018 when I got my doctorate from Japan. And TDTU is one of a few colleges that conducted research on agricultural varieties such as rice. I was fortunate to meet with the Principal in person and completely overwhelmed by his vision of building an Agricultural Seed Bank for Vietnam.
Dr. Pham with her rice breeds
Three months later, the Project was completed and the Institute of Genetics and Breeding (GRIS) was established. GRIS made it first appearance at the Chinese Rice Blight Conference in China in May 2019. In the same year, we were awarded the L’Oreal Unesco For Women in Science. This support helped us to have a sufficient funding source to not interrupt research.
The results of my research on "Salt tolerance gene screening of rice varieties by molecular marker" have been published in an international journal and invited to participate in the Spanish International Conference of Agriculture in October 2020.
R: From your experience doing research, what is your message to young people when doing research?
Dr. Pham: Researchers must have passion, effort, patience, endurance, even sacrifice. The more qualities you have, the more successful you will be.
Thank you for spending time with us.