The Mathematische Zeitschrift journal published an article titled "Liouville–type results for infinity elliptic equations involving gradient and Hardy–Henon nonlinearities" late last month.

According to Scimago, this Q1 journal, established in 1918, represents the most prestigious ranking in its field. It focuses on high-quality research articles from various areas of pure and applied mathematics.

The article's main authors are Khuu Tan Dat, a recent graduate of Ton Duc Thang University, and Huynh Trung Hieu, a fourth-year student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. They conducted the research under the guidance of Associate Professor Vo Hoang Hung from Saigon University, as part of the 'Research Experience for Undergraduates' (REU) summer program, organized by the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) late last year.

"This is a great joy in my student journey," Dat said.

Tan Dat (left) and Trung Hieu (right). Photo: Contributed

Associate Professor Vo Hoang Hung assessed the two students' research as academic, contributing to the expansion of mathematical knowledge with potential applications in physics. He conceived this research direction in 2022, basing it on his previous works.

At the summer program, after one week of lectures, students registered to work with instructors whose research interests aligned. Dat and Hieu, both interested in analysis, were guided by their mentor on the reasoning process and how to approach problems directly when researching and presenting results. They then conducted further self-study and development.

Dat found the research direction set by their mentor very challenging, as the two students' mathematics knowledge from high school and university was foundational. Both dedicated significant time to reading and researching to update their knowledge. The three, mentor and students, focused intensely for over 3 months, often discussing until midnight to meet deadlines.

As a result, the research won first prize in the program and was evaluated by VIASM as "excellent" in quality.

According to Associate Professor Hung, programs like REU provide opportunities for excellent students to meet professors from both within Vietnam and internationally, serving as a bridge for them to engage with important mathematical problems. He added that working with talented young people also allows mathematicians to contribute to training the next generation.

"This is a special opportunity to learn, connect, and receive dedicated guidance from leading experts," Dat commented.

Associate Professor Hung hopes the two students' results will be a solid foundation for them to continue pursuing their passion, aiming to solve more challenging problems in mathematics. In the long term, he hopes young people will produce excellent works within the country.

Before this research, Dat had previously published an article in a Q3 journal under the guidance of Associate Professor Tran Minh Phuong and Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Nhan. Hieu, meanwhile, won first prize in analysis and second prize in algebra at the 2023 Student Mathematics Olympiad.

Khanh Linh