A seven-minute film, screened from 23/7 to 30/7 as part of the ICM Thought Leadership Film Series – a collection of short documentaries – will showcase exemplary models from the international mathematics community.
The Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) announced that this marks the first time a story from Vietnam's mathematics community has been selected. Professor Ngo Bao Chau, the scientific director, Associate Professor Le Minh Ha, the executive director, along with several other prominent Vietnamese mathematicians, share their insights in the film.
The film explores how Vietnam has cultivated its mathematics research community despite significant limitations, including a shortage of successors, brain drain, and an inadequate environment for professional research, even with the nation's strong performance in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Following Professor Ngo Bao Chau's Fields Medal, VIASM received investment to become a central connecting hub for Vietnam's entire mathematics ecosystem. Its three objectives are: to enhance research quality; to train and foster future mathematicians; and to promote the application of mathematics.
Operating on an open model without a permanent research staff, the institute invites both domestic and international mathematicians for short-term collaborations. This approach enables VIASM to quickly assemble the right experts for specific research directions, while also integrating Vietnamese doctoral students and young researchers into international cooperation networks.
The institute organizes nearly 100 academic activities each year, connecting mathematicians and organizations across 27 countries and territories.
VIASM views its selection for presentation at the ICM as both recognition and an opportunity to introduce the international scientific community to a distinct approach in scientific development within Vietnam.
Video introducing VIASM's development model at ICM 2026:
Documentary about VIASM at ICM 2026. *Video: VIASM*
VIASM was established in 2010 as part of the National Key Program for Mathematics Development, operating under the Ministry of Education and Training.
The International Congress of Mathematicians is the largest and most prestigious scientific event for the global mathematics community. The ICM is held every four years, bringing together thousands of mathematicians to share groundbreaking work, and it is also where Fields Medal recipients are announced.
Khanh Linh
