Professor Phung Ho Hai, a Vietnamese mathematician, has been honored with the prestigious Humboldt Research Award from Germany. The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) announced on 16/4 that this recognition from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation celebrates scientists with significant achievements across many fields.

The foundation grants the award to a maximum of 100 individuals annually. Each prize, valued at 80,000 EUR (approximately 2,5 billion VND), includes an invitation to Germany for research collaboration with top scientific institutions.

According to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Professor Phung Ho Hai received the award based on the nomination from Professor Christopher Deninger, a mathematician at Münster University, Germany.

Professor Phung Ho Hai. Photo: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

Professor Phung Ho Hai, 56, specializes in algebra and algebraic geometry. He studied at Lomonosov University (Russia), earning his doctoral degree from Munich University (Germany) and a doctor of science degree from Duisburg-Essen University (Germany).

Hai's research focuses on quantum groups, Hopf algebras, and category theory, with many works published in international mathematical journals. In 2006, he received the Von Kaven Award from the German Research Foundation (DFG).

He also actively trains young mathematicians and promotes international scientific cooperation. Before returning to Vietnam, he worked and taught at prestigious research institutions in Germany and other countries.

In 2012, he was recognized as a professor and became the first Vietnamese elected as a Young Affiliate of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). From 2017 to 2022, he directed the Institute of Mathematics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, while also serving as General Secretary of the Vietnam Mathematical Society.

VAST considers Professor Phung Ho Hai's Humboldt Research Award a recognition of Vietnam's rising position in basic science globally. It also opens avenues for deeper research cooperation between Vietnam and Germany.

Established in 1860, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is named after the eminent German explorer and scientist. This renowned German non-profit fosters international scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Duong Tam