Dr Nguyen Thi Hiep introduces her work (Photo: VNA)Paris (VNA) – Dr Nguyen Thi Hiep was selected to be part of theInternational Rising Talents Programme of the L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women InScience Awards, which were presented on March 21 in Paris, France.
Sheis the second Vietnamese female scientist to receive the grant.
Hiepis a lecturer of TissueEngineering and Regenerative Medicine Orientation in the Biomedical EngineeringDepartment of the International University of Vietnam National Universities -Ho Chi Minh City.
Her work focuses on biomaterialssuch as bio-glue, bio-tape and needleless suturing for wound repair that can beused by patients at home.
Her most recent project involves thedevelopment of a gel that is mainly formed by cross-linking hyaluronic acid(which contributes significantly to cell proliferation and migration) andchitosan (useful in tissue regeneration). It can carry other ingredients suchas silver and curcumin nano-particles for different uses.
Her team is currently testing the gel tomaximise safety and performance. The goal is a product that can be appliedpromptly on wounds, helps eliminate bacteria and promotes rapid tissue regeneration.When applied, the gel will form a membrane to stop bleeding, absorb liquid fromthe wound and prevent infection from microorganisms.
With the award, Hiep said her goal is to bring biomaterials and medicinesoriginating in Vietnam to the world. She has just launched a start-up todevelop commercially viable biomaterials and is committed to developingresearch capacity in Vietnam.
On the occasion, she encouraged Vietnamesefemale scientists to continue their passion for research, contributing more forthe country.
Every year, 15 outstanding young researchersare identified as the future of science among the winners of the 275Fellowships awarded worldwide.
These rising talents receive an additionalgrant, giving them greater visibility among the international scientificcommunity.
The awards were granted by the For Women in ScienceProgramme, launched by the L’Oreal Group and UNESCO in 1998.
The L'Oreal-UNESCO partnership is a long-termcommitment to recognising women in science and supporting scientific vocations.
The Women in Science has grown into a global programmethat includes international, regional and national fellowships and aninternational network of more than 2,000 women in more than 100 countries.-VNA
