French Nobel Laureate inspires Vietnamese youth to embrace science
PSNews - Professor Serge Haroche, the French quantum physicist who won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, sent an inspiring message to Vietnamese youth: “Passion and curiosity are the greatest driving forces. Then, be prepared to adapt to change, because science always opens unexpected paths. Seek an academic environment with mentors who are willing to listen.”
On October 3, at the Vietnam International Innovation Exhibition 2025 (Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park), the National Innovation Center (NIC) and the French Embassy in Vietnam co-hosted a seminar titled “Unlocking Franco–Vietnamese Innovation Potential: Lessons from Nobel Laureate Serge Haroche.” The event attracted a large audience of scientists, scholars, entrepreneurs, and hundreds of young people passionate about science.
Bridging Franco–Vietnamese Scientific Excellence
Speaking at the seminar, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said France invests 48 billion euros annually in research — a commitment that has made it the world’s fourth-largest holder of Nobel Prizes. France currently leads Europe in artificial intelligence investment, with nearly 2 billion euros mobilized in 2024.
“The spirit of French innovation in Vietnam is reflected through a diverse ecosystem of enterprises across sectors, as well as three Franco–Vietnamese universities training future scientists, engineers, managers, and entrepreneurs — all contributing to a dynamic and trustworthy partnership in innovation,” Ambassador Brochet emphasized.
He noted that since the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between France and Vietnam on October 7, 2024, France has launched the France–Vietnam Innovation Year, featuring a series of key events — including this seminar with Professor Serge Haroche, a Nobel laureate and an emblem of French scientific excellence.
Ambassador Brochet highlighted that Professor Haroche’s work exemplifies the importance of fundamental research in addressing today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges, particularly the applications of quantum physics in emerging technologies. The Ambassador expressed hope that Professor Haroche’s insights would inspire a passion for science among Vietnamese students and young researchers.
Fundamental Science: The Foundation of All Breakthroughs
Opening his remarks, Professor Haroche underscored the essential role of fundamental research in addressing humanity’s pressing challenges — from the environment and energy to technological transformation.
“Many people see basic science as a luxury,” he said, “but it is the foundation of all modern applications. Every technology we have today stems from outstanding fundamental research".
Citing the history of science, Haroche recalled how 17th-century thinkers pondered abstract questions such as ‘What is light?’ and ‘What is the nature of matter?’ — inquiries that paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries including electricity, lasers, nuclear magnetic resonance, atomic clocks, and GPS. He reminded the audience that scientific progress often arises from unpredictable connections and serendipitous discoveries.
Turning to Vietnam, Professor Haroche said the country’s political stability offers a solid base for long-term investment in science. He emphasized the need to nurture a generation of young researchers who are curious, creative, and free to explore. “Both the government and businesses should accompany this effort by providing financial support and helping to test and apply scientific findings in real life,” he noted.
When interacting with students, Haroche shared that this was his first visit to Vietnam, but he was already aware of the strong academic spirit among Vietnamese youth, who have achieved impressive results in international science competitions. As quantum technology becomes a defining frontier, he said Vietnam’s advantage lies in fostering “brilliant minds who are deeply grounded in fundamental science and driven by genuine curiosity”.
Reaffirming his lifelong belief, Professor Haroche concluded that basic and applied sciences are inseparable. “Patience in investing in fundamental science,” he said, “is what builds the solid foundation for the technological breakthroughs of the 21st century”.
He once again encouraged young Vietnamese to remain curious and resilient: “Passion and curiosity are the greatest driving forces. Then, be prepared to adapt to change, because science always opens unexpected paths. Seek an academic environment with mentors who are willing to listen”.
Professor Serge Haroche, born in 1944, earned his Ph.D. in 1971 and is currently an honorary professor at the Collège de France. He is renowned for his pioneering research in quantum optics and quantum information science. In 2012, he and his colleague David Wineland were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking experimental methods that enable the measurement and manipulation of individual quantum systems.
Experts describe Haroche as the first scientist to measure changes in a quantum state without destroying the system, proving that humans can observe and control fragile quantum states once thought impossible to handle.
His pioneering experiments have helped move quantum mechanics beyond theoretical boundaries, establishing it as the foundation for future technologies such as quantum computers — which can vastly outperform classical computers — as well as quantum sensors and the quantum internet, a communication network with virtually unbreakable security.
