Nobel Laureate Highlights the Harmony of Science and Technology at International Conference in Vietnam
Gia Lai Province, October 7, 2025 – Renowned French physicist Professor Serge Haroche, co-recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, emphasized the essential harmony between basic science and technological progress during his keynote address at the international conference titled “100 Years of Quantum Physics”, held in Quy Nhơn Nam Ward, Gia Lai Province.
The four-day event, which commenced on Tuesday, celebrates the United Nations-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), marking a century since the birth of quantum science. Over 80 distinguished professors, scientists, and research fellows from 14 countries and 60 top-performing Vietnamese students gathered to explore the strides made in quantum physics and its ongoing impact on technology.
A Symbiotic Relationship: Science and Technology
Professor Haroche underscored that true advancement in technology is rooted firmly in basic science. “Basic science is the fertile ground upon which applications spring, often in unexpected ways," he remarked. Reflecting on the century of quantum physics, he noted that numerous modern inventions—including computers, lasers, GPS systems, mobile phones, and MRI machines—could not have existed without the fundamental understanding of atoms, molecules, and photons developed through basic research.
He praised Vietnam’s commitment to quantum technologies, expressing optimism about the country’s strategic plans to advance its economy through science. “We have learned that the Vietnamese Government wishes to develop quantum technologies as part of a broader economic strengthening effort. We wish Vietnam great success,” he added.
Vietnam’s Growing Scientific Landscape
Vietnam boasts a rich pool of eager young scientists, coupled with growing governmental support. Professor Haroche emphasized the need for robust education at the elementary and high school levels, alongside sustained infrastructure and financial backing from both government and private sectors. “A substantial part of this support should go to basic science because one cannot predict which discoveries will lead to breakthroughs,” he said.
The conference also served to honor Professor Haroche for his pioneering contributions to quantum physics. He is the 19th Nobel Laureate to visit Gia Lai since the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) was established in 2013 by Vietnamese-French professors Trần Thanh Vân and Lê Kim Ngọc.
ICISE’s Role and Vietnam’s Scientific Ambitions
Professor Trần Thanh Vân highlighted ICISE’s mission to serve as a hub for international scientific exchange, fostering collaboration in a relaxed environment that stimulates innovation. This year’s conference coincides with a pivotal shift in Vietnam’s national science policy following the introduction of Resolution 57 in December 2024 by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, which places science and technology at the heart of national development.
“The hope is that Vietnamese scientists can pursue research domestically without going abroad, attract overseas talent back home, and invite leading global experts to support scientific growth,” said Professor Vân.
National Commitment to Science and Technology
Vietnam’s Resolution No 57-NQ/TW identifies quantum technology as one of eleven critical priority fields, alongside artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. This move reinforces Vietnam’s commitment to building a knowledge- and technology-driven economy that embraces digital transformation and supports interdisciplinary scientific development.
Deputy Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, Lâm Hải Giang, lauded this commitment as a strategic investment in comprehensive scientific progress, including basic, applied, and interdisciplinary research.
Celebrating a Century of Quantum Science
Professor Nguyễn Quang Liêm, President of the Vietnam Physical Society, reflected on quantum science’s revolutionary journey since its origins a century ago. He praised the foundational figures such as Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg, and Schrödinger for redefining our understanding of nature and enabling profound technological advances.
“This conference demonstrates the power of collaboration and the vast potential of quantum science to benefit global society,” said Professor Liêm.
Distinguished Presenters and Expansive Topics
The conference program includes more than 40 scientific presentations from world-leading experts covering diverse areas such as quantum optics, quantum communication, computation, condensed matter physics, high-precision spectroscopy, cold atom research, quantum mechanics theory, quantum cosmology, and quantum technologies relevant to energy production.
Notable speakers include Professor Hans Bachor (Australian National University), Professor John Doyle (Harvard University), Professor Alberto Bramati (Sorbonne University and National University of Singapore), Professor Michel Brune (Collège de France), Professor Arno Rauschenbeutel (Humboldt University of Berlin), Professor Vahid Sandoghdar (Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light), and many others.
The “100 Years of Quantum Physics” conference in Gia Lai Province not only honors a century of pioneering science but also embodies the vision of a future where science and technology advance hand in hand, fostering innovation and societal progress both within Vietnam and globally.
— Vietnam News Service
