Vietnamese scientist wins ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2026
VOV.VN - A Vietnamese scientist has won the top award in the Mid-career Scientist category of the 2026 UL Research Institutes-ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women, announced in Da Nang on October 14 as part of the 90th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-90).
This year’s prize is themed “AI for Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare in ASEAN”, focusing on the application of artificial intelligence in medical imaging and diagnostics, personalised medicine, drug development, digital health, pandemic preparedness and mental health.
Vietnam’s Associate Professor Dr. Ha Thi Thanh Huong’s winning research combines artificial intelligence with biomedical engineering to improve the detection and assessment of neurological and mental health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression and anxiety disorders.
Through her work at the Brain Health Lab, she and her team have developed AI-based tools to analyse brain MRI scans and digital cognitive training solutions for people with mild cognitive impairment. Her research focuses on translating scientific advances into practical applications that can make brain health assessment and care more accessible.
In the Mid-career Scientist category, Dr Latifah Nurahmi of Indonesia received an Honourable Mention. In the Senior Scientist category, Dr Joanne Ngeow of Singapore won the top award, while Dr Wai Yie Leong of Malaysia received an Honourable Mention.
Established in 2014 under the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, the prize recognises scientific achievements, promotes women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), encourages the mentoring of young women scientists and strengthens research cooperation across the region.
Mentoring women in STEM, along with the ability to collaborate and generate impact at the regional level, accounts for a substantial share of the judging criteria, alongside scientific achievements.
This year’s results highlight the contributions of women scientists across ASEAN, including Vietnam, to scientific and technological advancement and the development of solutions that benefit communities.
The 90th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-90) is taking place in Da Nang from October 13-15 with the participation of 250 delegates from science, technology and innovation management agencies across ASEAN, the ASEAN Secretariat, international partners, research institutions and the scientific community.
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VOV.VN - The 21st Meeting of the Board of Advisers to the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-21) took place in Da Nang on October 14, as part of the 90th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-90), hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
