VinFuture Prize 2025, themed “Rising and Thriving,” marks its fifth year at a time organisers say scientific breakthroughs are needed to confront large-scale global challenges, particularly those affecting vast populations.

According to the VinFuture Foundation, the 2025 awards drew more than 1,700 nominations from over 70 countries and territories, 2.8 times the first year, signalling growing recognition from the international scientific community.

Founded in 2020 to promote research serving humanity’s long-term well-being, VinFuture has recently gained global attention for the alignment between its laureates and subsequent Nobel Prize winners. Four research groups recognised by VinFuture in previous editions later received Nobel Prizes, a development members of the Pre-Screening Committee said demonstrates the prize’s scientific foresight and growing international credibility.

Although the foundation is young, it listens closely to the scientific community. That is why submissions have risen sharply, said Nguyen Thuc Quyen, professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

She added that the committee now faces greater difficulty selecting winners from an increasingly strong pool of candidates.

Argentina’s Professor Ana Belén Elgoyhen, a member of the Pre-Screening Committee, said the correlation with subsequent Nobel honours underscores the prize’s prestige. VinFuture has been ahead in identifying exceptional minds. That makes it a very distinguished prize, she said.

Ahead of the awards ceremony, Hanoi has hosted a science-focused event series from December 2–6, including panel discussions across 10 leading Vietnamese universities. Topics discussed revolved around artificial intelligence, health care, sustainable agriculture, and emerging technologies.

Professor Raymond Kai-yu Tong of the University of Hong Kong (China) said the event offered Vietnamese scientists valuable exposure to global trends. Bringing international experts to Vietnam, he noted, could inspire young researchers and expand future collaboration.

Richard Henry Friend, chair of the VinFuture Prize Council, said the experience of seeing world-class research in Vietnam creates a strong catalyst for its scientific community. He described Vietnam as increasingly proactive in applying science and technology to social development, education and economic growth.

Direct contact with leading innovators can inspire strong belief among the younger generation that they can achieve great things, Friend said.

The awards ceremony will combine international scientific honouring with performances, including an appearance by 17-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys. The organisers said her music reflects resilience and hope, complementing the year’s theme focused on global shared progress.

Vietnamese artist Duc Phuc who was the winner of Intervision 2025, will also present a performance blending modern music with traditional Vietnamese cultural elements to highlight a country seeking deeper integration into global innovation and culture.

The organisers said the ceremony will reflect VinFuture’s five-year journey from aspiration to global impact, emphasising that sustainable development depends on shared knowledge and collective scientific advancement.

17-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys to stir VinFuture Prize Award stage

VOV.VN - Alicia Keys, the 17-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, is set to deliver a special performance at the 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony, taking place at the Ho Guom Opera House in Hanoi on the evening of December 5.