EduAsiaNews, Viet Nam – Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), in collaboration with the VinFuture Foundation, hosted VinFuture InnovaConnect 2026 under the theme “Catalyzing Innovation in Chemistry and Drug Discovery,” bringing together scientists from Viet Nam and abroad with domestic researchers, faculty members, and students.
An overview of VinFuture InnovaConnect 2026.
At the event, Prof. David MacMillan discussed asymmetric organocatalysis and the development of methods that use organic molecules as catalysts to enable more efficient, safer and more sustainable synthetic processes. He also presented advances in visible-light photoredox catalysis and its potential applications in chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical development.
Alongside his scientific insights, Prof. MacMillan reflected on the role of education in his own life and that of his family. He described education as a “passport” to opportunities in the wider world and encouraged young people to persevere in their pursuit of knowledge and their passions.
Prof. David MacMillan, the 2021 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, speaks at the event.
Prof. Thanh Vinh Nguyen delivered a presentation entitled “From Fundamental Discovery to Translational Impact: A Two-Way Journey from Our Laboratory,” exploring the reciprocal relationship between fundamental research and practical applications. He introduced research directions in organocatalysis, asymmetric synthesis and bioactive molecules for pharmaceutical and biomedical chemistry research.
Assoc. Prof. Doan Le Hoang Tan presented research on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covering their design, synthesis and functionalization, as well as potential applications in drug delivery, cancer treatment, sensing, catalysis and environmental remediation.
Following the presentations, the three speakers engaged in a discussion and answered questions from school students, university students and scientists on chemistry research, drug discovery, new materials and the prospects for translating laboratory findings into practical applications.
The speakers engage with participants during the question-and-answer session.
Through the event, VNUHCM and the VinFuture Foundation sought to strengthen connections between Viet Nam’s scientific community and international scientists and experts in chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. The program also aimed to share research findings in modern catalysis, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, and to accelerate partnership among universities, research institutes and industry.
