On September 29, 2026, the VinFuture InnovaConnect 2026 Program was held at the University of Danang - University of Science and Technology (UD-DUT), providing an opportunity for researchers, lecturers, and students of UD to engage in academic exchange and discussions with Prof. David MacMillan from Princeton University (USA), the 2021 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry.

An overview of the Program

Participants included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu, Member of the Da Nang Municipal Party Committee and President of UD; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Hieu, Rector of UD-DUT; Dr. Le Thai Ha, Executive Director of the VinFuture Foundation; Prof. David MacMillan, 2021 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry; Dr. Jean Ji-In Kim, Chief Chemistry Officer and Executive Vice President of Graviton BioScience; Prof. Thanh Vinh Nguyen from the University of New South Wales (Australia), recipient of the 2026 Mary Garson Medal; representatives of UD’s leadership, faculties and departments, scientists, research groups, lecturers, students, and pupils and students from educational institutions in the city.

President of UD and Rector of UD-DUT
presenting flowers to the speakers

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Tien Dung, Vice Rector of UD-DUT, hosting this prestigious academic event was a great honor for the University, particularly as it welcomed Prof. David MacMillan, distinguished scientists, and the organizers and partners of the VinFuture InnovaConnect 2026 Program.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Tien Dung,
Vice Rector of UD-DUT,
delivering his remarks

The leadership of UD-DUT highly appreciated the contributions of scientists whose work has helped make life better for humanity and expressed sincere gratitude for their support, sharing of scientific knowledge and experience, and strong inspiration for the University’s lecturers and students.

Dr. Le Thai Ha, Executive Director of
the VinFuture Foundation, delivering her remarks

The theme of VinFuture InnovaConnect 2026, “Advancing Innovation in Chemistry and Drug Discovery,” is highly significant, as these fields have profound impacts on human life, health, and well-being. The program is expected to serve as a sustainable bridge connecting knowledge and scientific and technological discoveries with practical applications for the benefit of the community.

Prof. David MacMillan,
2021 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry,
sharing his scientific insights

The event also provided UD-DUT with an opportunity to expand connections with leading scientists, thereby strengthening international cooperation in education and scientific research and nurturing future generations of young talent, particularly in fundamental sciences and strategic technologies for national development.

Prof. Thanh Vinh Nguyen from
the University of New South Wales (Australia),
sharing his scientific insights

At the program, Prof. David MacMillan, the 2021 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, impressed the audience with his scientific thinking and vision for pursuing new research directions. He shared his experience and offered valuable inspiration to the academic community, lecturers, researchers, students, and pupils, encouraging them to nurture their passion for exploring and mastering knowledge, particularly in chemistry, life sciences, and drug discovery.

Scientists engaging in
academic exchange at the Program

Prof. Thanh Vinh Nguyen from the University of New South Wales (Australia), recipient of the 2026 Mary Garson Medal, delivered an engaging academic presentation focusing on organic catalysis, organic synthesis, asymmetric synthesis, and medicinal chemistry. He discussed the development of new synthetic methods to create diverse molecular structures, particularly natural products and biologically active compounds.

Students engaging in academic
exchange at the Program

These topics are also closely related to Prof. Thanh Vinh Nguyen’s research under the ARC Discovery Project (2026-2028), which focuses on developing rapid and diverse synthetic methods for N-heterocycles, important structural motifs in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Connecting with leading international scientists
and experts to inspire innovation

With the support of the VinFuture Foundation and the dedication of internationally renowned scientists, together with UD-DUT’s efforts in hosting and connecting partners, VinFuture InnovaConnect 2026 served as a forum for connecting the academic community, sharing perspectives on issues of scientific and practical significance, and promoting cooperation toward sustainable development in the context of international integration and globalization.

UD Media