Experiencing many ups and downs in researching the natural toxins in marine organisms, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Việt Hà has been honoured to become one of two female scientists awarded the Kovalevskaia Prize in 2023.

As a Vietnamese pioneer in researching marine toxins – a challenging research area – she initially faced many difficulties in approaching and developing research methods.

After years of dedication, she has gained various recognitions and achievements in the field of marine toxin research to ensure food safety in Việt Nam and the Asia-Pacific region.

She now serves as the Director of the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang, the only female director among the institute's 16 directors since its establishment in 1922.

Hà said: “The research team faced many difficulties at first, but step by step our research on marine toxins in Việt Nam has gained international recognition.

“I still remember the moment when doctors contacted me to thank me for successfully treating and saving victims of seafood poisoning from toxic marine animals such as blowfish using scientific information that I provided.

“That means a lot to us, it shows that our research results have practical value, recognised by the community, and are aimed at improving the health and well-being of our Vietnamese people.

“This is the motivation that nurtures my passion and drives me to pursue research,” she added.

Researching an uncommon field

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Việt Hà and her research team have focused on cases of seafood poisoning with unknown causes.

The results of this research have been compiled and published in the specialised book "Vietnamese Marine Toxins" (Science and Technology Publishing House).

Hà said: “I have been dedicated to researching marine toxins and food safety for a long time. The scientific projects I lead always address pressing societal issues and the need to meet quality requirements for seafood in both domestic and export markets.”

The research findings provide scientific evidence on the nature, composition and characteristics of toxins in Vietnamese marine animals, aiming to provide scientific information as a resource for guiding research on the exploitation and application of marine toxins to benefit society.

The published information was carefully considered and prioritised the most fundamental and prominent characteristics, using images collected from surveys in Vietnamese waters.

Hà added: “The experiences and knowledge of our team in this field are highly regarded, serving as important scientific references and affirmations in Việt Nam’s dialogue at international forums to protect the rights of exported seafood products and enhance Việt Nam’s scientific credibility.”

The research outcomes have contributed to social welfare by disseminating knowledge widely through brochures, posters and direct television interviews to minimise risks to community health from poisonous marine species.

Furthermore, these results also contribute to the sustainable development of the maritime economy by providing scientific foundations for monitoring seafood quality and supporting businesses in enhancing the reputation of exported seafood products.

Spreading the passion for the younger generation

Besides her role as Director of the Institute of Oceanography, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Việt Hà also holds the position of Director of the Oceanographic Museum in Nha Trang.

Hà said: “I have inherited the experiences and achievements of previous generations and have received significant support and investment from the Government, the State and the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology in building institutional capacity, developing high-level human resources and strategically directing marine science and technology."

In over 30 years of work at the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology, she has led 6 state-level and academy-level scientific research projects, published 104 scientific papers, including 41 in prestigious international journals, authored one significant solution, a specialised book and a bilingual book chapter.

For her relentless efforts, she has been commended three times by the Head of the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology.

She was also awarded the title of "Exemplary Soldier at Academy-level" in 2021; received the "Creative Labour Medal" from the Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour in 2020; and was honoured as the "Exemplary Intellectual of Khánh Hòa Province" in 2022 by the Provincial People's Committee.

However, she is still eager to pass on inspiration to the next generation.

Hà said: “To pursue our passion, female scientists not only need to strive hard but also face pressures from various aspects.

“My greatest concern now is maintaining continuity through training and creating a truly favourable working environment for the younger generation. This is to encourage young scientists, especially enthusiastic female scientists, to engage in research and overcome challenges.” – VNS