He leaves behind a rich scientific legacy and has long been a source of inspiration for generations of Vietnamese mathematicians.

A lifelong journey in mathematics

Born in Saigon in 1947, Le Dung Trang moved to France with his family in 1949. From an early age, he showed a deep passion for mathematics and later enrolled in some of the most prestigious institutions in France.

In 1971, at just 24 years old, he earned his Doctorat d’État (Doctor of Science) under the supervision of two prominent mathematicians: Claude Chevalley and Pierre Deligne  -  the latter later receiving the Fields Medal in 1978 and the Abel Prize in 2013. At the time, he was one of the youngest individuals in France to obtain the doctorate.

His academic career spanned multiple countries. He taught at Paris 7 University, the École Polytechnique, and Marseille I University. From 2002 to 2009, he served as Head of the Mathematics Section at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. He was also elected to The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in 1993.

A love for mathematics, born in challenge

In a 2015 interview with the Worldwide Center of Mathematics, Professor Le Dung Trang recounted the moment he realized mathematics was his calling. While studying at École Polytechnique, he participated in various math competitions, discovering his aptitude through them.

Seminars, especially those focusing on singularities inspired by Hironaka’s work, shaped his academic orientation and passion.

He admitted that his goal was never fame  -  only the desire to explore interesting mathematical problems. Through relentless self-study, he developed foundational tools that enabled other mathematicians to work on complex structural phenomena.

International outreach and service to Vietnam

Despite establishing his career in France, Le Dung Trang remained deeply committed to Vietnam. As early as the 1970s, he paid for his own travel expenses to return home and teach.

In 1974, at the invitation of Professor Ta Quang Buu, he joined a delegation of international mathematicians to deliver a series of lectures on mathematical problems at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

One of his most significant contributions was helping Vietnam join the International Mathematical Union (IMU) in 1974. He campaigned for funding and coordinated with colleagues in the U.S., France, and Japan to support Vietnam’s participation in the International Congress of Mathematicians in Vancouver, Canada.

This paved the way for young Vietnamese scholars to study abroad and integrate into the global mathematical community.

At the Vietnam–France Mathematics Conference in 2012, Professor Le Dung Trang spoke candidly about the early challenges in organizing seminars, inviting foreign lecturers, handling visas, accommodation, and logistics. These early efforts laid the groundwork for long-term academic partnerships between Vietnamese and international mathematics communities.

Research and philosophical humility

Professor Le Dung Trang’s primary research focused on singularities in geometry and Hodge theory. His scholarly work introduced new analytical tools and helped broaden the field’s global understanding.

Despite his numerous achievements, he remained modest, describing his contributions as building blocks for future generations to expand upon.

Even after retirement, he remained academically active, conducting research in Brazil and maintaining international collaborations. He consistently emphasized the importance of self-study, independent inquiry, and continuous personal growth in mathematics.

A lasting legacy

Professor Le Dung Trang exemplified the harmony of talent, personal dedication, and national responsibility.

He not only helped elevate the quality of mathematical research in Vietnam but also opened vital connections with the international scientific community. His name is forever associated with introducing Vietnamese mathematics to the world, mentoring generations of young scholars, and laying the foundation for enduring collaborations between Vietnam and countries such as France.

Today, his legacy lives on in academic works, classrooms, and international programs  -  continuing to inspire future Vietnamese mathematicians to reach beyond borders.

Hoang Linh