Vietnam's Math Journey Showcased at World's Largest Congress

A nearly seven-minute documentary highlighting Vietnam's efforts to build a mathematics research community, despite challenges like brain drain and limited resources, is being screened at the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM). This marks the first time a story from Vietnam's mathematics community has been selected for the ICM Thought Leadership Film Series, a collection of short films showcasing notable initiatives from mathematics communities worldwide. The documentary features mathematician Ngo Bao Chau, Vietnam's sole Fields Medalist and VIASM's scientific director, Executive Director Le Minh Ha, and several leading Vietnamese mathematicians. It chronicles how Vietnam has fostered a mathematics research community despite obstacles such as brain drain, a shortage of young researchers, and limited professional research opportunities, even while consistently performing well at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Unlike traditional research institutes, the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) operates with a unique model, having no permanent research staff. Instead, it invites mathematicians from Vietnam and abroad for short-term research visits, organizes nearly 100 academic activities annually, and connects researchers across 27 countries and territories. This flexible approach allows for dynamic collaboration and knowledge exchange. Ngo Bao Chau emphasized the risk of over-specialization in mathematics in developing countries. "Therefore, it is necessary to maintain regular exchanges with the international scientific community to stay focused on the central problems of modern mathematics while continuously renewing research ideas and directions," he stated. This strategy is crucial for ensuring that research remains relevant and innovative. He added that this approach also helps Vietnamese doctoral students and early-career researchers integrate into international research networks, providing them with essential global exposure. VIASM views the documentary's selection as recognition of its work and an opportunity to introduce Vietnam's approach to mathematical research development to the global scientific community. Founded in 2010 under Vietnam's National Program for the Development of Mathematics and operating under the Ministry of Education and Training, VIASM aims to enhance the quality of mathematical research, train future mathematicians, and promote practical applications of mathematics. Its establishment reflects the government's commitment to advancing scientific research. The ICM, held every four years, is the world's largest and most prestigious mathematics conference, attracting thousands of researchers to present major advances in the field. It also serves as the venue for the presentation of the Fields Medal, often regarded as the "Nobel Prize of mathematics." This year's congress is being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. The 2026 Fields Medals were awarded to Yu Deng of the University of Chicago, John Pardon of Stony Brook University, Jacob Tsimerman of the University of Toronto, and Hong Wang of New York University and France's Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques.