Prof. Ngo Bao Chau: 'Science has no place for deception'

'When scientific research has many new things, the new result is the most important. The research must ensure three qualities: right, honest, new and good, 'said Prof. Ngo Bao Chau.

Returning to Vietnam for a week to deal with the work of the Institute of Advanced Mathematics, Professor Ngo Bao Chau spends an afternoon of December 16 sharing with students of the Young Science Club of Hanoi National University. in the 'No. 5 coffee' program. Professor stressed that professionalism in science or any labor activity has two main points: process and quality.

'I am fortunate to have a good educational environment, with fathers and brothers in science, leading step by step, making mistakes, so the research process has absorbed the flesh. But in terms of our country, it is necessary to clarify the process of how to do science, ' Professor Chau said.

According to him, there are 10 steps to scientific research. First of all, the field of research must be determined. This depends on the professional ability of each person, usually the area where the person is considered an expert, with outstanding achievements. There are also cases where the person has certain expertise in another field but both cases must have a guide with a guide, determine the way to be confident, not go to a new country without hand.

Prof. Ngo Bao Chau spends an afternoon with National University students on his return trip to work.(Photo: HT)

The starting point of the study begins with the question. The success of the research is very much related to the original question. In order to find the right question, research experience is needed. In a modern environment, with high professionalism, students can identify questions by themselves because it is not experienced. The fastest way to identify hot and impossible issues is to attend scientific conferences to see where the science is going, what problems students can do.

After the scope of research, problems, opportunities, questioning, researchers must gather all scientific papers and research to know exactly how the question has been solved. Don't choose oversized issues, too hard or no one cares. Must read and identify what is the classic article, know the important thought lies there, who has done it, how to do it, what technology to use.

'20 years ago it was difficult, but with the Internet today, gathering information is easy. But to read is not simple. At this time, it is necessary to have a scientific environment and friends to explore the topic. They must be voluntary, non-profit , 'Professor Chau said and said, when updating information and then know how to solve it, it is often right in the latest article, the researcher must use the most contemporary method. because that is the most realistic and feasible direction.

Professor also reminded, planning is not only about professional but also financial and must have a team to do it. This step must be transparent. When solving problems, the researcher must anticipate difficulties to prepare face-to-face. The research process rarely accomplishes 100% of the goal so it is necessary to do it to a certain level, clarifying the work and can not do it. This step is the premise for the next science.

An important step is to write scientific articles. According to GS Chau's experience, it is necessary to select 2-3 standard articles to copy and understand the style of article presentation. After writing, circulate, send it to friends and colleagues to consult and present at the conference to receive feedback then rewrite and then edit to send to a prestigious scientific journal.

'The quality for a scientific work must be true, honest, new and good. In fact, there have been researchers for a number of reasons that are dishonest and discredited because of unworthy causes. You should remember that with the development of information technology, deception is easy to be discovered. At that time, it will take you 10 - 20 years to rebuild your position and prestige , 'Professor Chau said.

He also said that when scientific research has many new things, the new result is the most important. In the case of old results, to convince the method must be very new. In fact, as an editor for a magazine, he often values ​​new results. When the results are not new, it must be considered for a long time to post.

The principle of where science is the same and the professionalism of science in the same process. The other is that in countries with a long tradition of scientific research, the process has become natural, but in Vietnam it is not yet available, requiring the researcher to really be aware of it.

Deputy Director of Hanoi National University Nguyen Huu Duc, for example, has two groups of tourists from France or Europe to Vietnam, when they come to the pagoda, they look for a very good development. Asian groups prefer photography. Thereby seeing the culture of discovery, discovery, research . there is a clear difference.

'It is sad that scientific activities lack seminars seriously but not expensive. Seminar not only learns new things but also through exchanges to promote creativity and passion, it must be maintained regularly , 'said Prof. Chau, in foreign countries, the medicine industry requires a great study. Main, national costs.