Richard Henry Friend, Chair of the VinFuture Prize Council, shared that what began as a bold idea five years ago has grown into a symbol of confidence in the power of science to serve humanity.
For him, being part of VinFuture is not merely a mission, but a deeply inspiring journey—one that brings together brilliant minds from across the globe to seek out and celebrate the scientific innovations that have the power to change lives.
Looking back on the Prize’s remarkable five-year journey, Friend shared that the feedback he had received from his colleagues had been “one of huge positivity”. He recalled that many were initially unsure “if a newly founded prize from Vietnam can make it globally”, but today, VinFuture celebrates “a wonderful list of VinFuture Prize Laureates from all over the world”.
Having already recognised four sets of winners, with the fifth to be announced later this year, he believed that “there is a quality about the group of prize winners we’ve recognised that is highly appreciated globally”.
When asked to describe VinFuture’s five-year journey in a single word, Friend did not hesitate.
“Optimism,” said Friend.
“We tend to be too negative in the developed world. We tend to find things that are wrong, not things that are right,” he explained. “What is so refreshing with the VinFuture Prize is the appreciation that we can make the world better. We count what has been good and we celebrate it.”
He highlighted that the VinFuture Prizes are “not tied to a particular area. It’s not chemistry or physics. It’s everything that can create a better future for humanity”.
What sets VinFuture apart “is the freedom we have to interpret the Founders’ vision”, pointing out that “our criteria are broad”.
“That flexibility,” said Friend, “makes possible the freedom to explore fields that may only gain broad recognition in the years to come.”
Expressing his satisfaction with the council’s approach, Friend added, “I’m very pleased that we have that boldness to make some awards ahead of where others later have arrived. And that is precisely what keeps VinFuture ahead of its time.”
Reflecting on his work with the council, Friend highlighted what he valued most as “the genuine learning spirit”.
The council, he said, “brings together people from very different professional fields, but we all share one thing in common — a love of learning”.
Every discussion, he added, “becomes an opportunity to learn something new”.
“We learn from the nominations and from the investigations we conduct,” stated Friend. “Altogether, it’s driven by a shared sense of curiosity and discovery.”
Although the decisions are always challenging, Friend noted that the council works “closely” and “reaches consensus”.
He explained, “We all approach discussions with the same goal: to understand deeply the impact of each nomination, thereby ensuring a fair decision and honouring the most deserving achievement. We ask tough questions, we dig into details, and in the end, we reach consensus.”
