Huong, 35, has also authored 43 scientific papers published in international journals, 35 of which are in the Q1 category.

His research, starting in 1990, has focused on developing Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (SALD) technology. He led the successful development of Vietnam’s first SALD system—a breakthrough enabling the creation of nano-thin films at low temperatures, high speeds, and without vacuum chambers, with atomic-level precision, significantly cutting production costs.

Huong is also applying the nano-films in optoelectronic devices, gas sensors, energy storage batteries, and protective coatings. Notably, mastering the development of this SALD equipment can help save billions of dong compared to importing commercial systems, while opening up opportunities for new research avenues.

After high school, the Ha Tinh native topped the entrance exam to the Physics and Nanotechnology Department at the University of Technology (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) before he secured a state scholarship and embarked on his study abroad journey at the age of 19.

He chose INSA Lyon, a leading engineering school in France, to pursue Materials Science, graduating as valedictorian of his cohort.

Language barriers and the unfamiliar international academic environment were the first challenges he had to face on his first days in France. 

“Initially, keeping up with lectures, group work, reports, and communication was tough. To solve the problem, I lived with a French roommate in the dorms and tried to communicate with international peers. After two years, I caught up linguistically and topped my engineering and master’s programs,” he said.

Though dedicated to his studies, he initially had no clear plan to pursue a research career until he attended a six-month research internship at IMEC, a top nanotechnology center in Leuven, Belgium. 

There, immersed in the professional research environment, he discovered his passion. Returning to France, he earned a PhD scholarship. During this time, he and his team built the SALD system, and his dissertation won the Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award from the French Chemical Society.

“The most memorable and enjoyable memories for me are the early days of scientific research. After graduating with a master's degree, in my initial thoughts, scientific research was something very lofty. Unexpectedly, in the first three months, the thing I did the most was welding control signal wires, CNC milling, and building chemical vapor conduction systems,” he recalled.

"At that time, I was very confused but later realized that the professor wanted me to understand that the experimental research process requires the ability to be proactive in designing and implementing experimental systems," Huong said.

After nine years in France, in 2019, he surprised many by declining lucrative offers, including permanent positions at research institutes, to return to Vietnam.

“What drove me back was a desire for a bigger ambition, to contribute more to my homeland and community. I can see that Vietnam’s research scene is not strong, though Vietnamese people succeed abroad. I believe that to change something, it would be better to start from inside this thing. So, I returned,” he said, calling it his  "toughest decision".

“It was a reverse culture shock and work environment jolt. After years abroad, I faced complex administrative hurdles and limited research facilities. The only thing keeping me steady was my belief that returning to contribute was the right ideal, with long-term value and meaning,” he said.

Within three years of returning, by early 2022, Huong and his Phenikaa University team completed and operated Vietnam’s first SALD system at a cost five times lower than imported alternatives. 

The system is one of the most advanced nanofabrication technologies available today. The work earned him an international patent.

“The pressure and motivation pushing me forward is the desire to do something more useful and practical. The joy of discovering something new is truly special,” he said.

Asked about his 2025 plan, Huong said he wants to develop a stronger research team, making it a hub for PhD candidates, master’s students, and undergraduates to grow and contribute to the broader scientific community.

The Central Youth Union recently named Dr Nguyen Viet Huong among the 10 Outstanding Young Faces of Vietnam for 2024. The awards ceremony was held on March 23 in Hanoi.

Le Hung