The Quiet Teacher Who Sows Seeds of Knowledge and Elevates Vietnamese Science

A Silent Inspirer

For three consecutive years, he has been listed among the world’s top 10,000 most influential scientists. Yet, his demeanor remains calm and modest—just like the way he quietly cultivates knowledge for younger generations and for Việt Nam’s construction industry.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Thái Bình, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Science and Technology in Transport (JSTT), is one of nine Vietnamese scholars ranked among the world’s 10,000 most influential scientists.

He speaks softly about his father, a soldier who fought tirelessly through the historic 81 days and nights of fierce combat at Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel. The image of a father standing firm amid bombs and fire became a guiding flame, reminding him to live and dedicate himself in a way worthy of those who gave their youth to the nation.

His humble dream of teaching led him to the University of Transport Technology (UTT), where he has spent more than 15 years. From a young lecturer, he devoted himself to research—an academic journey with no shortcuts, only passion, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity.

In the early years of international research, he had to learn everything on his own, from writing scientific articles in English to presenting data and operating complex calculation models.

“There were manuscripts rejected dozens of times,” he recalled. “There were nights I rewrote every sentence. But quitting never crossed my mind.”

For him, there are no shortcuts in science. Every study requires months or years of serious work, and its value is realized only when it serves society.

Over 15 years of research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bình has focused on disaster prediction and warning models—an urgent and humanitarian field in the context of global climate change. His work applies artificial intelligence (AI), geospatial technologies (GIS and remote sensing) to forecast landslides, flash floods, wildfires, riverbank erosion, and propose mitigation measures.

What makes him proud is not citation counts, but the fact that his models and warning maps have been used by local authorities in planning and disaster prevention.

“That is when science truly steps out of the laboratory and enters life,” he said.

Despite his academic achievements, he is known most as an inspiring, dedicated lecturer. To him, a good teacher not only imparts knowledge but also ignites passion. “Knowledge can be learned from books, but inspiration must be shared from the heart,” he said.

He created youth research groups, bringing together undergraduate and graduate students, as well as doctoral candidates to work and publish internationally. Under his guidance, many UTT students have published papers in reputable scientific journals—something rare at the undergraduate level.

“The greatest happiness is witnessing students grow confident and step into the academic world,” he shared.

Vietnamese Scholarship on the Global Map

Not only a researcher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bình is also the Editor-in-Chief of JSTT one of only 15 Vietnamese journals indexed in Scopus, and astonishingly, just three years after its establishment. This milestone affirms UTT’s efforts to bring Vietnamese academia to international standards.

“JSTT is not simply a journal; it represents belief and the aspiration for innovation,” he said. The team now aims for Web of Science indexing, aspiring to reach the Q1 group the world’s top 25% of journals in construction engineering.

This achievement reflects not an individual success, but a collective mission aligned with the Ministry of Construction’s strategic vision, and UTT’s commitment to science and technology as a driving force for sustainable national infrastructure.

For three consecutive years, he has been recognized by Stanford University (USA) and Elsevier in the list of the world’s most influential scientists. Yet, to him, these are not endpoints.

“Science has no final destination only a continuous journey of exploration and dedication.”

He and UTT are currently establishing a Network of Centers of Excellence and Talents in Smart and Advanced Transport Technology and Infrastructure, involving 28 leading institutions. This is a strategic step toward forming an innovation ecosystem in construction and infrastructure, contributing to the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW on scientific and technological development and national digital transformation.

Looking back, he simply says the achievements are the result of collective wisdom and shared passion. He expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry of Construction, UTT- his academic home and his colleagues in Viet Nam and abroad.

“I am proud to be a son of UTT, and even prouder to contribute my small part to Việt Nam’s science, education, and sustainable infrastructure,” he humbly stated.

Quiet Yet Resilient, Simple Yet Profound

Speaking of his colleague, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long, Rector of UTT, expressed pride:

“Professor Bình’s achievements are not only personal honor, but proof of our university’s vision to build a liberal academic environment, foster creativity, and unlock the potential of our lecturers.”

He emphasized that UTT sees scientists as the core of innovation, and the university has provided full support for Bình to lead key research groups, expand international collaborations, and manage JSTT- one of the few Vietnamese journals recognized by Scopus.

“The success of scientists like Dr. Bình will continue to spread the spirit of dedication and innovation, enhancing UTT’s reputation and contributing meaningfully to sustainable infrastructure and national development,” he affirmed.

No spotlight is needed. Quietly, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Thái Bình continues to sow seeds of knowledge and nurture faith in Vietnamese science—with the calm of a teacher, the determination of a researcher, and the heart of a Vietnamese son devoted to his country through intellect and humility.