Dr. Friedman’s speech, attended by the Managerial Board, all the heads of offices, along with a large number of researchers, faculty, and students, became a forum for scientific activity.  The audience filled a hall of over 250 seats, and all handouts, both in English and Vietnamese, had been taken, with some students even requesting to be sent more copies.  The meticulously prepared speech began with a formal introduction of Dr. Friedman, accompanied by much applause from the audience.  In his two-hour speech, Dr. Friedman expressed his admiration for Vietnam, stating, “Vietnam has one of the fastest developing economies in the world,” reminding students that, “to maintain this level of growth, Vietnam must continue to develop its science and technology,” emphasising that students will help “shape the future of the country” and that students “have the potential to accomplish great things”.  Dr. Friedman shared his life’s work with the students, including his difficult childhood and his determination in his scientific career.  With creative analogies between science and daily life, Dr. Friedman transformed complex scientific concepts into understandable lessons and advice about scientific methodology and achievements.  As a student declared, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to learn valuable life and scientific lessons from a world-renowned scientist.  Dr. Friedman provided much wisdom for students, and told students that with hard work and determination, along with a readiness to face and overcome failure, even the highest, most difficult dreams can be realised.  He went on to advise students to choose a career they are passionate about, so that they can be inspired by doing the work they love, enabling them in believing in their work and going further with their career.  Dr. Friedman emphasised the need for human kindness in science, quoting Victor Weisskopf, “Human existence is based upon two pillars: Compassion and knowledge. Compassion without knowledge is ineffective; knowledge without compassion is inhuman,” and ended his speech with a message calling students to follow their dreams to contribute to the future of Vietnam and the world.

Dr. Friedman’s speech was followed by great applause from the audience.  After his speech, Dr. Friedman took questions from the audience, ranging from, “Why are quarks called quarks?” (which Dr. Friedman answered with a story of a drunkard from a novel by James Joyce wanting a quart of beer), to questions regarding why Dr. Friedman continued researching quarks despite the overwhelming scepticism of the scientific community (“What compelled you to continue researching quark despite the overwhelming scepticism of the scientific community?”), or whether there is a component even smaller than quarks.  Throughout the session, Dr. Friedman emphasised the need to follow through and keep searching with scientific research, even when the goal itself may seem unclear.

The speech ended with a standing ovation for Dr. Friedman.   Through his speech, Dr. Friedman became a source of inspiration for the students and researchers, provoking thoughtful questions from the audience.  After presenting his speech, Dr. Friedman commented on his mission to develop awareness for science and education around the world, and praised the great potential of the students at Hue University.  Impressed with the Vietnamese students’ intelligence and curiosity, Dr. Friedman has expressed his hope for a bright future for Hue, and also his desire to return to the city, leaving behind a mutual feeling of good will.

Dr. Duong thi Hoang Oanh, Office for International Cooperation, Hue University