Professor of Astronomy Trinh Xuan Thuan (Photo: suctrenhanvan.edu.vn)

(VOVworld) – Professor of Astronomy Trinh Xuan Thuan from the University of Virginia has been awarded the 2012 Cino del Duca Prize from the French Academy. Thuan has become the first Vietnamese to receive the award. Using the Hubble Space Telescope he discovered the youngest galaxy in the universe. He has written many books to popularize science to the public.

Speaking to VOV reporters in France, Thuan said that he studied in France for a long time and is very interested in French culture. He added that his love for literature inspired him to write attractive scientific books: “What I write is not only science, but also literature. I want readers to be keen on reading my science books as they would like novels”.

Among others, Thuan also received the Kalinga Prize from UNESCO in 2009 and the  Moron prize from the French Academy in 2007.