ITIMS -15 Years of Development

In writing this contribution as a member of the International Advisory Board of ITIMS since its inception in 1992, I first recall the International Workshop on Materials Science in Hanoi from October 15 – 26 1990, which was instrumental in leading to the formation of ITIMS two years later. This was my first visit to Vietnam, which made a big impact on me, and one that had a profound effect on me in supporting the establishment of an institute to champion the field of Materials Science in the country.

I wrote in the Proceedings of the 1990 Workshop, in my Conclusions from the Semiconductor sessions as follows:

‘The most important conclusions from the Workshop are, in my opinion, threefold. Firstly, contacts have been renewed and new ones established. The longstanding links between scientific institutions in Vietnam with those in France, Holland, USSR and other countries have been renewed, but others have been started which we hope will benefit all in the years to come. Secondly, we have had discussions of scientific problems over a very wide field, which after all was the main object of our meeting. Thirdly, we have had the opportunity to discuss research in Vietnam which has been a new experience for many of us, and a chance to see new research work on the spot.’

The establishment of ITIMS two years later was built on these contacts, and those of us on the International Advisory Board were fortunate enough to experience the wonderful Vietnamese hospitality on a regular basis, when we attended Board meetings to discuss progress, give lectures, and assist in the assessment of students. Subsequent workshops in 1995 and 1999 gave a wider participation from scientists worldwide to join in scientific discussions in Hanoi. Many of us established new research links which in my case were with Le Hoang To, in Ho Chi Minh City, on solar cells, and with Dao Khac An, in Hanoi, on diffusion in semiconductors. Lasting friendships have also followed many of these initial contacts. The opening of the new ITIMS building was a major milestone, with its new facilities and equipment, and I congratulate you all in achieving the 15 years of development celebrated in this book. Materials Science is a core discipline in the development of much science, industry, environmental sustainability, and education, and we look forward to the future with confidence.

Southampton November 2007
Author: Professor Arthur Willoughby, Southampton University, UK