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Dr Lê Ngọc Năng delivering a speech on behalf of the graduates at the 2026 Doctoral and Master’s Graduation Ceremony.

“My initial motivation was not to pursue a degree, but rather arose from a passion for discovery and research.” Driven by a fascination with the stories hidden behind each mineral, Lê Ngọc Năng has dedicated nearly two decades to the fields of gemmology, gemstone identification, and scientific research. In 2026, he became the first new doctoral graduate in Geology from VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS).

Geology provides profound motivation for continued exploration and research

Upon entering university in 2003, Lê Ngọc Năng had yet to form a complete vision of his future career path. At the time, his thoughts regarding the Geology programme were quite simple: to travel widely, explore forests and mountains, observe nature, and discover new things.

“That very excitement led to my decision to enrol. Later on, the more I interacted with nature and professional work through field trips, the more attached I became to this field,” he recalls.

The field trips undertaken during his studies helped him understand, step by step, that every layer of soil, rock sample, or mineral contains information about the history of the formation and movement of the Earth. The initial curiosity, therefore, did not stop at a mere fondness for nature, but gradually developed into a need for systematic understanding.

After graduating with a specialisation in Minerals in 2007, he began working in the gemstone sector as an identification specialist. At that time, the gemstone identification industry in 17�Թ� was relatively novel. According to him, Ho Chi Minh City placed only about three to four gemstone testing laboratories and one diamond grading laboratory. The shortage of professional human resources, research data, and specialised institutions presented a challenge, yet simultaneously opened up a promising professional landscape for young individuals interested in gemmology.

In mid-2017, after accumulating considerable experience, he founded the LIU Gemological Research and Application Centre and has served as director until the present day.

The work of identification allows him to encounter numerous types of gemstones, but also raises further questions about the characteristics, origins, and formation processes of each specimen. For him, a stone is not merely identified by colour, clarity, or commercial value. The structural characteristics, composition, and properties also preserve traces of geological processes that occurred long ago.

“Geology offers substantial motivation for me to continue searching and researching. Following graduation and entering employment, I have still dedicated time to independent research and learning,” Dr Lê Ngọc Năng shares.

Returning to university to research practical issues

In 2023, Lê Ngọc Năng commenced his doctoral training programme in Geology at HCMUS. He chose to research the topic “Mineralogical, gemmological characteristics and origin of gemstones related to basalts in the Southeast region, 17�Թ�”, under the academic guidance of Associate Professor Phạm Trung Hiếu.

The thesis focuses on studying the mineralogical, gemmological characteristics and origin of gemstones associated with Cenozoic basalt formations widely distributed in the Southeast region. By combining research methods from geology, petrology, and geochemistry with modern gemmological and spectroscopic analysis techniques, the research has identified seven types of minerals suitable for use as gemstones, comprising: sapphire, zircon, pyrope (garnet), anorthoclase (alkali feldspar), augite, brown peridot, and opal.

The results demonstrate that gemstones in the region generally possess mineralogical and gemmological features similar to characteristics recorded worldwide. Nevertheless, certain notable differences were also discovered, contributing to the enrichment of scientific data and the refinement of identification criteria and quality assessment for basalt-related gemstones in 17�Թ�.

Alongside the thesis, Dr Lê Ngọc Năng has published seven scientific papers in prestigious domestic and international journals, demonstrating a rigorous approach and strong research capacity within the fields of geology and gemstones.

According to Dr Lê Ngọc Năng, the greatest difficulty when studying for a doctorate is the limited amount of time available. Research takes place alongside professional work and personal responsibilities, requiring him to establish long-term plans, break down each stage, and frequently adjust progress. The support of family and colleagues also helped him sustain his studies and research.

An academic environment expanding research capabilities

As someone trained continuously from undergraduate to doctoral level at HCMUS, Dr Lê Ngọc Năng believes that the learning and research environment here is built upon a foundation of rigour, transparency, and responsibility. In his view, although conditions regarding infrastructure and research space still face certain difficulties, the quality of education, scientific spirit, integrity, and humanity are always preserved and promoted across generations of learners.

During the process of completing the thesis, guidance from the teaching staff along with domestic and international research cooperation networks supported him in academic exchange, deep sample analysis, and the publication of scientific results.

From personal experience, he wishes for students and postgraduates with a passion to boldly participate in scientific research, whilst proactively preparing professional knowledge, foreign languages, research skills, and data analysis techniques.

“This path is not always straightforward because research demands perseverance, a willingness to learn, and the ability to overcome failures. However, every result achieved holds significance as a contribution to knowledge and the development of the country,” Dr Lê Ngọc Năng remarks.