Dr. Nguyen Thuy Ba Linh, a biomaterials researcher from Vietnam, has been recognized at the prestigious TechWomen 100 awards for her outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing biomaterials research.

The TechWomen 100 program recognizes 100 exceptional women leaders working in technology across the United Kingdom each year. From over 1,150 nominations this year, Dr. Linh was selected as the sole representative from Vietnam to be included in the 2024 class of TechWomen 100 honorees.

Dr. Linh currently serves as a lecturer in Biomaterials at the Eastman Dental Institute of University College London (UCL). She holds a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from Soonchunhyang University in South Korea and has conducted pioneering research in tissue engineering and biomaterials for regenerative medicine applications throughout her career.

Breaking barriers in STEM

As one of very few women from Asia recognized by the TechWomen 100 program, Dr. Linh hopes her achievement can inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of celebrating women who overcome challenges and barriers to become leaders in technology.

Dr. Linh's path breaking work in the male-dominated fields of biomaterials and regenerative medicine show that limitations can be overcome through passion and dedication. She aims to serve as a role model for the next generation of technological talent in Vietnam and globally.

From chemistry to biomaterials research

Dr. Linh first studied Chemistry at the University of Natural Sciences in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, graduating in 2003. She then obtained her PhD from Soonchunhyang University, focusing her research on regenerative medicine applications.

This led Dr. Linh to take a position as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford's Institute of Biomedical Engineering, where she pioneered investigations into tissue engineering and regenerative techniques. It was during this period that she contributed to developing technology for large-scale production of stem cells using polycaprolactone particles.

Her work resulted in patents and commercial licenses being granted for this innovative stem cell harvesting method. The project also won Dr. Linh the prestigious Postdoctoral Researcher of the Year award from Oxford's Department of Engineering Science in 2017.

Advancing biomaterials for regenerative therapies

Since 2019, Dr. Linh has expanded her research focus as a lecturer in Biomaterials at UCL Eastman Dental Institute. Her current work involves developing novel biomaterials for tissue regeneration, drug delivery systems, and thermally responsive polymers for cell expansion and harvesting.

Notable projects include technologies for bone and skin regeneration. To date, Dr. Linh has published over 50 peer-reviewed research papers, two book chapters, and holds two patents. She also serves as an editor and reviewer for top journals in her field.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Linh is the founding CEO of SmileScaff, a biomaterials startup dedicated to developing advanced materials to accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration. The company's goal is to translate cutting-edge biomaterials into practical medical applications.

Global impact and future goals

In recognition of her leadership and accomplishments, Dr. Linh was selected in 2021 to chair the Young Academy of Vietnam, mentoring early career researchers. She continues advising the community through the Vietnam Intellectuals Association in the UK and Ireland.

Looking ahead, Dr. Linh aims to further biomaterials innovation through collaborative research projects and partnerships between academia, industry and clinical settings. Her vision is to revolutionize tissue engineering techniques and develop solutions addressing unmet needs.

The TechWomen 100 award celebrates Dr. Linh's invaluable contributions to advancing both women in STEM and biomaterials technologies elevating human health worldwide. She stands as an inspiration for the next generation of scientific talent in Vietnam and globally.