We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Yannick Giraud-Héraud, former Director of the Department of Space and Applications, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), on June 13, 2025.
Dr. Yannick Giraud-Héraud played a key role in the establishment of the Department of Space and Applications at USTH. Appointed as its first Director in 2012, he led the department for nearly a decade. He was actively involved in the department’s management, bringing together a team of French and Vietnamese scientists to jointly develop training programs and support student recruitment. During his tenure, the department welcomed its first cohorts of students, gradually shaped its academic strategies, and developed research activities aligned with international standards to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving fields of space technology and earth observation.
Although based in France, Dr. Yannick Giraud-Héraud frequently traveled to Vietnam to carry out administrative responsibilities and work directly at USTH. Students and colleagues remember him for his warmth, approachability, and tireless support of their aspirations.
He facilitated internships and research placements for Vietnamese students in France. Many of these students have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia and research, both in Vietnam and abroad. They often remember him with great affection. As Nguyen Hoang Phuong Thanh (USTH Master Space 2013-2015) sincerely expressed: “He was like a father to us. He shared in our happiness when we succeeded and supported us when we faced difficulties.”
Another remarkable initiative was his contribution to establishing the Vietnam School of Earth Observation (VSEO), launched in 2018 in collaboration with the Rencontres du Vietnam organization and USTH. Since its launch, VSEO has become an annual scientific school for knowledge exchange and capacity building for young Vietnamese researchers in the field of Earth Observation.
Beyond his professional contributions, Dr. Yannick Giraud-Héraud was a warm, humble, and kind-hearted person. He loved books, music, and Vietnam, and always cared deeply about the students of USTH.
As USTH continues to grow, we do so with deep gratitude for the life and legacy of Dr. Yannick Giraud-Héraud. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank you, Dr. Yannick Giraud-Héraud, for your valuable contributions, kindness, and unwavering commitment to education and science in Vietnam. Your spirit lives on in USTH, in the community you built, and in the generations of young scientists you inspired.
