“Language Also Reflects the Aviation Industry’s Sustainable Mindset”

Interview with the Team Winning Second Prize at Eureka 2025 – Vietnam Aviation Academy

A student team from the Vietnam Aviation Academy — Dương Thị Ngọc Dung, Vũ Thị Hoài Thương, Trần Phúc Thiên, and Lê Thanh Thiên — has impressively secured Second Prize at the 2025 National Student Scientific Research Competition (Eureka) with their study on sustainable discourse in aviation logistics. This achievement also marks the first time the Academy has attained such a high result at this prestigious academic competition.

The success was made possible thanks to the dedicated guidance of Mr. Phú Đại and Ms. Thu Huyền, along with the strong support and encouragement from Dr. Nguyễn Thị Như Điệp, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages. Let’s hear from the team as they share more about their research journey — one filled with challenges, learning, and inspiration.

The award-winning student team took a commemorative photo with faculty members of the Vietnam Aviation Academy.

• What motivated your team to choose and pursue this research topic?

Ngọc Dung: We noticed that the concept of “sustainability” has appeared with increasing frequency in the aviation industry, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most previous studies mainly focused on policies or technical solutions. We wanted to approach the topic from a different angle: analyzing the language the industry uses to express its sustainability commitments.

This is also the first time the Academy has achieved such a high result at this prestigious academic competition.

We explored the words that commonly collocate with “sustainability,” how they have changed over time, and what those shifts reveal about the mindset of the aviation logistics industry. We hope this offers a fresh academic perspective with practical relevance.

• During the research process, which moment inspired or impressed you the most?

Ngọc Dung: The most exciting moment for me was realizing how clearly the discourse on sustainability has shifted. In the early stages, the terms were still quite “narrow,” such as sustainable development or climate change. Later on, the language became more specific and action-oriented: sustainable aviation, sustainable fuel, carbon offsetting, energy transition, net-zero emissions… Seeing how the industry’s mindset evolved through linguistic data made us feel that all the effort we invested was absolutely worthwhile.

• Through this study, what message does your team hope to convey to readers and the academic community?

Hoài Thương: We want to emphasize that language not only describes reality but also reflects and shapes the way an industry thinks and acts. By analyzing collocations over time, we observed that the sustainability discourse in aviation logistics has shifted from general concepts to much clearer directions, such as net-zero emissions and energy transition. Sustainability is not only about technology or policy—it begins with how we use language consistently and responsibly.

The team expressed their deep gratitude to the Academy’s lecturers, who accompanied, guided, and supported them from the very first steps of the project.

• Were there moments when you felt like giving up? What helped you continue?

Thanh Thiên: Yes, definitely. About three-quarters of the way through, I really wanted to give up because there were so many revisions, and the pressure from other commitments made it hard to stay mentally stable. But thinking about how my decision would affect the entire team, I told myself to push a little further. I believe these difficult moments will eventually become some of the most memorable experiences of my student years.

• If you could dedicate a special thank-you after this journey, who would it be?

The team: We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Phú Đại and Ms. Thu Huyền, who accompanied, guided, and supported us from the very beginning. We are also truly grateful to Dr. Như Điệp, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, for motivating and encouraging students to confidently engage in scientific research. Our thanks also go to the Vietnam Aviation Academy and the Eureka organizers for providing a professional and rigorous academic environment. And finally, we want to thank our families, friends, and each other—those who stood by our side through pressure, debates, and challenges to achieve the results we are proud of today.

The award has given the students greater confidence to continue pursuing their academic paths.

• What does the Eureka 2025 Second Prize mean to you at this moment?

Phúc Thiên: For us, it is proof that we can overcome challenges, even at times when everything felt overwhelming. This award gives me more confidence to continue following the academic path.

• What would you like to say to students who are considering trying scientific research?

Hoài Thương: Research doesn’t have to start with a big idea. Even a small question—if explored seriously—can create real value. The most important thing is to choose a topic you genuinely care about.

Thanh Thiên: Success isn’t only about how good you are, but also about whether you dare to embrace challenges while you’re still young. Just begin—because the journey itself is the most meaningful part.

Phúc Thiên: Give it a try. You will fail, you will feel discouraged, but if you persist until the end, you’ll prove to yourself that you can do it. Research is difficult, but it is absolutely worth it.

Thank you for such an open and inspiring conversation. We wish the team continued passion for research and many more achievements in the future.

Thực hiện: P. TS & CTSV – TH