Huyen’s nomination and Women of the Future Award reflect her exceptional contributions to science and advocacy for positive change. Described as a talented and committed researcher, Huyen was recognised not only for her technical expertise but also for her ability to make science accessible and inclusive. Her authenticity, passion for social equity, and focus on well-being in academia shone through during the rigorous selection process.

Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Chairwoman of the Women of the Future Programme, praised Huyen, saying:

"It has been a huge privilege to have Huyen Le as a winner of the Science Awards for the 19th Women of the Future Awards. She is so talented, intelligent, committed and dedicated. We are so proud to have met her and know that she will be successful and a role model to many. We wish her every success."

The judges, Dr Ghaida Al-Jaddir and Dr Helen Thomason, also highlighted Huyen’s inspiring journey:

"Huyen radiates strength, optimism, and a magnetic charisma. Despite overcoming a challenging background, she has achieved remarkable success in science. Through this award, she hopes to empower those who feel unheard and inspire others to believe in their own potential."

Having been presented with the award Huyen added: 

"As PhD journeys go, I never could’ve imagined that mine would bring me to such a special moment. Accepting this award was an honour beyond words, especially because it gave me a chance to share what drives me: using my science platform to contribute to positive change, whether microscopically in the lab or macroscopically beyond its walls. This milestone means so much to me, not only for my personal growth but for the opportunity it creates to collaborate with and inspire others".

Tackling antimicrobial resistance

Huyen’s research addresses antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR claims over a million lives annually and is projected to endanger 39 million more by 2050. While the World Health Organisation has called for urgent action, the development of new drugs remains a slow and complex process.

Under her doctoral training with Dr Nacho Martin-Fabiani, the group targets AMR at one of its origins, contaminated surfaces. By designing smarter coatings, the team aims to reduce hospital-acquired infections and mitigate resistance without relying on chemical modifications.

Our engineering experts reimagine coatings as customisable tools for healthcare, harnessing the unique potential of size segregation science and small molecule additives. Publishable data contributing to Huyen’s thesis demonstrates how leveraging these additives enables the development of multi-functional coatings with applications in healthcare, controlled drug delivery, and beyond.

This innovation not only supports AMR research and development but also aligns with the global waterborne coatings market, projected to reach $97.6 billion by 2030, showcasing the immense potential for sustainable, impactful solutions.

Addressing sustainable science

Looking ahead, Huyen is committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges surrounding sustainable science. Her future plans include advancing her research while mentoring underrepresented groups and driving multidisciplinary projects that bridge academia and industry. She is passionate about advocating for women’s safety and equity in STEM fields, ensuring that future generations of researchers can thrive in inclusive and supportive environments.

At Loughborough, Huyen plans to continue showcasing the university’s engineering excellence on global platforms. She is also determined to contribute to initiatives that address societal challenges, ensuring that science remains both accessible and impactful.

Acknowledgements

Following the award, Huyen expressed her gratitude to Sir John Peace CVO, CStJ, for his encouragement during judging and commitment to supporting growth in the Midlands region. She also thanked the Women of the Future judges and the incredible network for providing a platform to inspire and empower others.

She added:

"This achievement is a testament to the excellence of women in STEM at Loughborough University. It not only celebrates my research, but also the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, innovation and sustainability. It highlights the power of humanising science. It’s not always just about data and results but about recognising the lived experiences behind researchers who shape societal values beyond the lab."