On 20 May, the Faculty of Environment at VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) hosted an international scientific seminar entitled ‘The Benefit of Earth Observations from Space: A Look at Air Quality’. The event featured a keynote presentation by Dr James H. Crawford from the NASA Langley Research Center (USA), attracting a significant audience of lecturers, researchers, and students interested in environmental and atmospheric sciences.

Against a global backdrop of escalating air pollution and climate change, the application of Earth observation technology from space is pioneering new approaches to environmental research and air quality management. This seminar served as an academic forum to exchange knowledge, update modern research trends, and connect students and researchers with scientific advancements currently being implemented worldwide.

During the event, Dr James H. Crawford presented findings regarding the role of space-based Earth observations in studying and assessing air quality. The report focused on contemporary approaches in atmospheric research, such as tropospheric photochemical modelling, studies of ozone and atmospheric trace gases, and the integration of field measurements with satellite data to enhance the precision of air quality models.

In addition to technical content, Dr Crawford introduced various applications of satellite data within environmental and atmospheric sciences. The discussions provided further insight into utilizing satellite observations for monitoring and evaluating the atmospheric environment, while enabling participants to explore current research trajectories in the field of atmospheric science.

The discussion session saw lecturers, researchers, and students engage with the speaker regarding the potential for applying satellite data to environmental research in Viet Nam, air quality assessment methodologies, and the evolving trends of Earth observation technology in atmospheric research. These vibrant academic exchanges reflect a growing interest in interdisciplinary research spanning environment, space technology, and data science.

Through the seminar, attendees gained access to modern research trends in atmospheric science and developed a deeper understanding of how to combine space observation data with field data in environmental studies. The programme also facilitated broader international academic connections, allowing HCMUS staff and students to access cutting-edge technologies employed in global environmental research.

In the current of modern science, data retrieved from space are no longer distant figures; such information is increasingly becoming a vital tool for understanding the atmosphere and the living environment. Through these academic connections, science not only expands knowledge but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards environmental longevity and sustainable development.

 

On 15 December, the Faculty of Environment at VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) successfully convened a scientific seminar entitled “High-Valent Iron Species (Fe(VI), Fe(V), and Fe(IV)) in Water Sustainability and Public Healthâ€�.

The assembly was privileged to host Professor Virender Kumar Sharma from the University of Miami (USA). Recognised as a Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate, Professor Sharma possesses a formidable H-Index of 109 alongside in excess of 470 international publications. In addition to maintaining the global record for the highest volume of publications concerning Ferrate, the Professor serves as a Fellow of pre-eminent scientific bodies, notably the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the American Chemical Society (ACS). During the proceedings, the Professor disseminated the most recent advancements regarding environmental chemistry to faculty members and students, thereby reinforcing the stature of pioneering research in resolving global challenges related to water contamination and disease.

The scientific discourse centred principally upon “Activated Ferrate� technology. Professor Sharma expounded upon the reaction mechanism of Iron molecules in high oxidation states (Fe(VI)), demonstrating the capacity to effectuate oxidation, coagulation, and disinfection concurrently, free from the generation of deleterious by-products. The presentation emphasised the virtues of Ferrate as a “green� material, capitalising upon the natural abundance of this element.

The novelty inherent in this research lies within the activation of Ferrate to yield highly reactive intermediate species (Fe(V) and Fe(IV)), thereby abbreviating the remediation duration for persistent pollutants and drug-resistant microorganisms from hours to mere seconds. This technology has evinced practical efficacy in the elimination of antibiotic residues and pesticides, the coagulation of toxic heavy metals including Arsenic and Lead, and the eradication of hazardous viruses and bacteria (such as SARS-CoV-2 and Clostridium difficile) within wastewater and upon medical equipment surfaces. Alongside water treatment solutions, the seminar encompassed novel material research trajectories, specifically Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Single Atom Catalysts, for the degradation of emerging contaminants and microplastics.

The event attracted a distinguished gathering of lecturers, doctoral candidates, and students possessing a profound interest in green chemistry and environmental treatment technology.

Throughout the address, Professor Sharma consistently highlighted the philosophy of “Saving Lives even One Life�, regarding this aphorism as the cardinal tenet for applied research. To the Professor, science exists not merely as data within a laboratory but must provide tangible remedies to safeguard human health and environmental integrity. The seminar constituted an invaluable opportunity for scientists, lecturers, and students at HCMUS to assimilate state-of-the-art knowledge, whilst simultaneously establishing avenues for future international research cooperation.

The 6th International Conference on Engineering, Physics, MEMS–Biomedical Sensors and Applications (ICEBA 2025) successfully concluded following a series of academic activities held across two locations: National Central University (NCU) in Taiwan and Eastern International University (EIU) in Binh Duong, Viet Nam (11–12 November). The event was jointly organised by VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS), Tohoku University (Japan), NCU (Taiwan), and EIU.

With a tradition of rotating the hosting duties between HCMUS and Tohoku University, the conference has become a prestigious regional academic forum, convening scientists working in cutting-edge engineering and technology fields. This year’s session attracted approximately 80 researchers and experts, along with more than 70 high-quality scientific reports.

The academic content covered a wide range of advanced research directions, including: Engineering and Engineering Physics; Electrical Engineering and Electronics; MEMS and Sensors ; Semiconductor Devices and IC Microchips; Microelectronics and Microfluidics; Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics; IoT and Embedded Systems; Simulation and Modelling; AI and Machine Learning; Renewable Energy; Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing Technology; along with topics related to Nuclear Engineering.

The conference programme comprised two main sessions: a plenary session featuring presentations on new trends and pioneering research directions from international experts; and specialised subcommittee sessions, where research groups presented in-depth findings. The multi-location Taiwan–Viet Nam organisational model helped maintain continuous academic exchange, fostering interaction and expanding connections between the scientific communities of both countries.

ICEBA 2025 further made an impression through effective connectivity between universities and businesses, opening numerous opportunities for collaborative research and technology transfer. With diverse, multi-disciplinary themes, the conference contributes to promoting the development of advanced engineering and technology sectors across the region.

Concluding this year’s session, ICEBA once again confirmed the event’s status as a prestigious international scientific forum in the fields of MEMS, sensors, physics, engineering, and related technologies. ICEBA 2026 is expected to be co-organised by VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½; Tohoku University; the Ho Chi Minh City Semiconductor Industry Association; and the Research and Development Centre of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP R&D Center). This future session is anticipated to continue serving as a bridge to promote innovation, scientific collaboration, and technological development amidst increasing global competition.

On 10 October, the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) convened a seminar to introduce postgraduate scholarship programmes, featuring an academic address by Professor Shang-Yuan Shiu from the Department of Mathematics at National Central University (NCU), Taiwan. This event constituted a key component of the NCU delegation’s official visit and working agenda at HCMUS.

The session drew attendance from lecturers, researchers, and students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. During the address, Professor Shang-Yuan Shiu delineated postgraduate education and scholarship prospects at NCU, underscoring the university’s robust international orientation regarding Mathematics, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Funded by the Ministry of Education of Taiwan, these full and partial scholarships seek to recruit exceptional researchers from Southeast Asia—specifically from Viet Nam—thereby affording students entry into an advanced, multicultural, and globally integrated academic sphere.

Subsequent to the introductory remarks, Professor Shiu presented an academic lecture titled ‘Mathematical Formulation of Diffusion Models in Generative AI.’ The discourse offered an analytical survey of the mathematical underpinnings of diffusion models, elucidating the forward–reverse mechanisms inherent in data generation while highlighting the function of probability and stochastic analysis in the advancement of next-generation deep learning algorithms.

A dynamic dialogue ensued between Professor Shiu and the attendees, yielding novel interdisciplinary perspectives that bridge pure mathematics, data modelling, and AI technologies. This exchange granted HCMUS lecturers, researchers, and postgraduate students a venue to investigate contemporary research trajectories and deliberate on prospective avenues for collaboration with an international subject matter expert.

An interactive discussion following between Prof. Shang-Yuan Shiu and participants.

The seminar served not only to fortify research and education cooperation between HCMUS and National Central University but also to reaffirm the commitment of HCMUS to global scientific integration. Furthermore, the proceeding demonstrated the University’s sustained endeavour to broaden the institution’s international academic network and establish a high-calibre, forward-looking, and sustainable postgraduate research environment.

The IEEE NPSS School on Advanced Topics in Medical Imaging convened in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, from 12–19 August 2025. VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) served as the host institution for this gathering. The event proved a resounding success, convening talented students for an immersive week defined by learning, collaboration, and practical application. Jointly organised by the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS) and HCMUS, the initiative featured a programme designed to integrate theoretical lectures with hands-on exercises focused on hybrid PET/CT and PET/MR imaging.

The NPSS School webpage received nearly 100 applications. Organisers carefully reviewed and scored each submission, resulting in the selection of 35 students (comprising 12 female and 23 male participants). The evaluation process prioritised the applicants’ academic background, personal motivation, and future career plans within the medical imaging field.

“The school was an invaluable experience for me. Not only did I gain precious knowledge from outstanding lectures and hands-on sessions, but I also had the chance to connect with inspiring professors and friends from different countries. These days have given me motivation, encouragement, and unforgettable memories,� said by Student Bùi Thị Hồng.

Selected participants represented a diverse academic spectrum, including undergraduate and graduate students (Master’s and Doctoral levels), alongside medical physicists. Attendees hailed from Viet Nam, the Philippines, Laos, and Taiwan, reflecting the school’s regional reach and the mission to foster capacity building in medical imaging.

Lectures and Topical Overviews

The curriculum offered a balanced combination of lectures and topical overviews, providing participants with fundamental knowledge and insights into recent developments in medical imaging. Specifically, the lectures covered a broad range of topics, including hybrid PET and SPECT imaging, image reconstruction, kinetic modelling, artificial intelligence applications, radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, computed tomography, and emerging total-body PET technologies. Practical hands-on exercise sessions accompanied each topic, allowing students to connect theory with application. The complete School programme is available at:

“In my many years of involvement in education and training of medical physicists, this is the first time that in only 6 short days, the students and teachers bonded so closely. There was a welcoming and warm atmosphere all around,� said by Prof. Agnette Peralta.

A multidisciplinary faculty of nine international experts from seven different countries facilitated the school: Simon Cherry, Roger Fulton, Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro, Martin Grossmann, Steve Meikle, Masaharu Nomachi, Andrew Reader, and Youngho Seo, with remote support provided by Patrick Le Du.

The organisers wish to acknowledge the exceptional support received from the local team at HCMUS. Led by Dr Hoàng Thị Kiá»�u Trang – Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, the team ensured operations ran smoothly and provided all necessary materials. Furthermore, local involvement in the organisation enabled the realisation of an outstanding week.

“Eight days, including arrival and departure, may not seem long, but it was more than enough to revive my spirit. Before this, there were too many things that drained my motivation, and I lost my passion for many things… until I met everyone. Getting to know the teachers, friends, and colleagues who are on the same journey as me was incredible. They are all so talented, having worked hard to reach their positions today. I truly realised and regained so much, especially the energy and motivation everyone brought into my life, which strengthened my resolve for everything I am currently doing and will do in the future,� said by Lê Tuấn Anh, 4th-year Medical Physics student at HCMUS.

Each day featured dedicated sessions allowing students to practise and reinforce concepts introduced during lectures. These sessions included:

• Individual Laptop Work: Participants utilised materials prepared by lecturers to complete exercises, including kinetic modelling for PET, basic radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, and AI-based image reconstruction using Python. These sessions provided an excellent opportunity for students to apply newly acquired skills and strengthen understanding through problem-solving.

• Hands-on Experiments: Participants divided into groups to perform photon-counting measurements with Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) and to execute practical sessions using the EasyPET system. These activities offered valuable experience in detector operation and data acquisition. Connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications allowed students to deepen an understanding of the physics behind medical imaging.

Hospital Visit

Faculty and participants enjoyed a full-day visit to the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, the largest oncology centre in southern Viet Nam. Here, participants gained valuable first-hand exposure to real-world clinical imaging practice. Instructors demonstrated various validation tests and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures for the Linac, PET/CT, and SPECT systems, giving students a clearer picture of technology utilisation in clinical settings. The hospital staff concluded the visit by organising a competition for the students, where top scorers received awards.

Student Presentations

On the final day, students delivered short presentations sharing research, highlights from the week, and results from the hands-on exercises. This session displayed enthusiasm and creativity, reflecting the knowledge gained from the programme.

The schedule concluded with a farewell reception. Each participant received a certificate recognising the effort and active participation demonstrated throughout the school. A photography contest also took place, awarding students who captured the event’s best moments.

Notably, Andrea Alipio (Medical Physicist from San Juan de Dios Hospital, the Philippines) received the IEEE NPSS ‘School to Conference Initiative Travel Grant’ in recognition of outstanding participation during the school. The award will support attendance at the upcoming 2026 IEEE NSS/MIC Conference in Granada, Spain. Such an opportunity enables Ms Alipio to establish collaborations and learn from leading researchers, thereby bolstering motivation to pursue a career in the medical imaging sector.

“It is often said that a great teacher or speaker is one who can present complex issues in a way that non-specialists can grasp. I was fortunate to meet you all and to be able to follow your impressive presentations. I felt truly encouraged by the professors’ warmth and generosity – from sharing expertise to even offering support with equipment and funding. Even though my field is different, I still felt connected, especially during the evening full of laughter with professors and students. Meeting is fate, but keeping the bond depends on our hearts. So, I believe this spirit will keep us moving forward together in education and dedication,â€� said by MSc. Phan Nguyá»…n Ã�i Nhi – Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science.

In summary, the NPSS School on Advanced Topics in Medical Imaging provided a significant opportunity to strengthen the connection between IEEE NPSS and Viet Nam, while encouraging young participants to explore career paths in medical imaging and radiation sciences.

Late-breaking News

Participants and teachers from four EduCom schools reconvened at NSS-MIC-RTSD in Yokohama. The “School To Conference” award sponsored the conference attendance of Vepy Asyana (Indonesia) and Giulia Tosetti (Italy).

“I had the honour of participating in the IEEE NSS MIC RTSD conference in Yokohama, thanks to the award I received at the IEEE NPSS Prague EduCom International Summer School. These two opportunities gave me the chance to expand my knowledge not only in my own research field but also in other interesting areas, to meet and to discuss with outstanding researchers, and to make new friends! They also inspired me to continue pursuing my research career with motivation and taught me the value and the importance of being part of an international scientific community,� said by Giulia Tosetti.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to join this wonderful conference. I feel very fortunate to have participated in such a great event. Thank you to the entire IEEE NPSS committee for providing this valuable travel award. I truly enjoyed the conference and learned so many new things that I didn’t know before. It has been a great experience and, I hope, the beginning of my journey to further develop my career in medical imaging, especially in PET scan and AI,� said by Vepy Asyana.

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Amidst a societal shift increasingly acknowledging the vital role of women in science and technology, the IEEE NPSS Women in Engineering (WIE) community orchestrated an inspiring engagement in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. The primary objectives of this initiative were fostering interest among younger generations in pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and providing a platform for local female scientists. The IEEE NPSS WIE gathering occurred on 18 August 2025, at VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS). This session functioned as a transversal component of the , held in the same city from 12 – 19 August 2025.

Notably, despite women playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and technological advancement, female professionals continue to face numerous career challenges. To mitigate such obstacles, the event aimed to honor the significant contributions of women in science. The proceedings also focused on raising awareness regarding the necessity of an equitable, supportive environment for women in research. Moreover, the program sought to support female researchers while encouraging younger generations to engage in scientific fields, thereby contributing to an increased female presence in STEAM.

 Attendees at the WIE-Hosted Event at HCMUS.

The WIE session maintained an inclusive policy, welcoming a diverse audience. A total of 104 attendees—87 in person and 17 online—participated, comprising students from the IEEE NPSS School (ages 20-32) and scholars from HCMUS (Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral levels). Members of the general public, including children, also attended. The gathering boasted remarkable diversity regarding knowledge bases and research fields.

The session commenced at 1:00 PM with Dr. Hoàng Thị Ki�u Trang welcoming participants. A lecturer of Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, HCMUS and an active IEEE NPSS WIE community member, Dr. Trang served as the local organizer for both the school and the WIE event. Her opening remarks raised awareness of IEEE NPSS WIE activities and transmitted the essence of the gathering to the audience.

Following Dr. Trang, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, Assoc. Prof. Trần Thiện Thanh, offered welcoming remarks. Finally, Dr. Martin Grossmann from the Center for Proton Therapy at PSI, Switzerland, and IEEE Senior NPSS CANPS and TNC, highlighted the school’s activities, primary goals, and impact, while encouraging students to pursue their desired careers.

The opening ceremony preceded interventions by six scientists—four international and two local to Viet Nam:

• Dr. Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro (Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Instrumentation in Molecular Imaging, I3M, Valencia, Spain) outlined the WIE community’s main objectives and available resources. Dr. Gonzalez-Montoro also introduced the field of medical physics and provided an overview of her academic and research trajectory to inspire a passion for science among young attendees.
• Dr. Agnette Peralta (Professor at the University of the Philippines and former Department of Health member, Philippines) summarized a distinguished career, addressing challenges faced by medical physicists—particularly women—and highlighting the medical physicist’s vital role in ensuring safety and effectiveness in therapeutic procedures. Observing the profound impact on the audience, Prof. Peralta resolved to co-organize a WIE event in Manila, scheduled for September 2026.
• Dr. Cathy Tsai (Professor at the Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Science, National Tsing Hua University, NTHU, and Director of the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Center) shared experiences researching BNCT. Her presentation served as a source of inspiration for young women to pursue scientific careers, emphasizing the critical role female scientists play in addressing global challenges.
• MSc. Phan Nguyá»…n Ã�i Nhi (Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, HCMUS) showcased community-connected STEAM (SL-STEAM) projects executed with active contributions from undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematics Education and graduate students in Experimental Biology at HCMUS. The initiatives aim to support visually impaired teachers and students through interdisciplinary applications. These projects affirm the role of women in engineering and education, contributing to the advancement of gender equality in STEAM.
• Assoc. Prof. Võ LÆ°Æ¡ng Hồng PhÆ°á»›c (Head of the Department of Oceanography, Meteorology, and Hydrology at the Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics, HCMUS) reviewed the role of mangroves in coastal protection. Prof. PhÆ°á»›c stressed the capacity of mangroves to serve as natural barriers against erosion, storm surges, and sea-level rise—threats increasingly intensified by climate change. The presentation also discussed the socio-economic benefits of mangrove conservation, illustrating how integrating mangrove protection into broader coastal management frameworks can promote sustainable development while enhancing climate resilience.
• Dr. Cinzia Da Vià (Professor of Physics at the University of Manchester, UK, and Research Professor at Stony Brook University, USA) presented virtually on the main objectives of the . The audience received this talk warmly as the content complemented the previous speaker’s topic. Dr. Da Vià explored the intersection between climate hazards and social inequities, highlighting the role of community-based adaptation strategies and recovery plans led by local communities.

Special commendation is due to Dr. Nguyễn Trí Toàn Phúc from HCMUS, who provided outstanding assistance by performing live translations of speeches into Vietnamese, accommodating local attendees with limited English proficiency. This action demonstrates that language gaps need not be barriers to spreading the mission.

A mid-session intermission facilitated networking, allowing attendees to approach speakers, pose questions, and share testimonies. This break fostered a collegial atmosphere, helping everyone feel comfortable and part of a large international community.

Both the IEEE NPSS School and the IEEE NPSS WIE Event received organization and financial support from the NPSS Educational Committee in collaboration with the local organizing committee from HCMUS. Dr. Trang and the team attended to every detail, resulting in an outstanding occasion. Due to high engagement and interest, the session extended until 6:00 PM.

In summary, the 2025 IEEE NPSS WIE activity in Ho Chi Minh City featured presentations where female scientists shared career experiences. The gathering facilitated interactions between international scientists, local researchers, and participants. Through this initiative, the organizers hope to inspire young women to pursue research or academic careers, while promoting greater public understanding of the contributions female scientists make toward building a sustainable future.

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