On 20 March 2026, the Council for Project Evaluation convened at VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) to assess a VNUHCM-level scientific project entitled: “Application of modelling and satellite data to evaluate temporal trends and spatial distribution of nitrogen dioxide emissions in Ho Chi Minh Cityâ€�. The research was led by MSc. Võ Thị Tâm Minh from the Faculty of Environment, HCMUS.

Nitrogen dioxide (NOâ‚‚) remains a critical air pollutant, capable of directly compromising environmental quality and human health when concentrations exceed permissible limits. Furthermore, NOâ‚‚ acts as a precursor to ground-level ozone and serves as a primary agent in the formation of acid rain, thereby exerting detrimental effects on ecosystems and habitats.

In an era where major metropolises face escalating atmospheric challenges, the inventory of NOâ‚‚ emissions is regarded as a fundamental necessity. Such data is of paramount importance for air quality management, particularly in regions characterised by high traffic density and intensive industrial activity.

Driven by these practical requirements, the research team conducted an evaluation of NO₂ emissions in Ho Chi Minh City—one of the nation’s largest urban centres. The city sees a significant concentration of transport, industry, and urban development, yet published emission data remains limited.

The study employed the Lifetime-Modified Accumulation Method (LMAM) in conjunction with tropospheric NOâ‚‚ column data from the OMI/Aura satellite between 2019 and 2024 to estimate temporal trends and spatial distributions.

Research findings indicate that the average NOâ‚‚ emission rate in Ho Chi Minh City reached 6.56 x 10¹⁵ molecules cm^-2 h^-1 in 2019, before declining to 5.79 x 10¹⁵ molecules cm^-2 h^-1 in 2020 due to lockdown measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest emission levels were recorded in urban and industrial zones, whilst lower values were observed in suburban districts.

Simultaneously, the LMAM model demonstrated a robust correlation with NOx data from the TROPESS Chemical Reanalysis (TCR), yielding correlation coefficients of r = 0.71 in 2019 and r = 0.70 in 2020. These figures reinforce the reliability of this methodology for the analysis of emission trends.

Long-term trends also clearly reflect the impact of socio-economic shifts on urban air quality: emissions fell sharply during the 2020–2021 period but recovered substantially thereafter. Levels reached approximately 1.3 x 10¹⁶ molecules cm^-2 h^-1 during 2023–2024 as economic activities, transport, and manufacturing resumed.

Regarding scientific output and academic training, the project achieved several notable milestones, including: one scientific article published in an SCIE – Q2 journal, the Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; one scientific poster presented at the 5^th Sustainability Conference at the University of Akureyri (Iceland) in June 2025; and the successful supervision of two graduating students who completed their research based on these findings.

The outcomes of this study hold both academic significance and practical utility. The work provides a reference database for emission inventories, supports the assessment of the current atmospheric state in Ho Chi Minh City, and assists in the formulation of emission control policies and future urban environmental management strategies.

 

On 14 January, VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) hosted the evaluation session for a Category B VNUHCM-level scientific research project entitled: “Collection and investigation into the cultivation of stable plant sources for the production of medicinal remedies against Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome (AHPNS) and White Feces Disease (WFD) in shrimpâ€�, led by Dr VÅ© Thị Bạch Phượng.

This research addresses a pressing challenge within the contemporary aquaculture industry: the search for medicinal sources to treat Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome (AHPNS) and White Feces Disease (WFD) in shrimp—devastating conditions caused by Vibrio bacteria strains. The study focused on screening the antibacterial activities of potential plant extracts, including eucalyptus, betel, bitter bush, Siamese sakura, red palm, rambutan peel, and garlic. Experimental results demonstrated that every extract sample exhibited the capacity to inhibit V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus; among these, garlic (Allium sativum) was selected for intensive study to establish a production process for medicinal biomass via hairy root culture technology.

A scientific highlight of the project is the successful application of hairy root induction techniques in garlic (Allium sativum L.). Although garlic is a monocotyledonous plant—which typically presents greater difficulties in hairy root formation compared to dicotyledonous species—the study successfully established a gene transfer protocol using the Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC 15834 strain. Optimal parameters included: 10-day-old in vitro plantlets (with intact root systems) treated with 100 μM acetosyringone for 10 minutes, an infection period of 5 minutes, 48 hours of co-cultivation, and subsequent growth on B5 medium to form hairy roots after 3 weeks. Assessment of biological activity revealed that the resulting garlic hairy root lines possess potent bactericidal activity, with an MBC/MIC ratio of ≤ 2 against all three tested bacterial strains, achieving efficacy comparable to natural garlic bulbs and the antibiotic tetracycline.

Experimental data indicated that in vitro garlic hairy roots possess robust antibacterial properties, effectively eliminating V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus strains with ideal MBC/MIC ratios. Notably, this activity matches the performance of garlic grown in natural conditions as well as the antibiotic tetracycline, whilst demonstrating high effectiveness during disease prevention trials on whiteleg shrimp.

These findings not only provide a ‘green’ medicinal solution for the aquaculture sector but also contribute a vital foundation for future research regarding hairy root biomass proliferation in other monocotyledonous plant species.

On 14 January 2026, VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) convened an Evaluation Council to review a VNUHCM level science and technology project: “Synthesis of titanium dioxide nanomaterials via green chemistry for applications in the cosmetic industryâ€�, led by Trần Mai Anh.

During the session, the principal investigator presented a summary of the research objectives, experimental protocols, and the achievements realised throughout the implementation period. The study focused on the synthesis of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using green chemistry methods, leveraging eco-friendly natural extracts from aloe vera, pomegranate peel, lotus leaves, and peppermint leaves.

Experimental results demonstrated that the synthesised materials possess uniform particle sizes ranging from 11–35 nm, with morphological characteristics and crystal phases optimised for UV absorption and scattering. Notably, the research indicated that pomegranate peel extract yielded the highest efficiency in material synthesis. Regarding biosafety, tests conducted on the L929 cell line confirmed the absence of toxicity, fully satisfying the safety standards required for cosmetic ingredients.

Building upon these findings, the research team developed a sunscreen gel formula incorporating the TiO2 – ZnO nanostructures. Measurement results showed that the product maintains excellent physical stability, ensuring appropriate viscosity and spreadability. The formulation recorded promising technical indices, such as a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30–37 and a PA++ rating, providing up to 97% protection against the harmful effects of UVB and UVA radiation. These figures are comparable to commercial control samples at the same active ingredient concentrations, proving the practical potential of nanomaterials synthesised through ‘green’ pathways.

In terms of scientific output and academic training, the project successfully published one scientific paper within the Scopus system and supervised four undergraduate students in the successful defence of their graduation theses.

Concluding the meeting, the Evaluation Council praised the rigorous execution of the project, the reliability of the research methodology, and the delivery of tangible outputs. The findings possess clear scientific merit and high application value, contributing to the development of safe, environmentally conscious cosmetic lines.

On 14 January 2026, VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) convened an evaluation session for a Type-B VNUHCM-level research project entitled: “Multi-parameter inversion process for addressing non-uniqueness in geophysical inverse problemsâ€�, led by Assoc. Prof. Lê Văn Anh CÆ°á»�ng.

The research focused on the analysis of extensive datasets within the field of Geophysics, encompassing mathematical models, high-frequency electromagnetic experiments (Ground Penetrating Radar – GPR), high-resolution shallow seismic data, and field measurements from sites such as Kevitsa (Finland) and Olympic Dam (South Australia). This diverse data repository served as a cornerstone for investigating the inversion processes of geophysical data.

The study successfully implemented wavelet algorithms to represent GPR amplitude fields in three-dimensional space, facilitating the effective detection of underground anomalies. Furthermore, high-resolution shallow seismic methods were employed to delineate sedimentary boundaries and construct intuitive 3D models of seabed geological structures.

A primary highlight of this project involves the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in data analysis. Specifically, Deep Learning assisted in identifying hyperbolic anomalies from GPR imagery, whilst shallow machine learning supported the prediction of resistivity values and mineral content (Nickel, Cu) within boreholes.

The research results also indicated that the integration of multiple methods (such as seismic and magnetotelluric data) remains a vital solution for reducing the non-uniqueness inherent in inverse problems, particularly in deep-seated study areas where verified geological information is scarce. Interpretative data from seismic surveys, such as Moho boundaries or fault lines, provided an essential foundation for selecting optimal resistivity models.

During the report session, the Professional Council expressed high regard for the project due to the profound scientific quality and evident practical applicability. The achievements not only address current challenges but also establish a significant framework for future research in Geophysics; notably, these findings provide robust support for underground utility surveys, mineral exploration, and the determination of geological structures.

On 14 January 2026, at the Nguyen Van Cu campus of the VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS), a session was convened by the Evaluation Council for the VNUHCM-level Science and Technology project: “Research on the fabrication of vanadium pentoxide (Vâ‚‚Oâ‚…) micro-nanostructures for photocatalytic applicationsâ€�, led by Dr Lê Khắc Tốp.

According to the report, the research group focused on investigating three critical parameters influencing the photocatalytic activity of Vâ‚‚Oâ‚… materials: material morphology, the formation of Vâ‚‚Oâ‚…/RGO nanocomposites, and the excitation light source. Pure Vâ‚‚Oâ‚…, synthesised via the hydrothermal method in various morphologies, exhibited limited photocatalytic efficiency. This limitation stems primarily from the conduction band characteristics of Vâ‚‚Oâ‚…, which facilitate the recombination of electrons and holes, thereby reducing reaction efficacy.

To address this challenge, the team produced graphene oxide using an improved Hummer’s method, subsequently blending this with V₂O₅ to create a nanocomposite precursor. A slow reduction process followed to obtain the final V₂O₅/RGO material. Findings indicate that the presence of RGO facilitates more efficient electron transport, significantly diminishing electron–hole recombination and enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the material.

The Vâ‚‚Oâ‚…/RGO nanocomposite demonstrates marked improvements in structural characteristics, particularly an increased surface area compared to pure Vâ‚‚Oâ‚…. Consequently, photocatalytic efficiency has risen substantially under natural lighting conditions. The study further confirms the vital role of the excitation light source: under ultraviolet light, electrons are activated effectively, allowing the photocatalytic efficiency of the Vâ‚‚Oâ‚…/RGO material to reach approximately 90% and causing the reaction rate to increase sharply relative to the original material.

The effective integration of these three research parameters—material morphology, nanocomposite structure, and light source—offers a promising approach to bolstering the photocatalytic performance of V₂O₅. Such advancements contribute to the development of solutions for environmental remediation and clean energy production.

Concluding the session, the Evaluation Council remarked that the project was implemented according to schedule, fulfilling all objectives and requirements; the research results possess significant scientific value and high potential for practical application. The Council unanimously awarded the project an ‘Excellent’ rating. These findings provide a crucial scientific foundation for developing high-performance photocatalytic materials, offering prospects for future applications across various technological and environmental sectors.

On 14 January, at the Nguyen Van Cu campus of VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS), the VNUHCM Project Evaluation Council convened to assess the research project: “Research on 2D Ag/TiOâ‚‚ heterostructures for low-concentration crystal violet detection via Raman spectroscopy,â€� led by Dr Tôn Nữ Quỳnh Trang. The Council concluded that the research successfully fulfilled all objectives and awarded the project an ‘Excellent’ rating.

The project focused on investigating Ag/TiOâ‚‚ heterostructures to develop high-sensitivity Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensors for detecting crystal violet (CV) at low concentrations. The primary research objectives involved elucidating the role of material structure, the distribution of silver nanoparticles, and the Ag/TiOâ‚‚ interaction mechanisms in relation to Raman signal amplification and sensor reusability. The research team successfully developed Ag@r-TNRs SERS substrates, where silver nanoparticles are precisely controlled and uniformly distributed across rutile TiOâ‚‚ nanorod arrays, creating a highly homogenous heterostructure.

The SERS performance of the material was optimised by adjusting the density of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance Raman scattering signals. Crystal violet (CV) and chloramphenicol (CAP) molecules served as benchmarks to evaluate sensitivity and qualitative capabilities, demonstrating that Ag@r-TNRs substrates achieve exceptional sensitivity and precise qualitative identification. Beyond sensing functionality, the material exhibits effective self-cleaning and reusability due to the robust photocatalytic activity of TiOâ‚‚. Approximately 99% of CV degraded after 40 minutes of UV exposure, with a recovery efficiency of ~93% maintained over multiple cycles, confirming the stability of the material system.

Research findings indicate that the strategic integration of Ag/TiOâ‚‚ heterostructures, the optimisation of metal nanoparticle distribution, and the simultaneous exploitation of SERS and photocatalytic effects represent a highly effective approach for developing sensitive, sustainable Raman sensors. This project offers significant potential for the analysis of trace substances in food and the environment, carrying both high scientific value and practical utility.

On 12 December, a Review Panel convened at the VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ to assess the outcomes of the national project titled: “Research and development of formulations for lowering blood uric acid levels and managing gout, derived from indigenous Vietnamese medicinal plants: White Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sinense), Gnetum montanum, and Plantain (Plantago major).â€�

The project achieved significant advances in phytochemistry. The team successfully isolated and characterised the structures of 47 pure compounds from the three target species. Notably, this collection includes novel compounds that significantly enrich the existing library of Vietnamese natural products. These findings have been validated by the scientific community through publication in two international journals and two national specialist journals.

Pharmacological studies demonstrated the formulation’s distinctive, multi-target mechanism of action. Unlike conventional therapies, which typically target a single pathway, this product simultaneously inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) and the protein URAT1. This dual action reduces uric acid levels whilst providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. Furthermore, acute and sub-chronic toxicity testing has confirmed the product’s safety for human consumption.

Building on this scientific evidence, the project addressed key technical challenges by establishing and validating quality standards for both raw materials and finished products. The manufacturing process for hard capsules was optimised for a 10,000-unit batch size, ensuring stability and suitability for industrial scale-up. The viability of this process was demonstrated by the production of 30,000 hard capsules and the securing of intellectual property rights, evidenced by the acceptance of a patent application for the “Process for preparing herbal extracts with blood uric acid-lowering effects.�

The strategy of optimising the entire value chain—from raw material to finished product—has proven highly effective. Utilising indigenous medicinal plants (Chrysanthemum sinense, Gnetum montanum, Plantago major) reduces reliance on imports and lowers production costs, whilst encouraging the expansion of domestic cultivation. Consequently, these efforts foster job creation and enhance the domestic capacity of the Vietnamese pharmaceutical sector. The project’s high commercialisation potential offers significant opportunities for future technology transfer and IP licensing to pharmaceutical firms.

Beyond the economic benefits, providing an effective, safe solution for the treatment of gout holds substantial social value by minimising the adverse side-effects often associated with synthetic therapies and reducing the burden on the public health system. Additionally, the project successfully fulfilled its educational objectives through the training of high-calibre staff, including the successful supervision of a researcher to completion.

The Review Panel concluded unanimously that the project had fully met all objectives outlined in the proposal, satisfying rigorous standards of scientific quality and practical application.

On 31 October, the VNUHCM Scientific and Technological Project Evaluation Council convened at VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) to review the outcomes of a VNUHCM-level applied research and technology development project entitled “Research into Developing Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts Using a Bioreactor System for Application in Vascular Grafting.â€� The project is led by Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Bảo Hà, a lecturer at HCMUS.

This project falls under the Programme for Fundamental Science Development in Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Marine Sciences for the 2017–2025 period (Programme 562), with HCMUS as the primary implementing institution.

During the implementation process, the research team achieved significant results. The project identified porcine carotid arteries and human umbilical arteries as two potential raw materials for fabricating small-diameter vascular grafts, simultaneously optimising the bioreactor system to regenerate vascular cells under near-physiological conditions. By combining physical and chemical agents in the decellularisation process, the team successfully created suitable acellular vascular scaffolds for mechanical reinforcement. Surface treatment steps using heparin bonding significantly improved anti-coagulation capability and cell adhesion. Notably, the project established a standard evaluation framework for vascular grafts comprising 18 criteria. Testing on animal models showed that the grafts maintained stable blood flow and did not form thrombi after three months, confirming the feasibility and potential application of this research direction.

Beyond the specialised results, the project yielded substantial outcomes in scientific publications and training: four international SCIE articles and four domestic articles were published; three Type I products, two procedures, and two reports (Type II products) were completed; the project fully trained three Master’s students and supported two PhD research students (Type III products); and one intellectual property registration application was formally accepted.

The VNUHCM Scientific and Technological Project Evaluation Council concluded that the project fully completed all contents and products as specified in the proposal. The quality and quantity of registered products, as well as the applicability, met the requirements, with the publication and postgraduate training results being rated excellent. The Council unanimously recommended that the research team continue to finalise the documentation and report for submission for evaluation and acceptance at the higher, national level in the near future. This marks an important step forward in the study of biomaterials for regenerative medicine, contributing to affirming the scientific and technological capacity of HCMUS in the interdisciplinary research field spanning biology, materials science, and biomedical technology.