On 24 July, the Evaluation Council for a VNUHCM-level research project held an evaluation session for the project titled 鈥淩esearch on Natural Radioactivity Distribution Coefficients in Soil and Water Environments and Application to Predict Changes in Natural Radioactive Background in Soils and Several Freshwater Lakes in 水果派AV解说鈥�, led by Assoc. Prof. L锚 C么ng H岷.

The project aims to determine distribution coefficients of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil and water environments in 水果派AV解说, while applying these coefficients to models for predicting changes in natural radioactive background in soils and several freshwater lakes. According to the acceptance report, the research team established a database on the distribution of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil and water environments through surveys of 12 soil鈥損lant systems, 79 water sampling locations and 20 sediment sampling locations. Based on these findings, the team determined solid鈥搇iquid distribution coefficients (Kd), soil鈥損lant transfer factors (TF), suspended solids鈥搘ater distribution coefficients (K鈧泈), and radon emanation coefficients (F鈧涒倯d, F鈧愨倻鈧�) under environmental conditions in 水果派AV解说.

The collected data were integrated into semi-empirical models, the Rn-222 equilibrium model and the QWASI model to predict groundwater convection rates, variations in radioactive background levels in soils, and Ra-226 concentrations in water from quarry lakes. The project also conducted quantitative assessments of radiation exposure doses related to crops, water resources and public health, contributing scientific foundations for environmental monitoring, radiation safety assessment and resource management in 水果派AV解说.

According to the research team, one of the project鈥檚 notable outcomes is the establishment of a soil鈥損lant transfer factor (TF) dataset based on experimental data collected under 水果派AV解说鈥檚 environmental conditions. The dataset contributes additional information on radionuclide transfer processes in tropical environments and can support further studies on radiation dose assessment, radioactive transport modelling and environmental management.

Regarding scientific outputs, the project published one Q1 international journal article, three Q2 journal articles and one Q3 journal article; successfully trained one doctoral researcher and one master鈥檚 student; and delivered numerous presentations at domestic and international scientific conferences and workshops. According to the acceptance report, the project fulfilled its registered objectives and exceeded targets in several areas, including training, scientific publications and research outputs. The Evaluation Council unanimously agreed to accept the project, confirming that all registered objectives had been achieved and the project met the required standards.

On 18 June, VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) organised the evaluation council for a Category C university-level scientific project entitled 鈥淓stimating Atmospheric Deposition of Heavy Metals in Southern Vietnamese Megacity鈥�. The project was led by Dr Nguy峄卬 L媒 S峄� Ph煤 as principal investigator, alongside team members Assoc. Prof. T么 Th峄� Hi峄乶, MSc Tr岷 脕nh Ng芒n, MSc V玫 Th峄� T芒m Minh, and BSc Tr岷 Ho脿ng Minh.

Urban air pollution represents a critical area of concern within environmental research. In Ho Chi Minh City, previous studies have predominantly focused on assessing the concentration of airborne pollutants, particularly suspended particulate matter, whilst the deposition of atmospheric contaminants onto land surfaces and water bodies remains insufficiently documented. To address this research gap, the project was initiated to evaluate the extent of atmospheric heavy metal deposition, thereby providing a more robust scientific foundation for assessing the ecological impacts of air pollution on urban ecosystems.

Throughout the investigation, the research team developed a tailored methodology and engineered a rainwater sampling system suitable for the climatic conditions of Ho Chi Minh City. Collected samples underwent analysis via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentration of various metallic elements, including Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, and As.

The findings indicate that heavy metal concentrations in rainwater within the surveyed area mirror characteristics typically observed in urban environments heavily influenced by vehicular traffic, industrial manufacturing, and dust-generating sources. Among these elements, Zn emerged as the predominant component across the analysed samples. In addition to pollutant concentrations, the study examined the influence of heavy rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City on the transport and total deposition load of atmospheric metals into the environment.

By integrating analytical models such as the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the researchers identified potential source groups contributing to the presence of heavy metals in rainwater. These sources encompass transport activities, industrial production, construction operations, and natural dust sources.

The outcomes of this research contribute to a broader approach in urban environmental assessment, extending beyond baseline air quality monitoring at specific times to evaluate the transfer of pollutants from the atmosphere into other environmental compartments such as soil and water. The gathered data offer a valuable reference framework for subsequent studies regarding the distribution, accumulation, and ecological consequences of heavy metals within urban environments.

In terms of academic publications, the project yielded one paper in the Q1-ranked international journal Environmental Science: Atmospheres published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, one paper in a Q2 international journal, and one research article in the Science and Technology Development Journal – Natural Sciences. Furthermore, the project supported capacity building by contributing to the academic completion of one master’s student and three undergraduate students.

The evaluation council concluded that the project successfully fulfilled the research objectives set out in the proposal, employing rigorous methodologies and delivering scientifically significant results for environmental monitoring and quality assessment; the council subsequently voted unanimously to approve the official acceptance of the project.

On 18 June, the VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) convened an evaluation committee for a VNUHCM-level science and technology project entitled 鈥淩esearch on the anomalous Hall effect of ferromagnetic materials using first-principles simulation,鈥� chaired by Dr Tr峄媙h Th峄� L媒, the project examines the control mechanisms of the anomalous Hall effect within ferromagnetic materials, aiming to provide a scientific foundation for designing materials applicable to the field of spintronics.

The anomalous Hall effect represents a crucial phenomenon in magnetic materials, holding significant potential for application in next-generation spintronic devices. A primary area of current academic interest involves identifying mechanisms capable of modulating and enhancing anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC).

Within the framework of this research, the investigators focused on investigating hexagonal close-packed cobalt (hcp-Co) to evaluate how elastic strain influences the electronic characteristics and transport properties of the material. By combining the first-principles simulation method (ab initio) with a tight-binding computational model, the research team analysed the quantum physical mechanisms associated with variations in anomalous Hall conductivity under mechanical strain.

The findings demonstrate that the anomalous Hall conductivity of hcp-Co can be adjusted via elastic strain within a range from -2% to +2%. The AHC value reaches a maximum at a compressive strain of -0.5%, exhibiting a variation of up to 24% compared to the pristine state. Computational results indicate that this modification relates to the shift of energy band anti-crossing points closer to the Fermi level, which alters the Berry curvature distribution and directly affects the anomalous Hall conductivity of the material.

Alongside these scientific outcomes, the project successfully delivered the academic products and training objectives originally set forth. The research group developed an anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) calculation module integrated into the bphase programme, published a scientific paper entitled 鈥淭uning the Anomalous Hall Conductivity of hcp-Cobalt by Constant-Volume Biaxial Strain鈥� in a journal within the IEEJ Transactions system, and contributed to postgraduate education by supervising one Master鈥檚 student to completion.

The outcomes of this research contribute to the scientific framework regarding the ability to control the anomalous Hall effect via mechanical strain in ferromagnetic materials. Furthermore, the work establishes an analytical approach for investigating and optimising magnetic materials to serve spintronics research.

The evaluation committee agreed that the project fulfilled all registered research contents and deliverables, whilst acknowledging the achievements in elucidating the physical mechanisms of the anomalous Hall effect in ferromagnetic materials. The committee members unanimously approved the evaluation results of the project.

 

On 17 June, the Evaluation Committee for the VNUHCM-level research project entitled 鈥楻esearch and fabrication of gold metallic nanostructured plasmonic substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy applications,鈥� chaired by MSc Nguy峄卬 Duy Kh谩nh, alongside Associate Professor L锚 V农 Tu岷 H霉ng and Dr L锚 V膬n Ng峄峜.

The project focused on the research and fabrication of SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering 鈥� surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) sensor substrates based on gold nanostructures. These substrates are designed for the detection of Auramine O, a hazardous organic dye subject to strict regulation in food safety.

During the investigation, the research group fabricated three distinct gold nanostructure morphologies: gold nanospheres (GNS), gold nanorods (GNR), and gold nanourchins (GNU). The team subsequently evaluated how material morphology influences the efficiency of Raman signal enhancement.

A key highlight of the research is the systematic assessment of the relationship between gold nanostructure morphology and SERS performance under identical measurement conditions. The findings demonstrate that the SERS signal increases in the order of GNS3 < GNR120 < GNU25. Specifically, the gold nanourchin structure (GNU25) achieved the highest enhancement efficiency due to the high density of sharp spikes on the surface, which facilitates the formation of numerous electromagnetic 鈥榟ot spots鈥欌�攍ocalised sites capable of strongly amplifying the Raman signal.

The experimental results indicate that the GNU25-structured SERS substrate achieved the lowest limit of detection for Auramine O at 0.01 mg/L. The fabricated SERS substrates also demonstrated excellent uniformity, reproducibility, and stability after six months of storage. These outcomes help guide the development of high-performance plasmonic nanomaterials for rapid, sensitive, and non-destructive Raman sensing systems, benefiting fields such as food safety, environmental monitoring, and analytical chemistry.

Within the framework of this project, the research group published one international paper in a journal ranked Q2 by SCImago, whilst contributing to the training of one doctoral candidate and two undergraduate students.

The Evaluation Committee commended the project for appropriate research content, feasible methodologies, reliable results, and practical application value. Having fulfilled all the established objectives, the project was unanimously approved and highly commended by the Committee.

 

On 27 May 2026, VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) hosted a meeting of the Evaluation Committee for the VNUHCM-level research project: 鈥楽tudy of the effects of plant growth regulators on the development of rice grains (Oryza sativa L.)鈥�, chaired by Associate Professor Tr岷 Thanh H瓢啤ng.

The research focused on investigating the developmental process of OM5451 seed rice and evaluating the impact of plant growth regulators on both maturation time and grain weight under cultivation conditions in the Mekong Delta. This research direction holds significant relevance against the backdrop of agricultural production facing increasingly pronounced impacts from climate change, particularly for rice 鈥� one of the strategic crops of 水果派AV解说.

The findings demonstrate that rice grain development is a complex physiological process, closely linked to changes in photosynthesis, respiration, chlorophyll content, and the activity of plant hormones through each growth stage. The research team identified significant variations in auxin, gibberellin, zeatin, and abscisic acid (ABA) during grain developmental stages, thereby contributing to clarifying the role of growth regulators in the physiological ripening process of rice grains.

The findings also indicate that application of plant growth regulators at appropriate times can shorten the maturation period of rice grains. Specifically, treating rice with GA3 at a concentration of 50 mg/L during the booting stage allows grains to mature 9.1 days earlier than the control group, whilst contributing to an increase in grain weight. Furthermore, application of Ethephon during the hard dough stage reduces maturation time by approximately 6.2 days without altering grain weight. These results open up prospects for applying plant growth regulators to optimise seasonal timing, enhance production efficiency, and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

In the course of implementation, the project published two international scientific papers indexed in Scopus. Additionally, the project contributed to training one doctoral student whose research focuses on the development of rice flowers and fruit to shorten the maturation stage.

The Committee assessed that the project possesses an appropriate research scope, feasible methodology, reliable results, and practical application value. The project has fulfilled all set objectives, determined appropriate treatment methods, and was unanimously passed with a high evaluation rating.

 

On 20 March 2026, the Council for Project Evaluation convened at VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) to assess a VNUHCM-level scientific project entitled: 鈥淎pplication of modelling and satellite data to evaluate temporal trends and spatial distribution of nitrogen dioxide emissions in Ho Chi Minh City鈥�. The research was led by MSc. V玫 Th峄� T芒m Minh from the Faculty of Environment, HCMUS.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO鈧�) remains a critical air pollutant, capable of directly compromising environmental quality and human health when concentrations exceed permissible limits. Furthermore, NO鈧� 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 NO鈧� 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 NO鈧� emissions in Ho Chi Minh City鈥攐ne of the nation鈥檚 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 NO鈧� column data from the OMI/Aura satellite between 2019 and 2024 to estimate temporal trends and spatial distributions.

Research findings indicate that the average NO鈧� 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鈥�2021 period but recovered substantially thereafter. Levels reached approximately 1.3 x 10¹⁶ molecules cm^-2 h^-1 during 2023鈥�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 鈥� 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鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) hosted the evaluation session for a Category B VNUHCM-level scientific research project entitled: 鈥淐ollection 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 shrimp鈥�, led by Dr V农 Th峄� B岷h Ph瓢峄g.

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鈥攄evastating 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鈥攚hich typically presents greater difficulties in hairy root formation compared to dicotyledonous species鈥攖he 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 渭M 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 鈮� 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鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) convened an Evaluation Council to review a VNUHCM level science and technology project: 鈥淪ynthesis of titanium dioxide nanomaterials via green chemistry for applications in the cosmetic industry鈥�, led by Tr岷 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鈥�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 鈥� 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鈥�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鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) convened an evaluation session for a Type-B VNUHCM-level research project entitled: 鈥淢ulti-parameter inversion process for addressing non-uniqueness in geophysical inverse problems鈥�, led by Assoc. Prof. L锚 V膬n Anh C瓢峄漬g.

The research focused on the analysis of extensive datasets within the field of Geophysics, encompassing mathematical models, high-frequency electromagnetic experiments (Ground Penetrating Radar 鈥� 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鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS), a session was convened by the Evaluation Council for the VNUHCM-level Science and Technology project: 鈥淩esearch on the fabrication of vanadium pentoxide (V鈧侽鈧�) micro-nanostructures for photocatalytic applications鈥�, led by Dr L锚 Kh岷痗 T峄憄.

According to the report, the research group focused on investigating three critical parameters influencing the photocatalytic activity of V鈧侽鈧� materials: material morphology, the formation of V鈧侽鈧�/RGO nanocomposites, and the excitation light source. Pure V鈧侽鈧�, synthesised via the hydrothermal method in various morphologies, exhibited limited photocatalytic efficiency. This limitation stems primarily from the conduction band characteristics of V鈧侽鈧�, 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鈥檚 method, subsequently blending this with V鈧侽鈧� to create a nanocomposite precursor. A slow reduction process followed to obtain the final V鈧侽鈧�/RGO material. Findings indicate that the presence of RGO facilitates more efficient electron transport, significantly diminishing electron鈥揾ole recombination and enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the material.

The V鈧侽鈧�/RGO nanocomposite demonstrates marked improvements in structural characteristics, particularly an increased surface area compared to pure V鈧侽鈧�. 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 V鈧侽鈧�/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鈥攎aterial morphology, nanocomposite structure, and light source鈥攐ffers a promising approach to bolstering the photocatalytic performance of V鈧侽鈧�. 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.