On 18 June, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) organised the evaluation council for a Category C university-level scientific project entitled “Estimating Atmospheric Deposition of Heavy Metals in Southern Vietnamese Megacity”. The project was led by Dr Nguyễn Lý Sỹ Phú as principal investigator, alongside team members Assoc. Prof. Tô Thị Hiền, MSc Trần Ánh Ngân, MSc Võ Thị Tâm Minh, and BSc Trần Hoàng 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–University of Science (HCMUS) convened an evaluation committee for a VNUHCM-level science and technology project entitled “Research on the anomalous Hall effect of ferromagnetic materials using first-principles simulation,” chaired by Dr Trịnh Thị Lý, 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 “Tuning the Anomalous Hall Conductivity of hcp-Cobalt by Constant-Volume Biaxial Strain” in a journal within the IEEJ Transactions system, and contributed to postgraduate education by supervising one Master’s 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 ‘Research and fabrication of gold metallic nanostructured plasmonic substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy applications,’ chaired by MSc Nguyễn Duy Khánh, alongside Associate Professor Lê Vũ Tuấn Hùng and Dr Lê Văn Ngọc.

The project focused on the research and fabrication of SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering – 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 ‘hot spots’—localised 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–University of Science (HCMUS) hosted a meeting of the Evaluation Committee for the VNUHCM-level research project: ‘Study of the effects of plant growth regulators on the development of rice grains (Oryza sativa L.)’, chaired by Associate Professor Trần Thanh Hương.

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 – one of the strategic crops of Ģ����ý.

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–University of Science (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 City”. The research was led by MSc. Võ Thị Tâm Minh from the Faculty of Environment, HCMUS.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) remains a critical air pollutant, capable of directly compromising environmental quality and human health when concentrations exceed permissible limits. Furthermore, NO₂ 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 NO₂ 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 NO₂ column data from the OMI/Aura satellite between 2019 and 2024 to estimate temporal trends and spatial distributions.

Research findings indicate that the average NO₂ 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–University of Science (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 shrimp”, led by Dr Vũ 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–University of Science (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 industry”, 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–University of Science (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 problems”, led by Assoc. Prof. Lê Văn Anh Cường.

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–University of Science (HCMUS), a session was convened by the Evaluation Council for the VNUHCM-level Science and Technology project: “Research on the fabrication of vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) micro-nanostructures for photocatalytic applications”, led by Dr Lê Khắc Tốp.

According to the report, the research group focused on investigating three critical parameters influencing the photocatalytic activity of V₂O₅ materials: material morphology, the formation of V₂O₅/RGO nanocomposites, and the excitation light source. Pure V₂O₅, synthesised via the hydrothermal method in various morphologies, exhibited limited photocatalytic efficiency. This limitation stems primarily from the conduction band characteristics of V₂O₅, 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 V₂O₅/RGO nanocomposite demonstrates marked improvements in structural characteristics, particularly an increased surface area compared to pure V₂O₅. 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 V₂O₅/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–University of Science (HCMUS), the VNUHCM Project Evaluation Council convened to assess the research project: “Research on 2D Ag/TiO₂ heterostructures for low-concentration crystal violet detection via Raman spectroscopy,” 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/TiO₂ 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/TiO₂ 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 TiO₂ 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 TiO₂. 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/TiO₂ 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.