On 2 August, the PiMA 2026 Mathematics and Applications Summer Camp opened at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS). Held under the theme Mathematics in Artificial Intelligence, the nine-day programme brings together 23 upper secondary school students from across Ģ����ý for lectures, research projects, seminars and academic exchange activities.

HCMUS has long partnered with PiMA in organising the summer camp, providing an academic environment where talented students can engage with contemporary mathematics, applied research and leading academics.

PiMA, short for Projects in Mathematics and Applications, was established in 2016 by Vietnamese mathematicians affiliated with leading universities around the world. The organisation promotes mathematics through research-based learning while demonstrating the role of mathematical sciences in addressing real-world challenges across science, technology and society.

The year 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of PiMA. Over the past decade, the organisation has inspired students across Ģ����ý to explore mathematics beyond the classroom, encouraging research-oriented thinking and introducing learners to modern fields of applied mathematics. What began as an academic summer camp has developed into a platform where young people investigate emerging scientific questions, collaborate in teams and develop research ideas under the guidance of academics, specialists and mentors.

The 2026 theme, Mathematics in Artificial Intelligence, reflects the growing influence of AI across education, research, industry and everyday life. Rather than focusing solely on AI applications, the programme highlights the mathematical principles underpinning machine learning, pattern recognition and predictive modelling, enabling participants to recognise mathematics as a foundation for technologies shaping the modern world.

Throughout the programme, participants will attend specialist lectures, undertake collaborative research projects, participate in seminars led by experts and engage in academic discussions with fellow students. Guidance will be provided by academics, specialists and mentors from universities, research institutes and industry in Ģ����ý and overseas. The programme also offers opportunities to strengthen teamwork, academic communication and presentation skills while building connections with peers who share a passion for mathematics and scientific discovery.

The European Patent Office (EPO) has granted European Patent No. 4432220 for the invention Annotation of Slice Images in Volumetric Medical Images, developed by a research team from VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS). The patent was officially published in the European Patent Bulletin on 8 July 2026. The achievement recognises the research capability, technological innovation, and international intellectual property protection efforts of Vietnamese scientists in the field of artificial intelligence for medical applications.

The inventors are Dr Lê Khánh Duy, Lecturer at the Faculty of Information Technology; Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết, Vice President; Nguyễn Hồ Thăng Long, alumnus of the Talented Bachelor Programme (Cohort 2018) and researcher at the Software Technology Laboratory (currently a doctoral researcher at Dublin City University, Ireland); and Phạm Minh Khôi, alumnus of the Talented Bachelor Programme (Cohort 2018) (currently a doctoral researcher at Dublin City University, Ireland).

In medical diagnosis, CT and MRI scans are commonly stored as hundreds of individual image slices. To create training datasets for artificial intelligence, specialists must annotate anatomical structures or tumours accurately on every slice. Such work is highly time-consuming, repetitive, and susceptible to inconsistencies between adjacent slices. The process therefore requires considerable effort while maintaining a very high level of precision.

The invention Annotation of Slice Images in Volumetric Medical Images introduces a method for assisting the automatic annotation of 3D medical images by exploiting the spatial relationships between consecutive image slices. Once a user creates or edits an annotation on one slice, a machine learning model predicts and propagates the annotation to neighbouring slices, eliminating the need to repeat the same task manually for every individual image.

A key innovation lies in the ability of the model to analyse not only the content of each image independently but also the visual characteristics of the target structure together with the relative positions of adjacent slices in order to predict the shape of the object throughout the complete 3D volume. As a result, annotations remain more continuous and accurate than approaches that process each slice separately. The system also assigns a confidence score to every annotation, enabling users to identify quickly which slices require further review or refinement. When an annotation is corrected, the system updates and propagates the revised information across other slices, thereby maintaining consistency throughout the dataset. Such capabilities substantially reduce the time and effort required for annotating 3D medical images while producing training data with greater consistency and quality for the development of artificial intelligence systems supporting medical image analysis and diagnosis.

The process of securing a European patent took approximately three years and involved several rounds of examination with specialists from the European Patent Office. According to Dr Lê Khánh Duy, the greatest challenge was demonstrating novelty and inventive step in accordance with European patentability requirements. The research team developed a new interactive approach between users and medical images, enabling faster and more efficient medical data annotation than existing solutions. To satisfy patent examination standards, however, the interaction mechanism had to be formulated as a clearly defined technical solution that fulfilled the requirements of the European patent system. Previous experience gained by Dr Lê Khánh Duy while working with human–computer interaction research groups at technology companies in Europe also proved valuable in addressing technical issues and supporting the patent prosecution process.

A notable aspect of the achievement is that the invention was conceived and filed independently by Vietnamese researchers at a time when, in 2023, international patent filing support programmes remained limited. The research team explained that pursuing patent protection at an early stage reflected a determination to safeguard an idea with strong practical potential, together with continuous encouragement and support from Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết throughout the development process.

Beyond intellectual property protection, the patent application process also enabled the research team to gain valuable experience in intellectual property law, international patent examination procedures, and the preparation of technical patent documentation. According to the researchers, such experience will benefit scientists seeking to transform research outcomes into intellectual assets eligible for international patent protection.

Dr Lê Khánh Duy also emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary research in achieving patentable outcomes. When a core technological solution is developed within a clearly defined application context, the technical value, practical potential, and overall strength of the invention can be demonstrated more convincingly during patent examination.

Following this achievement, the research team continues to pursue projects in virtual reality and augmented reality, with potential applications in physical rehabilitation training and other simulated environments. Further developments are expected to lead to additional patent applications in the future.

The granting of a European patent for Annotation of Slice Images in Volumetric Medical Images represents a significant milestone for research, innovation, and intellectual property activities at VNUHCM–University of Science. The achievement demonstrates that university research can extend beyond scholarly publication to become internationally protected technological solutions, bringing Vietnamese knowledge and research capability closer to the global scientific and technological community.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Vũ, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, delivering the opening remarks at the FIT Summer School on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI 2026.

On the morning of 27 July, the Faculty of Information Technology at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) officially opened the FIT@HCMUS Summer School on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI 2026. Running until 31 July, the programme features a series of advanced lectures on intelligent agents, Agentic AI, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence in software engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, and data processing.

FIT@HCMUS Summer School is an annual academic initiative organised by the Faculty of Information Technology to enable learners to strengthen specialist knowledge, engage with emerging technological developments, and broaden connections with researchers, academics, industry experts, and corporate partners.

Building on previous editions that explored Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Multi-Agent Systems, the 2026 programme focuses on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI. These research directions are attracting growing international attention as AI systems increasingly evolve towards planning, tool utilisation, collaboration with other agents, autonomous task execution, and result verification within complex workflows.

Throughout the five-day programme, participants explore topics ranging from the mathematical foundations of Large Language Models, the principles of Agentic AI, and Multi-Agent Systems to engineering workflows, prompt engineering methodologies, and practical applications in software development, robotic control, document restoration, and cybersecurity.

Through specialist lectures and academic discussions, the FIT@HCMUS Summer School on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI 2026 provides participants with a systematic understanding of recent advances in artificial intelligence, spanning theoretical foundations, engineering methodologies, and real-world applications.

Participation from researchers, academics, students, engineers, and industry representatives further strengthens connections between education, research, and professional practice. Knowledge shared throughout the programme provides participants with a stronger foundation for developing new ideas, pursuing future research directions, and exploring applications of next-generation AI technologies to address practical challenges.

Speakers and Programme Schedule

Monday, 27 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:15 – 08:30	Opening Remarks	Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Vũ, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
08:30 – 11:30	Mathematical Foundations of Large Language Models	Dr Cấn Trần Thành Trung, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 16:30	Introduction to Foundations of Agentic AI	Prof. Trần Thanh Long, University of Warwick, United Kingdom

Tuesday, 28 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Agentic Engineering Workflow: Mastering Agentic Processes from Vibe Coding to Vibe Engineering	MSc Nguyễn Huy Khánh and MSc Phạm Hoàng Hải, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 16:30	Unlock Your Agent: From Prompt Engineering to Reusable AI Skills	MSc Ngô Ngọc Đăng Khoa, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)

Wednesday, 29 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Voice-Controlled Robotics Using LEGO Mindstorms EV3 and Large Language Models	Dr Cao Xuân Nam, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 16:30	From LLM Hallucination to Loop Engineering: Why Does AI Need Verification Loops?	MSc Trần Văn Quý, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)

Thursday, 30 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Autonomous SOC: Using AI as a Proactive Shield in Cybersecurity	MSc Đỗ Hoàng Cường, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 15:30	Automation with AI Agents and Applications in Software Development	Dr Ngô Minh Nhựt, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
15:30 – 16:30	OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications and Prompt Injection Attacks	Mr Nguyễn Thành Lộc, OPSWAT

Friday, 31 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Introduction to Modern Multi-Agent Systems	Prof. Trần Thanh Long, University of Warwick, United Kingdom
13:30 – 16:30	Autonomous Text Restoration in Degraded Document Images	Dr Nguyễn Hồng Bửu Long, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
16:30 – 16:45	Closing Remarks	Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Vũ, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)

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On 24 July, the Evaluation Council for a VNUHCM-level research project held an evaluation session for the project titled “Research 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 Ģ����ý”, led by Assoc. Prof. Lê Công Hảo.

The project aims to determine distribution coefficients of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil and water environments in Ģ����ý, 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–plant systems, 79 water sampling locations and 20 sediment sampling locations. Based on these findings, the team determined solid–liquid distribution coefficients (Kd), soil–plant transfer factors (TF), suspended solids–water distribution coefficients (Kₛw), and radon emanation coefficients (Fₛₑd, Fₐₜₘ) under environmental conditions in Ģ����ý.

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 Ģ����ý.

According to the research team, one of the project’s notable outcomes is the establishment of a soil–plant transfer factor (TF) dataset based on experimental data collected under Ģ����ý’s 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’s 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.

VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) has been granted registration certificates by the Intellectual Property Office of Ģ����ý, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, for two semiconductor integrated circuit layout designs. This achievement recognises the research and design capabilities in analogue and mixed-signal integrated circuits demonstrated by the author cohort at the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications.

The design titled “An 8-bit Flash Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC) signal conversion circuit utilising a Double-Tail comparator” received its Certificate of Registration under Decision No. 228/QĐ-SHTT dated 3 June 2026, remaining valid until 9 December 2032. The research team comprises Associate Professor Lê Đức Hùng, Master of Science Thái Hồng Hải, and Nguyễn Thị Thanh Xuân.

This layout design features an analogue-to-digital signal conversion function based on an 8-bit Flash ADC architecture fabricated using CMOS technology. The circuit can select eight analogue inputs via an analogue multiplexer, delivers an 8-bit binary output, and interfaces with microcontrollers through the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) standard.

According to the research team, the design aims to optimise component placement, minimise circuit resources, reduce physical area, and lower power consumption.

These parameters represent critical requirements for integrated circuit blocks, particularly within systems demanding high-speed data acquisition, low energy consumption, and compatibility with compact devices.

The design titled “A reconfigurable 6-channel analogue signal preprocessing terminal circuit” was granted its Certificate of Registration under Decision No. 229/QĐ-SHTT dated 3 June 2026, remaining valid until 9 December 2032. The author cohort includes Associate Professor Lê Đức Hùng, Master of Science Thái Hồng Hải, Nguyễn Thanh Lộc, and Phạm Thế Hùng.

The design focuses on analogue signal preprocessing functions, specifically tailored for biomedical applications and sensor signal acquisition systems. Comprising six analogue input channels implemented on CMOS technology, the configuration allows for the selection and reconfiguration of input impedance alongside amplification gain, whilst providing 8-bit analogue-to-digital conversion and communicating with microcontrollers via the serial SPI standard.

A semiconductor integrated circuit layout design qualifies for protection upon satisfying two core criteria: originality and commercial novelty.

Originality dictates that the layout must be the creative result of the authors themselves, and must not be widely known within the layout design community or amongst semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturers at the time of creation.

Furthermore, a design maintains commercial novelty only if the layout has not been commercially exploited anywhere in the world prior to the filing date of the protection application.

The research group notes that completing a single design requires approximately six to nine months, spanning stages from specification analysis, schematic drawing, and simulation evaluation, to layout design, post-layout evaluation, and design verification. These outcomes pave the way for integrating ADC conversion circuits and analogue signal preprocessing terminal circuits into microcontroller chips designed for data acquisition, sensor interfacing, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and biomedical applications.

For HCMUS, the protection of these designs serves to confirm the training and research capacity in microchip design possessed by the academic staff, scientists, and students. The milestone contributes significantly to mastering analogue and mixed-signal microchip design specifically, as well as integrated circuit design more broadly.

Currently, HCMUS offers academic programmes in Microchip Design and Semiconductor Technology at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Microchip design research activities are deployed across multiple streams, including signal acquisition and processing chips, RISC-V CPU chips, lightweight cryptography cores, post-quantum cryptography cores, artificial Intelligence (AI) chip systems featuring spiking neural networks, and AI-IoT chips for biomedical applications

Against a backdrop where microchips and semiconductors are identified as strategic technological sectors, the development and protection of semiconductor integrated circuit layout designs carry practical significance for training, research, and the cultivation of domestic chip design capabilities. From these certified designs, the research team can continue to refine, optimise, and integrate circuit blocks into larger application systems, thereby contributing to the development of the semiconductor microchip ecosystem at VNU-HCM and across Ģ����ý.

 

The technology entitled “Memristor Structures with Analog Switching Characteristics and Method for Fabricating the Same” has recently been granted United States Patent US 12,670,378 B2 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The inventors comprise Assoc. Prof. Phạm Kim Ngọc and MSc Phạm Phú Quân from VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS); Prof. Phan Bách Thắng from VNUHCM-University of Health Sciences; and Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Trần Thuật from the Institute of Semiconductors and Advanced Materials, Ģ����ý National University, Ha Noi (VNU).

An idea rooted in materials science

For more than a decade, global research into memristors has concentrated predominantly on metal oxide systems such as , , and . This patent establishes a novel paradigm by constructing and protecting a materials platform based on chromium oxide () for memristor technology. Rather than merely proposing a specific device architecture, the invention positions  as the central functional material, which can be flexibly integrated with various oxide layers and metal electrodes to design new generations of memristors. This platform paves the way for devices capable of multi-state storage and non-linear operation—core characteristics required to realise artificial synapses within next-generation computing hardware.

The nucleus of a new computing architecture

The prominent feature of the patent lies not only in the memristor structure itself, but also in the deployment of this material system into synapse arrays. The invention describes a [Row  Column] array architecture integrated with passive selectors (diodes), wherein each intersection functions as a memristor acting as an electronic synapse, capable of simultaneous local data storage and processing. This architecture opens up avenues for developing In-Memory Computing and Neuromorphic Computing chips, where millions of memristors can be integrated into hardware neural networks. Such networks possess the capacity to execute parallel computations, thereby significantly reducing data transfer between memory and processors.

A foundation for the future

The journey from a novel material design in the laboratory to an international patent represents the inception of a grander vision: the development of integrated AI chips powered by memristor technology. The invention emerged from research activities undertaken at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, HCMUS. This milestone further strengthens the foundation for collaborative programmes between scientists at VNUHCM and VNU across the entire research chain, spanning from materials and devices to semiconductor chip technology.

The research process received funding and support from the Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VinIF) and HCMUS. This financial backing was instrumental in connecting specialized research groups, sustaining investigative activities, and enabling laboratory findings to mature into internationally protected intellectual property.

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.

 

Doctoral researcher Trần Thị Anh Thoa presenting her doctoral thesis in Plant Physiology before the institutional Doctoral Thesis Assessment Committee at the VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS).

On 17 June 2026, at the VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), doctoral researcher Trần Thị Anh Thoa (2019 cohort) successfully defended her doctoral thesis in Plant Physiology. The thesis, entitled “Contribution to understanding and controlling the development of water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms”, was supervised by Associate Professor Dr Bùi Trang Việt and Dr Đỗ Thường Kiệt.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic plant species characterised by rapid growth and the capacity to form dense vegetative mats on water surfaces through asexual reproduction, particularly via stolon development. The proliferation of water hyacinth in freshwater bodies can adversely affect aquatic ecosystems, waterway navigation, and water resource exploitation and utilisation. However, current control methods for this species remain limited in terms of efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

In this study, doctoral researcher Trần Thị Anh Thoa focused on elucidating the growth characteristics and stolon-forming capacity of water hyacinth, whilst investigating the impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) in controlling the development of the aquatic weed.

The research findings indicate that, under in vitro culture conditions, NAA at a concentration of 0.25 mg/L is capable of stimulating adventitious root development, whereas BA at concentrations of 0.5 – 1 mg/L promotes lateral branching and stolon elongation. These results contribute additional data regarding the role of plant growth regulators in the development of water hyacinth.

Furthermore, the thesis demonstrated the impact of NaCl treatment on water hyacinth. Treatment with 3% NaCl supplemented with 1‰ Tween 20 causes irreversible damage to the leaves, including permanently open stomata, chloroplast deformation, diminished chlorophyll content, impaired photosynthetic activity, and alterations to the fast chlorophyll fluorescence transient (OJIP) curve. The study also recorded the migration and accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^– ions in the leaves, petioles, and rhizomes, alongside alterations to phytohormone balance within the rhizomes.

Notably, field trial results in a lake with a water hyacinth coverage exceeding 384 m² revealed that spraying 6% NaCl (supplemented with 1‰ Tween 20) over the entire foliar surface significantly reduces survival rates and stolon-forming capacity. Upon repeating the treatment after 4 weeks, approximately 40% of the mother plants failed to recover, and the proportion of plants with stolons decreased to 30% compared to the control group.

The outcomes of the thesis have contributed to a clearer understanding of the growth mechanisms, development, and responses of water hyacinth under salinity stress, whilst opening up novel avenues for researching more efficient and feasible measures to control the expansion of this aquatic plant.

In addition to the achievements realised, the thesis proposes future research directions, such as conducting deeper investigations into phytohormone signalling pathways under salinity stress, as well as optimising NaCl treatment methods for appropriate application in controlling water hyacinth within canals and waterways.

The Assessment Committee determined that the thesis possesses significant scientific value, providing further baseline data for studies on aquatic plant physiology, and officially recognised the work as meeting the doctoral thesis standards of the educational institution.