Chemical Technology Students Secure Second Prize in the 2024 National Science and Technology Awards

After competing against 536 top-selected projects from a pool of over 15,000 student research entries nationwide, a student team from the Faculty of Chemical Technology at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) achieved the prestigious Second Prize in the 2024 National Science and Technology Awards for Students.

The 2024 Science and Technology (S&T) Awards for students in higher education institutions were organized by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Central Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, and Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC).

Projects competing for the award were categorized into six fields: Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology Sciences, Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

The team from the Faculty of Chemical Technology, HaUI (the five students standing on the far right) at the 2024 Awards Ceremony for Science and Technology for Young Lecturers and Students in Higher Education Institutions

The research project, titled "Study on the Conditions for Biosynthesis of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) from Microorganisms (MO)", led by third-year students Đậu Thị Mai Linh, Khuất Thị Bích Ngọc, Hoàng Thị Kim Oanh, Đặng Danh Phong, and Đỗ Minh Thu under the supervision of Dr. Vu Dinh Giap from the HaUI Institute of Technology, was highly rated by the Selection Committee and awarded Second Prize at the Student Science and Technology Awards for students and young lecturers in higher education, held in Ho Chi Minh City from November 7 to 9, 2024.

The team from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, HaUI achieved outstanding success by winning Second Prize in the national finals

Explaining the rationale for choosing this research topic, team leader Đậu Thị Mai Linh shared: “Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has unique biological functions, such as promoting fibroblast proliferation and supporting wound healing. In industry, HA can be obtained from various sources, most commonly animals, including extracts from umbilical cords, rooster combs, and eggshells. However, extraction techniques from these sources are often costly and yield low quantities. With recent advancements in biochemistry, it is now feasible to shift HA sourcing from animals to microorganisms through fermentation methods, which is why we chose this topic for our research.

The research team conducted experiments in HaUI's modern laboratory

This research focuses on the extraction and harvesting of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) from microorganisms (MO), with the goal of mastering microbial strain sources as well as the technological process for extracting the active compound. The research aims to isolate and select specific microbial strains capable of biosynthesizing HA. Additionally, it explores suitable fermentation conditions to maximize HA production by microorganisms and develops a fermentation process for HA extraction from culture media on a laboratory scale. Based on this, the study aims to establish a process for extracting high-quality and highly pure HA from microorganisms.

Their nearly year-long research journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to scientific rigor and innovation, qualities recognized by the award committee. The committee praised the project for its scientific contribution, objectivity, practical applicability, and potential for entrepreneurial and start-up applications.

The success of HaUI’s Chemical Technology students reflects the university’s sustained commitment to advancing student research. Hanoi University of Industry prioritizes creating an environment that fosters students’ academic potential, creativity, and passion for research.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, HaUI allocated over 5 billion VND to student research activities, a 1.5-fold increase from the previous year, reflecting its commitment to equipping students with the resources, facilities, and financial support necessary for impactful research endeavors.

Over the past 15 years, the scientific research movement among students at Hanoi University of Industry has seen remarkable growth, both in terms of quantity and quality. In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 562 research projects were successfully defended, with 41 First Prizes, 98 Second Prizes, 109 Third Prizes, and 314 Consolation Prizes awarded across 11 different fields. These achievements represent significant milestones in the ongoing journey of Hanoi University of Industry’s lecturers and students toward the pinnacle of knowledge and academic excellence.