6 HUST researches were funded by AF 2025

On August 6, Hanoi University of Science and Technology in collaboration with Asahi Glass Foundation (AF) organized the AF Research Grant Awarding Ceremony and Seminar 2025.

The Asahi Glass Foundation was established in 1933. It was initially established as the Asahi Foundation for Chemical Industry Promotion to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. (now AGC Inc.).

Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Asahi Glass Foundation have officially cooperated since 2020.
  Prof. Le Anh Tuan, Chairman of HUST University Council, expressed deep appreciation for AF’s continued support, emphasizing its role in empowering young researchers to pursue innovative ideas, foster international collaboration, and contribute to sustainable development. He warmly welcomed Mr. Takuya Shimamura (AF President), Dr. Naoki Sugimoto (Senior Executive Director), and the AF delegation.

Takuya Shimamura - Chairman of Asahi Glass Foundation expressed his joy at meeting the leaders and lecturers of HUST and welcoming young researchers to participate in this year's program.
  Since 2020, AF has partnered with HUST to support pioneering research. AGC Inc, and the AF have been deepening the relationship with Vietnam and HUST.

From 2020 to 2022, AF committed 2 million yen annually (approximately 400 million VND) to selected projects. Starting in 2023, the annual funding increased to 30,000 USD (approximately 730 million VND). Over six years, 34 research projects have received support, with six new projects selected in 2025.
  The 2025 funded projects span diverse fields: Materials science, life sciences, IT, environment, energy, and social sciences. Project leaders include:

1. Dr. Nguyen Hai Van – Exploring antimicrobial properties against foodborne pathogens of essential oils from Vietnamese herb to improve food safety

2. Dr. Bui Dinh Ba – Toward the development of robot-based upper limb devices for rehabilitation

3. MSc. Nguyen Yen Chi – Clustering of learners based on self-regulated learning behaviors on a blended learning platform: The relationship to learning outcomes and interventions to improve academic performance

4. Dr. Phan Duy Nam – Zinc oxide coated on fabric using sputtering technology for anti-UV and antibacterial applications

5. Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung – Determinants influencing the disclosure of carbon emissions information in the Vietnamese transportation industry

6. Dr. Nguyen Nhat Hai – Design of compounds that inhibit the enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) using deep generative model
  Following the award ceremony, the AF2024 Scientific Seminar was chaired by Prof. Le Anh Tuan and Dr. Naoki Sugimoto. Nine research presentations showcased the creativity, rigor, and dedication of HUST’s emerging scientists.

Mr. Takuya Shinmamura affirmed: “I sincerely hope al of the researchers here will contribute to our precious blue planet through your research.”