DLR - In the context of globalization and the urgent need for sustainable development, Quy Nhon University is steadily affirming its pioneering role in fostering academic connectivity and interdisciplinary research. The seminar “Science for Sustainable Development,” held on July 22, 2025, stands as a clear testament to these efforts, as well as the university’s ongoing commitment to accompanying scientists, lecturers, and doctoral candidates in addressing pressing local and national challenges.

This seminar is among the activities organized under Phase 1 (2022–2027) of the IUC-QNU University Cooperation Programme, funded by VLIRUOS. It drew active participation from scientists, lecturers, doctoral candidates, and representatives of component projects within the IUC-QNU Programme.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Ngan, Director of the IUC-QNU Programme, delivers her remarks

Doctoral candidates present their research at the seminar

The seminar was organized with the aim of creating an academic platform for doctoral candidates and lecturers at Quy Nhon University to share their latest research findings related to science, technology, and sustainable development. At the same time, the event encouraged interdisciplinary academic exchange, particularly in the fields of agriculture, advanced materials, environment, and climate change—pressing issues that have a direct impact on the development of the South Central Coast and Central Highlands regions.

Doctoral candidates from Project 2 and Project 1 present their research during the afternoon session

During the morning session, the seminar focused on applied research in agriculture, featuring scientific presentations centered on durian and avocado—the two main crops in the Central and Central Highlands regions. The doctoral candidates presented initial results on post-harvest technologies to extend the storage life and shelf life of durian; the optimization of pollination and fruit set processes for durian; studies on the isolation and identification of pathogens causing stem rot in durian trees; as well as the characteristics of pathogens affecting avocado fruit and preventive measures to reduce post-harvest losses. These studies are not only scientifically significant but also offer practical solutions to support local agricultural production.

In the afternoon session, the seminar continued with topics on advanced materials and the environment. Presentations focused on enhancing plasmonic effects and the thermochromic properties of VO₂ materials for use in smart windows; research on iron oxide nanomaterials for capturing hydrogen sulfide from biogas; and flood risk assessment in the Kon and Ky Lo river basins. These studies contribute scientific solutions to promote sustainable development and climate change adaptation.

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Ngan emphasized the importance of connecting research groups both domestically and internationally, fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration to strengthen research and teaching capacity, and making practical contributions to local and national development.

The seminar presentations garnered strong interest from scientists and QNU lecturers

The “Science for Sustainable Development” seminar is more than just an academic activity; it embodies the passion for scientific research, innovation, creativity, and international integration at Quy Nhon University. Through the IUC-QNU Programme, the university is steadily affirming its role as a regional center of knowledge, actively contributing to technology and knowledge transfer in support of sustainable development in the context of globalization.

Minh Hien 

Vo Thien An