Hue University and expectations from scientific research

Research experts at Hue University Biotechnology Institute

Success

2018 is considered a successful year of Hue University in the field of scientific research. Counting only science and technology awards for young lecturers (an activity being organized every 3 years), Hue University has had 2 topics winning the first prize, 4 second prizes and 3 third prizes out of 75 project profiles of participating units nationwide.

The joy did not stop there, as by the end of July 2018, the Young Research Prize of the Vietnam Association of Theoretical Physics witnessed a new owner coming from Hue University - Dr. Tran Viet Nhan Hao, lecturer of the University of Education, Hue University. It is worth mentioning that Dr. Hao is only 35 years old, yet his research is highly appreciated by the leading experts. According to the acknowledgement of scientists, Dr. Hao will continue to make major contributions in the field that he pursues.

The staff of Hue University of Biotechnology Institute are happy as their research successes

At the 2018 Student’s Scientific Research Awards, even though the achievements were not as brilliant as that of young lecturers, there were 9 topics of students and student groups appreciated by the council. The good news was that there were 389 subjects from 88 universities and colleges (950 students) nationwide, but the students from Hue University had won 1 second prize, 5 third prizes and 3 consolation prizes.

In particular, with the topic winning the second prize "Prognosis of major cardiovascular events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction through percutaneous coronary intervention by the ratio of neutrophils with lymphocytes”, Doan Pham Phuoc Long (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University) was honored to become one of 55 outstanding students across the country selected by the Ministry of Education and Training to meet the Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong.

Expectations for strong research teams

It would not be completed when only the awards are mentioned, as Hue University is aiming to develop itself in the direction of research. In the context of autonomy, scientific research is also expected to generate revenue for Hue University.

Statistics from the Department of Science, Technology and Environment of Hue University showed that revenues from science and technology only reached 3% in total revenue of Hue University. By 2019-2020, Hue University aims to strive to increase the revenue from scientific research and technology transfer activities accounting for 10 - 15% of the total revenue of Hue University. At the same time, there will be at least 8 to 12 works/products getting registered intellectual property rights and 5 to 8 branded products.

Dr. Tran Viet Nhan Hao (checkered shirt), owner of the 2018 Young Research Award of Vietnam Theoretical Physics Association

According to the representative of Hue University, it is not an overambitious goal when Hue University has prepared very carefully, especially the establishment of a consultative council, selected and approved 12 strong research groups (September 2018). These research groups are divided into two types: basic research and applied research. The researchers in the groups are gathered in a deep or interdisciplinary specialization with strict qualification conditions. They have the capacity to carry out national and international scientific tasks and, at the same time, have many research works and technology transfers to contribute to the locality.

For a long time, the major weakness of the universities of Hue University is international publications in prestigious magazines are limited; thus, the establishment of strong research groups is expected to be a suitable solution. Compared to the previous scientific research development orientation, Hue University will now prioritize investment in strong research groups, especially with specific support policies such as order-based activities from Hue University, with a budget of 150 million VND per year. In return, the target set for each group is the international article being in the prestigious list of the world (ISI or Scopus). According to the leader of Hue University, setting the target of international publication will also enhance the position of Hue University in the ranking list of regional and continental universities.

With a foundation established, clearly the opportunity to realize the expected goals of Hue University in 2019 and the following years will be very great. More importantly, the upcoming scientific research achievements are promised to contribute more to the province, while affirming the roadmap to develop Hue University in the direction of scientific research, with a vision of becoming one of the top research universities in Southeast Asia by 2030.

In 2018, the number of approved projects was quite high, 16 of them were at Ministry level and 96 were at Hue University level. Regarding to Intellectual Property and technology transfer, the patent has been registered for 1 product “Cốm tiền liệt thanh giải” of Prof. Dr. Tran Huu Dang (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University).

“The transfer results of Hue University also shows signs of prosperity: Bokashi Trầu (Betel Bokashi) of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Linh and the Institute of Biotechnology was transferred to Happy Food Company, Dong Nai with the value of VND 600 million; 2 products including lotus tea of Dr. Nguyen Van Hue and sour bamboo shoots of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Toan (University of Agriculture and Forestry) have been commercialized in the market; 4 other products of the University of Agriculture and Forestry and 3 products of the Institute of Biotechnology are about to be put on the market,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khac Lieu, Deputy Head of Science, Technology and Environment Department of Hue University informed.

Story and photos: Huu Phuc