Student scientific research has long been recognized as one of the key activities contributing to the achievements of the Faculty of Pharmacy in particular and Ton Duc Thang University in general in education, training, and scientific research. Through research activities, students are able to access new knowledge related to their disciplines, develop creativity and independent research skills, and engage in a stimulating academic environment that encourages scholarly excellence and innovation. Student research also plays an important role in identifying and nurturing young talents, thereby contributing to the development of future researchers and providing practical solutions to real-world challenges.

During the 2020–2021 academic year, the Faculty of Pharmacy actively participated in the University's student scientific research program and achieved encouraging results.

A total of 12 student research projects involving 22 students were submitted and evaluated through multiple rounds of review and assessment. Remarkably, all 12 projects received University-level awards, including:

• 05 First Prizes

• 05 Second Prizes

• 01 Third Prize

• 01 Consolation Prize

First Prize Projects

Investigation of the Chemical Composition of Korean Ginseng Cultivated in Vietnam Using Aeroponic Technology
Student: Le Thi My Dung
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Truong Huy, Ph.D.

Isolation of Bifidobacterium Strains and Their Application in the Biotransformation of Novel Saponins in Vietnamese Ginseng
Student: Hoang Thi Le Quyen
Supervisor: Le Bao, Ph.D.

Investigation of the Chemical Composition of Tissue-Cultured Vietnamese Ginseng (Panax vietnamensis, Araliaceae)
Student: Vuong Ngo Quynh Nhu
Supervisor: Vu Huynh Kim Long, M.Sc.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Extracts and Flavonoids Isolated from the Flowers of Ochna integerrima L.
Student: Nguyen Phuc Khanh
Supervisor: Nguyen Minh Hien, Ph.D.

In Silico Investigation of Potential Compounds as COX-1 and COX-2 Inhibitors
Student: Pham Thi Ngoc My
Supervisor: Vu Thien Y, Ph.D.

Second Prize Projects

Projects receiving Second Prize included studies on:

• Solid-phase extraction materials for ciprofloxacin residue analysis;

• Production of microcrystalline cellulose for pharmaceutical applications;

• Isolation of anti-inflammatory compounds from Garcinia schomburgkiana Pierre;

• Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of extracts from Vernonia amygdalina leaves;

• Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of extracts from the rhizomes of Distichochlamys benenica.

Third Prize Project

Isolation of Bioactive Antibacterial Compounds from the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Psidium cattleianum
Supervisor: Nguyen Dinh Hiep, Ph.D.

Consolation Prize Project

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Isolation of Bioactive Compounds from Litsea glutinosa
Supervisor: Nguyen Dinh Hiep, Ph.D.

Based on the outstanding achievements of these projects, the Faculty Council nominated 11 projects to participate in the 23rd Euréka Student Research Award 2021, jointly organized by Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

The Faculty of Pharmacy would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to all award-winning students. These achievements serve as a strong foundation for further developing research experience and professional skills, while also representing memorable milestones in students' academic journeys. More importantly, they contribute to the creation of new knowledge and meaningful values for society.

The Faculty hopes that in the coming academic years, students will continue to develop high-quality research projects addressing practical challenges in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, thereby enriching student scientific research activities and achieving further success in competitions at all levels.