Collaborative Mission Between Hiroshima University and Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF)

From October 14 to 15, 2026, an esteemed delegation of leading professors and researchers from Hiroshima University, Japan—led by Prof. Tran Dang Xuan (Head of the Global Campus Institute Vietnam Office), Prof. Ueda Akihiro, Prof. Nakayama Tatsuya, and Asst. Prof. Tran Duc Viet—paid a high-level official working visit to Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), marking a significant milestone in international education and applied scientific research centered on advancing the Joint PhD. Program and expanding academic and applied research collaborations in green and sustainable agriculture.

As part of this fruitful academic exchange, two Ph.D. candidates from our laboratory proudly represented our research group by presenting their latest scientific findings in the poster sessions.

Ph.D. candidate Nguyen Thi Doan presented her research titled “Sustainable Valorization of Plant-Derived Diterpenoids with Cytotoxicity against Human Leukemia Cell Lines”.

Ph.D. candidate Do Thanh Tung presented his research titled “Involvement of Momilactones A & B in Drought Tolerance and Drought Resistance in Rice.”

The active participation of our professors and doctoral students highlights our laboratory’s ongoing commitment to fostering global academic networks, sharing innovative research, and driving sustainable agricultural solutions forward. We extend our sincere congratulations to the delegation and our Ph.D. students for a highly successful and impactful working visit!

Professor Tran Dang Xuan Honored in Research.com’s 2026 Best Scientists Ranking

We are proud to share that Professor Tran Dang Xuan at Hiroshima University has been officially recognized in Research.com’s 2026 Best Scientists ranking.

Research.com is a leading international academic platform that evaluates and ranks top researchers globally based on comprehensive bibliometric data, assessing hundreds of thousands of scientist profiles across various academic disciplines worldwide.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to Professor Tran Dang Xuan’s tireless dedication, outstanding academic leadership, and remarkable contributions to scientific research on a global scale.

The entire laboratory extends our warmest congratulations to Professor Tran Dang Xuan for this remarkable achievement, which serves as a great inspiration for all researchers and students in our team!

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First Lab Seminar New Semester Oct 2026

The Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry held its first seminar of the semester today. Prof. Tran Dang Xuan and Assist. Prof. Tran Duc Viet warmly welcomed all new members and introduced the lab’s research activities and goals. The seminar marked a positive start to the new academic term, fostering interaction and collaboration among lab members.

SmaSo Thesis Interim Report Session: Lab Master’s Students Successfully Present Research Posters

On September 30, 2026, the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society (SmaSo) hosted the Thesis Interim Report Session (Poster Presentation) at the Large Conference Room in the IDEC Building, Higashi-Hiroshima Campus.

Our laboratory was proud to have three Master’s students participate and present their ongoing research progress alongside fellow graduate students enrolled in the program

Nguyen Phu Duc – Poster No. 7: “DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Analysis of Vietnamese and Japanese Lacquer trees (Toxicodendron)”

Nguyen Viet Anh – Poster No. 9: “Enhancing the Resilience and Energy Efficiency of Coastal Infrastructures in Cà Mau Province, Vietnam through Nature-Based, Scientific, and Eco-Friendly Approaches”

Tran Duc An Khanh – Poster No. 6: “Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Artemisia vulgaris L.”

During the session, our students actively engaged in academic discussions with professors, committee members, and fellow researchers, receiving insightful feedback and constructive suggestions to further refine their thesis research.

The laboratory extends its congratulations to Tran Duc An Khanh, Nguyen Phu Duc, and Nguyen Viet Anh on their successful poster presentations and wishes them continued success in their research journey!

Lab Graduation Announcement: Congratulations to Our Hiroshima University Graduates – Class of 2026

The laboratory community extends its heartiest congratulations to Dr. NGUYEN PHUONG MAI, Mr. SOMAR ACHI, and Mr. NGUYEN XUAN CHIEN on their graduation from Hiroshima University!

Dr. NGUYEN PHUONG MAI (Ph.D., Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, MEXT Scholar)

We celebrate Dr. Mai on the successful defense of her doctoral dissertation. Throughout her Ph.D. journey, she has demonstrated outstanding excellence in her field, focusing on “Utilization of Pink Swamp Mallow (Abelmoschus sagittifolius) as a Potential Source for Developing Functional Foods.” Her dedication is highlighted by 4 international publications, the Hiroshima University Excellence Student Scholarship Award 2025, and the Best Oral Presentation Award at the VANJ Conference (The University of Tokyo, 2024).

Mr. SOMAR ACHI (Master’s, Hiroshima University TSE Program)

We recognize Mr. Somar for his impactful research in Biomass Energy, specifically evaluating the potential of olive pomace as a sustainable biomass energy source. Beyond his academic achievements, his relentless effort in research, collaborative spirit, and vibrant energy have greatly energized our laboratory environment.

Mr. NGUYEN XUAN CHIEN (Master’s, Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society)

We congratulate Mr. Chien on earning his Master’s degree while contributing to Microbiology, Enzymology, Genetics, and Plant Physiology. His passion for science and devotion to his work are reflected in his accolades, including the Hiroshima University Excellence Student Award 2025 and the Best Poster Award at the AY2025 Fall Semester Degree Thesis Interim Report Session. His hard work, helpful guidance, and willingness to share knowledge have been invaluable to his peers.

Throughout your tenure with our research group, your academic rigor, innovative spirit, and collaborative attitude have greatly enriched our scientific environment and inspired your peers. Your hard work has left a lasting and meaningful mark on our laboratory.

We sincerely thank you for your dedication, leadership, and contributions to our research family, and we extend our warmest wishes for your future professional accomplishments and personal growth!

Rice Harvest

Our lab has successfully completed this season’s rice harvest as part of our ongoing field experiments. This year’s research focused on applying bio-microbial products for soil treatment, improving the root environment, and boosting crop resilience while reducing chemical dependency. These trials contribute to advancing Low-Emission and Circular Agriculture, Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Conservation, as well as High-Value Green Agriculture aligned with ESG standards.

This hands-on field experience provided invaluable insights into trial management and strengthened our teamwork. We sincerely thank our Senseis for guidance and all students for hard work, and we look forward to positive research outcomes!

Highlights from our recent Lab trip

Beyond our daily experiments and literature reviews, today was all about teamwork, relaxation, and great conversations. From shared laughs to team-building moments, the trip was a wonderful reminder of the vibrant culture within our lab.

Thank you to every member who joined in and brought such incredible energy to the event.

Refreshed and inspired, we’re ready to bring this same unity and momentum back to our research.

Congratulations to Dr. Nguyen Thi Hai Anh on Earning Her Ph.D. Degree

We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Nguyen Thi Hai Anh on successfully receiving her Doctoral Degree.

This milestone is a testament to her years of dedication, academic rigour, and outstanding scientific contributions during her doctoral journey. Her hard work, perseverance, and passion for research have culminated in this well-deserved success.

We wish Dr Nguyen Thi Hai Anh continued success, discoveries, and brilliant achievements in her future academic and professional endeavours!

Master’s Thesis Defense Success: Congratulations to Nguyen Xuan Chien and Somar Achi

Congratulations to our Master’s students, Nguyen Xuan Chien and Somar Achi, on successfully defending their Master’s theses! Their presentations highlighted great dedication, technical rigor, and valuable scientific contributions to agricultural plant biology and bioenergy sustainability.

Master’s Defense Highlights:

Nguyen Xuan Chien’s Thesis Title: “Tissue-Specific Accumulation and Evidence for Biosynthesis of Momilactones in Rice Reproductive”. Research Focus: Investigated the tissue-specific distribution, accumulation, and in situ gene expression profiles of momilactones A and B in rice spikelets and ovaries, shedding light on local biosynthesis and potential defense mechanisms during early grain development.

Somar Achi’s Thesis Title: Evaluating the Potential of Olive Pomace as a Biomass Energy Source: A Case Study in Japan (Shōdoshima). His research Focus: Applied Advanced Mean Conjoint Estimation (AMCE) and mixed-method survey models to evaluate local public acceptance, pricing boundaries, and certification impacts for utilization of olive pomace pellets in Japan. 

On behalf of the entire laboratory, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chien and Somar on achieving this milestone! We wish both of you continued success in all your future academic and professional endeavors.

PhD Candidate Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai Successfully Defends Doctoral Dissertation at Hiroshima University, Japan

On June 8, 2026, PhD candidate Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at Hiroshima University, Japan, under the supervision of Prof. Tran Dang Xuan.
Her dissertation, titled “Utilization of Pink Swamp Mallow (Abelmoschus sagittifolius) as a Potential Source for Developing Functional Foods” uncovered significant antidiabetic and anti-leukemic properties as well as key signaling pathways of bioactive compounds isolated from Pink Swamp Mallow.
We extend our warmest congratulations to PhD. Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai! We wish her continued passion, dedicated research, and great success in her future academic career and contributions to agricultural and pharmaceutical sciences.