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.

Congratulations to Irvan Adhin Cholilie on Receiving the 2026 Satake Research Grant & Field Inspection by Expert Delegation

Congratulations on Award of the 2026 Satake Research Grant!

Tran Dang Xuan Lab is thrilled to announce that our lab member, Irvan Adhin Cholilie, a doctoral student from the Smart Agriculture Program, Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2026 Satake Research Grant (サタケ基金 2026年度研究助成金).

His award-winning research topic is titled: “Research on Low-Chemical Fertilizer Paddy rice cultivation and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Using Photosynthetic Bacterial Formulations” (光合成細菌製剤を利用した低化学肥料型水稲栽培および温室効果ガス削減に関する研究)

Source: https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/yakudou/satakekikin/josei/2026/saitaku2026

On-Site Field Inspection by Prof. Tran Dang Xuan & Experts

Irvan’s work focuses on sustainable smart agriculture by integrating photosynthetic bacteria into rice cultivation. This innovative, eco-friendly approach aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers while simultaneously mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields—tackling two of modern agriculture’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Preparing the Greenhouse for Next-Generation Research Experiments

A new academic term brings fresh scientific questions, and a successful experiment always begins with a pristine research environment. To prepare the facilities for the next batch of plant cultivations and pot trials, our lab members rolled up their sleeves to tackle several essential tasks: Weed Control & Landscaping, Interior Deep Cleaning, trial Plot setup…

Beyond the physical labor, field preparation days like this are a cornerstone of our lab’s strong community spirit. Working side by side—from senior researchers to our newest students—allows us to exchange ideas across projects while fostering strong camaraderie.

With the greenhouse completely refreshed, organised, and optimised, the stage is set for our team to launch innovative, high-impact experiments in sustainable agriculture and crop science.

Congratulations to Dr. Nguyen Thi Hai Anh on her Successful Doctoral

On April 22, 2026, PhD candidate Nguyen Thi Hai Anh successfully passed her final Public Hearing of the Doctoral Examination, marking the outstanding completion of her doctoral degree program within the Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering (TSE) Program at the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University.

Her doctoral dissertation, titled “Synthesis of carbon-based materials to remediate contaminated water” (汚染水浄化を目的とした炭素系材料), tackles a critical global environmental challenge by developing innovative, sustainable solutions for wastewater purification. The core scope and highlights of Dr Hai Anh’s research include: Advanced Material Synthesis: The study successfully focuses on the fabrication and characterisation of novel carbon-based materials engineered specifically for high-efficiency environmental remediation.

We wish Dr Nguyen Thi Hai Anh to always keep her passion for science burning, continue to achieve even greater success in her future career, and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of both domestic and international scientific communities!

New Member Announcement: Welcome to Tran Dang Xuan Lab!

We are pleased to announce that Miss Oikawa Remi has joined Tran Dang Xuan Lab as our new Secretary.

Miss Oikawa recently completed her M.Phil., Law and Politics at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University (Class of 2026).
In her role, Miss Oikawa will be the primary point of contact for: Handles administrative tasks, including accounting support and ordering laboratory supplies and chemicals.
We are confident that her expertise will greatly contribute to the efficiency and success of our research activities.

Welcome to Tran Dang Xuan Lab: Dr Tran Duc Viet Joins as Assistant Professor

We are delighted to announce that Dr Tran Duc Viet will be joining the Tran Dang Xuan Lab (Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry) at Hiroshima University as an Assistant Professor.

Dr Tran Duc Viet brings with him a rich and interdisciplinary academic background shaped by international experiences across Vietnam, Israel, and Japan. Notably, he obtained both his Master’s and PhD degrees from the Graduate School of Hiroshima University, where he conducted his research within the Tran Dang Xuan Lab.

His long-standing academic journey at the lab reflects both continuity and deep engagement with its core research directions. His research has made notable contributions to the exploration of plant-derived bioactive compounds, particularly in the areas of antioxidant, anti-gout, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities.

Following his doctoral studies, Dr Tran Duc Viet also gained valuable industry experience by working as a researcher in the Research and Development Department, Kume Sangyou Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan. During this stage, he was involved in practical applications of microbiology and biotechnology, particularly in areas such as bacterial utilisation, bioprocessing, and environmentally oriented technologies. This combination of academic excellence and real-world experience equips him with a unique perspective that bridges fundamental science and industrial application.

We are confident that Dr Tran Duc Viet’s return to Tran Dang Xuan Lab in this new role will further strengthen the lab’s research capacity and international collaboration. His interdisciplinary approach, combined with both academic and industry experience, will contribute significantly to advancing innovative solutions for agriculture, human health, and environmental sustainability.

 We look forward to his continued contributions and an exciting journey ahead together.