Seventeen Vietnamese students are set to showcase nine projects at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2024, scheduled for May 11-17 in Los Angeles, the US. These projects were chosen from 149 submissions to the National Science and Technology Competition for high school students during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Established in 1950, ISEF stands as the largest global science competition for high school students worldwide. Annually, it draws approximately 1,500 participants from more than 70 countries and territories, all presenting their research endeavors. The event serves as a platform for budding scientists to engage in dialogue with peers and professionals, including Nobel laureates who attend as judges.
Vietnamese students have been partaking in the contest since 2012, consistently achieving commendable results. In the previous year's Regeneron ISEF 2023 held in Dallas, a Vietnamese project secured third place. This project delved into the pharmacological effects on the central nervous system of Litsea cubeba fruit and leaf essential oils, utilizing a pharmacological network in the Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO) category. It was developed by Nguyen Thi Mai Anh and Nguyen Binh Giang from the High School for Gifted Students of the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU).
Another noteworthy project involved the creation of a quadruped robot model designed to aid search and rescue operations in landslide-affected regions. This initiative, led by Le Minh Duc and Le Nguyen Trung Kien from Le Hong Phong High School for Gifted Students in Ho Chi Minh City, received Special Awards from the US Agency for International Development last year.
The participation of Vietnamese students in such international platforms not only underscores their prowess in scientific research but also highlights Vietnam's commitment to nurturing young talent in STEM fields. These endeavors contribute significantly to the global scientific community and reflect the nation's dedication to fostering innovation and academic excellence among its youth.
