A group of students studying Biotechnology at Duy Tan University won the 'Outstanding Poster Presentation' award at the Asian Society of Natural Products 2025 (ASNP) - The Global Symposium on Natural Products, held from September 22-24, 2025 in Jecheon City, South Korea.

With the theme "Natural Products Innovation in the Age of AI," the conference focused on research on the application of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology in the discovery and development of natural compounds. The prestigious international forum ASNP 2025 attracted numerous scientists, experts, and students to present reports and enhance cooperation in the research and development of natural products.

Three students from Duy Tan University participated in the conference with the following topic:

- Nguyen Tran Kim Long

- Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy

- Van Thi Kieu Nga

Under the guidance of Dr. Ho Thanh Tam - Head of the Biotechnology Department, Research Officer of the Global Health Initiative Institute, Duy Tan University, they presented their research paper "Establishment of Adventitious Root Culture in Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv., a Rare and Endangered Medicinal Plant of Vietnam".

The Duy Tan University students' research focused on establishing a process for rapid propagation of the adventitious root biomass of Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv., a rare and endangered medicinal plant of Vietnam. This rare ginseng species contains the highest saponin content and has very high medicinal and economic value. However, due to harsh natural conditions and slow growth rate, Panax vietnamensis is becoming increasingly scarce.

Upon presentation at the conference, the Duy Tan University student's project was highly praised and awarded the "Outstanding Poster Presentation" prize. The rapid multiplication of adventitious root biomass is extremely important, contributing to opening new avenues in the conservation of valuable genetic resources and creating a foundation for the stable development of medicinal plant resources for research and production.

Student Nguyen Tran Kim Long stated: "Scientific research is a long journey, especially in the field of Plant Cell Technology. Under the professional guidance and practical skills training of the lecturers in the Biotechnology department at DTU, our group has built a research foundation, designed experiments, and gradually delved into solving the challenges in the cultivation and propagation of Ngoc Linh ginseng. The most difficult aspects of our group's work came from collecting field samples, creating induction, surveying environmental conditions, and monitoring growth through each stage."

This process is particularly challenging because cultivating Ngoc Linh ginseng roots requires a very long time, averaging 2-3 months per cycle, which prolongs the research progress and demands a great deal of patience. On numerous occasions, the results did not meet expectations, forcing the team to start over from scratch. However, these challenges only strengthened the team's resolve to research the literature and seek solutions to gradually improve and optimize the process.

Dr. Ho Thanh Tam - Head of the Biotechnology Department, Researcher at the Global Health Initiative Institute of Duy Tan University, participated in the ASNP 2025 International Conference and presented the research "Enhancing Biomass Production and Bioactive Compounds Accumulation via Tissue and Organ Cultures in Selected Medicinal Plants of Vietnam". This is an in-depth study on the application of tissue and organ culture technology to optimize biomass and the content of valuable bioactive compounds. The representative species surveyed by Dr. Ho Thanh Tam include Panax vietnamensis, Polygonum multiflorum, Centella asiatica, and Dendrobium nobile. (Anoectochilus lylei). The results showed a significant improvement in organ formation, root development, and accumulation of important active compounds such as saponins, kinsenosides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolics. Further research confirms the role of in vitro culture technology in the conservation and development of valuable medicinal plant resources, while also opening up opportunities for international cooperation in research and commercialization of high-value medicinal products.

Dr. Ho Thanh Tam stated: "At Duy Tan University, training is always closely linked between theory and practice, helping students not only master fundamental knowledge but also apply it to research and practical applications. The university particularly encourages students to participate in scientific research groups with lecturers, directly carrying out projects, thereby developing independent, creative research skills and international integration." By participating in the ASNP 2025 Conference, students not only have the opportunity to present their research results but also to meet leading scientists worldwide in the fields of Natural Products and Biotechnology.