On the afternoon of 22/3, the competition organizers awarded 145 prizes from 242 projects. Notably, 14 projects achieved first place. Among these, students from Hanoi and the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences each secured three awards, making them the most successful. In addition to the first prizes, 29 second prizes, 44 third prizes, and 58 consolation prizes were also presented.

The National Science and Engineering Fair (VISEF) 2026 took place over three days, from 20-22/3, at Phenikaa University, Hanoi. The event attracted 457 students with 242 projects, an increase of 30 from last year. The Ministry of Education and Training highlighted that this was the first time 100% of provinces and cities participated.

Mr. Thai Van Tai, Director of the Department of Secondary Education, noted that this year's competition prominently featured digital transformation and artificial intelligence, with 14 projects in this field. Students not only engaged in basic programming but also applied AI, IoT, and similar technologies to solve practical problems, such as traffic safety monitoring, virtual learning assistants, medical diagnosis, and smart agriculture.

Students also showed interest in environmental issues and the circular economy, with 27 projects in material science and environmental engineering. These projects focused on biodegradable materials (from sugarcane bagasse, durian peels, clam shells), microplastic treatment, waste management, and green energy. "They have demonstrated a deep awareness of sustainable development and environmental protection," Mr. Tai remarked.

The 14 first-place projects showcased innovation across various scientific and technical domains. These included:

1. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment based on nanobody technology (High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi).

2. Development of a method to assess skin aging using proteomics technology (High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences).

3. Research on detecting biological markers for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma using proteomics technology (Chu Van An High School for the Gifted, Hanoi).

4. Development of a rapid assessment solution for fake milk risk using infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics (High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences).

5. Development of multi-functional polyurethane composite materials for fire resistance, thermal insulation, and antimicrobial properties, aiming for applications in construction and daily life (Luong Van Tuy High School for the Gifted, Ninh Binh).

6. Research on optimizing the blade profile of small-scale vertical-axis wind turbines suitable for low wind conditions in Vietnam using CFD simulation combined with artificial intelligence (Yen My High School, Hung Yen).

7. SBProbMol3: Development of a multimodal probabilistic generative model for ligand design based on the three-dimensional structure of protein (Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, TP HCM).

8. Applying AI to predict emissions and create new adsorbent materials for CO2 capture and conversion towards net zero (Ngo Quyen High School, Hai Phong).

9. Design and development of the AculRpen device using a Hampel filter to enhance accuracy in identifying acupuncture points for healthcare (Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted, Dong Nai).

10. Research and fabrication of a smart medical bed integrating AI for care and health alerts (Ngo Si Lien High School, Bac Ninh).

11. Building a real-time prediction model and assessing the potential for improving pollution levels in Cau Bay River, Hanoi (Viet Duc High School, Hanoi).

12. Development of environmentally friendly biological technology for plastic waste treatment (Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, Hanoi).

13. Developing critical thinking skills for high school students when using artificial intelligence (Ha Long High School for the Gifted, Quang Ninh).

14. Impact of digital competence and digital ecosystem on career orientation: The mediating role of adaptability and proactive learning (Experimental High School for Educational Sciences, Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences).

Students receive first prizes at the national science and engineering competition, on the afternoon of 22/3. *Photo: Organizing Committee*

The Ministry will select suitable projects to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for high school students. VISEF was first organized in 2013 for junior and senior high school students. After 14 years, the Ministry assessed that the competition has fostered scientific research in general education schools, contributing to innovative teaching methods and guiding students to apply knowledge to real-world situations.

Director Thai Van Tai at the closing and awards ceremony of the national science and engineering competition, on the afternoon of 23/2. *Photo: Organizing Committee*

Thanh Hang