VinUni Pathways to PhD Programs (Materials – Energy – Environment)

Program Overview:

The VinUni Pathways to PhD Programs (VinUni-3P) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address a critical gap in Vietnam’s higher education and research ecosystem. In most universities, Bachelor’s degree (BS) graduates are not financially supported or institutionally guided to continue research or pursue higher education programs at their alma mater. As a result, many promising students abandon research careers altogether, driven by financial necessity or lack of mentorship. This leads to a significant loss of research potential and scientific innovation.

Program Mission:

VinUni-3P aims to bridge this gap by providing research scholarships and hands-on mentorship to talented BS and MS graduates with a strong interest in materials research. The program offers these students a unique opportunity to:

• Continue and deepen their research after graduation
• Participate in cutting-edge projects at VinUni’s World-Class Research Centers
• Be trained on state-of-the-art equipment and techniques
• Develop an internationally competitive research portfolio

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Research Experience and Mentorship:

Participants will be fully immersed in active research environments at VinUni. They will:

• Work closely with postdoctoral researchers and Principal Investigators (PIs)
• Join dynamic research teams in fields aligned with their interests
• Gain experience in:
  • Research design and experimentation
  • Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Academic writing and publishing in ISI-indexed journals
  • Scientific communication at meetings and conferences

This experience will prepare students not only for PhD applications but also to contribute meaningfully to the global research community.

PhD Opportunities:

Qualified and high-performing participants will be considered for fully funded PhD scholarships to:

• VinUni’s own excellent PhD programs
• Joint PhD programs between VinUni and top-ranked global institutions, including Cornell University, NTU, Cambridge University, etc.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their CV and reference letters (2) to: cmit@vinuni.edu.vn

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates will be notified of the decision within one week.

Who Should Apply:

• Recent BS graduates from any university in Vietnam who are considering a MS or PhD
• Master’s students preparing to transition into a doctoral program
• Candidates with a strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in research

Why VinUni-3P?:

• Access to globally recognized research centers and facilities
• Mentorship by international-caliber scientists
• Supportive environment to develop your full potential as a researcher and a leader
• Direct pathway into top-tier PhD programs in Vietnam and abroad

List of Projects:

1. Advanced Battery Materials and Devices for Sustainable Energy Applications

This project focuses on the development of next-generation battery materials and device architectures, using a uniquely integrated theoretical and experimental approach, to meet the growing demands of sustainable energy storage. Key research areas include: High-Energy Electrode Materials, Solid-State and Aqueous Batteries, Interface Engineering, Device Integration and Performance Optimization.

2. Recyclable Rare-Earth Materials and Recycling Technologies for Sustainable Energy Systems

This project aims to develop innovative materials and recycling technologies to enable a circular economy for rare-earth elements (REEs), which are critical to sustainable energy applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines. Key research objectives include: Design of Recyclable Rare-Earth Materials, Advanced Recycling Technologies, Lifecycle and Sustainability Assessment, Application in Energy Systems.

3. Nanomaterials for Advanced Biomedical Applications

This project focuses on the design, synthesis, and application of functional nanomaterials for innovative biomedical technologies. Key research areas include: Targeted Drug Delivery, Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy, Biodetection and Sensing.

4. Two-Dimensional Materials for Emerging Quantum, Optoelectronic, and Spintronic Technologies

This project explores the theoretical predictions, experimental synthesis, characterization, and application of two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and hexagonal boron nitride, for next-generation technologies. The unique electronic, optical, and spin properties of these atomically thin materials make them ideal candidates for Optoelectronics, Spintronics,Quantum Communications and Quantum Technology.

5. AI-Guided Smart Sensor Technologies for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring

This project focuses on the development of intelligent sensor systems that combine advanced materials, real-time data acquisition, and artificial intelligence (AI) for high-sensitivity monitoring in environmental and healthcare applications. Key research areas include: Smart Sensor Design, AI Integration, Environmental Monitoring, Healthcare Monitoring.

6. Carbon-Negative Cementitious Materials with Dual CO2 Capture for Digital Circular Construction

This project aims to develop next-generation carbon-negative cementitious materials that integrate dual CO₂ capture mechanisms, during both production and service life, to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. By leveraging innovative binder chemistries and advanced material design, the project will enhance CO₂ absorption while maintaining or improving mechanical performance and durability.
In parallel, the project explores the integration of these materials into digital circular construction frameworks through additive manufacturing (3D printing), parametric design, and smart deconstruction strategies. The goal is to enable closed-loop material use and efficient building lifecycle management, aligning with global sustainability and net-zero emission targets.

7. Development of low-dimensional electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production by ion exchange membrane water electrolysis

This research aims to synthesizing the low-cost electrocatalysts such as NiFe-LDH in inverse opal structure for alkaline exchange membrane water electrolysers and ultra-low amounts of noble-metal Ru with nanosize for acidic exchange membrane water electrolysers with zero-gap membrane-electrode assemblies, which can enhance the performance of green hydrogen production in practical level.

8. Smart Local Early Warning Systems for Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction

This project develops smart early-warning systems that combine advanced sensors, predictive modeling, and citizen communication to reduce disaster risks. By engaging communities and training young researchers, the team aims to deliver scalable solutions that strengthen disaster preparedness and contribute to more resilient and safer societies.

9. Optimization of Green Transportation Infrastructure: Integrating Smart EV Charging and Agent-Based Transport Modeling for Sustainable Urban Mobility

This project designs smart EV charging systems integrating renewable energy, AI optimization, digital twins, and blockchain cybersecurity. Through pilot deployment in Nha Trang and VinUni, it seeks to cut charging costs and grid dependency while accelerating EV adoption, supporting Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 vision and sustainable urban mobility.

10. Smart, Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Systems for Urban Environments

This project creates low-cost, IoT-enabled air quality monitoring networks using portable sensors on vehicles. By leveraging real-time data, machine learning, and citizen participation, the system provides fine-grained pollution insights, supporting evidence-based urban policies and improving public health outcomes in densely populated urban environments.

11. SURE-PV: Sustainable, Ultra-Robust, and Efficient Photovoltaic Technology from Low-Dimensional Coordination Polymers for Autonomous AIoT Energy Systems

This project advances sustainable solar cells using low-dimensional coordination polymers as efficient, durable charge transport materials. Designed to power next-generation AIoT devices, the technology offers lightweight, robust, and eco-friendly energy solutions, addressing current photovoltaic limitations while supporting the growth of autonomous and intelligent systems.

12. Wireless Power Transmission for Automatic and Environmentally Friendly Energy Generation

This project develops hybrid nanogenerators that integrate triboelectric and solar energy harvesting for self-sustained IoT devices. By enabling wireless power transmission and reducing reliance on batteries, the solution promotes environmentally friendly, long-term energy generation while advancing practical applications of micro/nano energy technologies in smart systems.

13. Next-Generation Tribo-Hygroelectric Generators (THEG) for Smart IoT Systems and Sustainable Energy

This project introduces tribo-hygroelectric generators capable of harvesting both mechanical and water-driven energy for IoT applications. By integrating sensing and energy generation in one platform, it reduces battery dependence and enables multi-sensing functions, opening new opportunities for sustainable, high-performance smart systems across health, environment, and industry.