On the morning of 25 August 2024, the University of Science, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, held a solemn closing ceremony and award presentation for the 4th Vietnamese Student Biology Olympiad, 2024.

Esteemed guests in attendance at the closing ceremony included Professor Lê Trần Bình, a Member of the Executive Committee of the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations, President of the Viet Nam Biological Sciences Association, and Co-Chair of the Central Organising Committee for the 4th Vietnamese Student Biology Olympiad, 2024; Associate Professor Trần Thị Thanh Huyền, Deputy Secretary General of the Viet Nam Biological Sciences Association; Doctor Điêu Thị Mai Hoa, Secretary of the Viet Nam Biological Sciences Association; Associate Professor Nguyễn Quang Huy, Vice President of the Viet Nam Biology Teaching Association; and Associate Professor Trần Lê Bảo Hà, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Biology – Biotechnology Association, along with leaders from participating universities and representatives of sponsoring units.

From the VNUHCM-University of Science, attendees included Associate Professor Trần Lê Quan, President of the University and Head of the Central Organising Committee; Associate Professor Quách Ngô Diễm Phương, Dean of the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology and Deputy Head of the organising committee; university leaders from various departments, as well as all staff and faculty from the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology.

The competition took place from 23 to 25 August 2024, featuring 24 teams and 16 independent contestants from 24 universities across the country. The Vietnamese Student Biology Olympiad was one of the invaluable activities aimed at promoting students’ enthusiasm for learning and scientific research, providing an academic platform for students passionate about biological knowledge, as well as allowing universities to discover, nurture, and develop future talent in the field of life sciences. The competition was organised by the Viet Nam Biological Sciences Association in collaboration with universities nationwide, with the VNUHCM-University of Science serving as the host in 2024.

During the closing ceremony, due to the successful organisation of the competition, the VNUHCM-University of Science was honoured to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations. In addition, the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology, as the main organising force, was also presented with a Certificate of Merit from the Viet Nam Biological Sciences Association.

On behalf of the organising unit, Professor Lê Trần Bình highlighted four key points of this year’s event:

1. The hosting unit had been meticulous, careful, and professional throughout the organisation.
2. The increased number of participating teams illustrated the growing appeal of the competition.
3. The quality of contestants was very high and relatively uniform, resulting in all participating teams receiving awards.
4. The competition days served as a grand festival for contestants to build friendships, gaining more peers and mentors in the field of Biology.

At this event, the organising committee expressed gratitude and acknowledged the sponsors. The enthusiastic support from sponsors significantly contributed to the success of the competition.

Diamond Sponsors:

– Gene Solutions Joint Stock Company
– Ajinomoto Viet Nam Company
– Minh Khang Trading – Services – Technical Company

Gold Sponsors:

– Unified Science Limited Liability Company
– Mediworld Limited Liability Company

Silver Sponsors:

– B.C.E Viet Nam Limited Liability Company
– Global Science and Technology Company

After two days of competition, the 4th Vietnamese Student Biology Olympiad concluded with numerous vibrant activities and exciting experiences. A total of 136 contestants participated and excelled. Through their utmost efforts, the competition concluded with 15 First Prizes (including one First Prize for the highest scorer), 27 Second Prizes, 40 Third Prizes, and 10 Encouragement Prizes in the individual competition. Team prizes were awarded to 19 teams with outstanding results and the top five teams with the best performance.

First Prize for the Highest Scorer (Individual Competition):

– Nguyễn Văn Khoa – VNUHCM-University of Science (Team 2)

First Prizes (Individual Competition):

– Nguyễn Quốc Bảo – Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
– Thiều Ngọc Vy – VNUHCM-University of Science (Team 2)
– Phùng Minh Hải – VNUHCM-University of Science (Team 2)
– Hồ Trọng Tường – Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNUHCM (Team 2)
– Lê Phước Lâm – Can Tho University
– Đỗ Quang Huy – Faculty of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Ha Noi University of Science and Technology
– Cù Xuân Trà My – VNU University of Science
– Lê Thị Phương – Ha Noi National University of Education
– Nguyễn Đăng Khôi – VNUHCM-University of Science (Team 1)
– Cao Hoàng Tuấn – Ha Noi National University of Education
– Nguyễn Ngọc Khánh Vân – Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy
– Dương Tấn Thành – Ho Chi Minh City University of Education
– Lê Hoàng Nhật Minh – Ha Noi University of Science and Technology
– Nguyễn Thị Kim Phụng – Faculty of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Ha Noi University of Science and Technology

Top 5 Teams with the Best Performance:

1. VNUHCM-University of Science (Team 2)
2. Ha Noi National University of Education
3. Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy
4. Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
5. VNU University of Science

Additionally, the organising committee held various engaging activities for interaction and exploration. Contesting teams had the opportunity to visit the factory of Ajinomoto Viet Nam Company located in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province. This trip allowed contestants to witness modern production processes, gaining a deeper understanding of the applications of biology and biotechnology in reality. It provided an excellent opportunity to connect theory with practice, opening new perspectives on the food industry. The Olympians Challenge, featuring exciting stage contests between teams, captivated everyone with its thrilling format and attractive prizes. This competition simulated some smaller segments of the renowned academic competition, Mendel’s Seedbed, held annually by the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology. The gala dinner on 24 August brought participating teams closer together, with meticulously packaged, heartfelt souvenirs exchanged among all attendees. The engaging games fostered a vibrant atmosphere, dissolving any initial tensions.

The 4th Vietnamese Student Biology Olympiad created a valuable exchange platform for students, instilling confidence and determination to overcome challenges, fostering teamwork, and connecting friends and teachers who share a passion for Biology from across the country.

The organising committee of the 4th Vietnamese Student Biology Olympiad, 2024, sincerely thanked the enthusiastic participation of the competing teams, the support and collaboration of the Viet Nam Biological Sciences Association, esteemed sponsors, as well as the unwavering dedication of the faculty and staff of the University of Science, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, particularly the collective efforts of the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology that led to the success of the competition.