The IEEE NPSS School on Advanced Topics in Medical Imaging convened in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, from 12–19 August 2025. VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) served as the host institution for this gathering. The event proved a resounding success, convening talented students for an immersive week defined by learning, collaboration, and practical application. Jointly organised by the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS) and HCMUS, the initiative featured a programme designed to integrate theoretical lectures with hands-on exercises focused on hybrid PET/CT and PET/MR imaging.

The NPSS School webpage received nearly 100 applications. Organisers carefully reviewed and scored each submission, resulting in the selection of 35 students (comprising 12 female and 23 male participants). The evaluation process prioritised the applicants’ academic background, personal motivation, and future career plans within the medical imaging field.

“The school was an invaluable experience for me. Not only did I gain precious knowledge from outstanding lectures and hands-on sessions, but I also had the chance to connect with inspiring professors and friends from different countries. These days have given me motivation, encouragement, and unforgettable memories,” said by Student Bùi Thị Hồng.

Selected participants represented a diverse academic spectrum, including undergraduate and graduate students (Master’s and Doctoral levels), alongside medical physicists. Attendees hailed from Viet Nam, the Philippines, Laos, and Taiwan, reflecting the school’s regional reach and the mission to foster capacity building in medical imaging.

Lectures and Topical Overviews

The curriculum offered a balanced combination of lectures and topical overviews, providing participants with fundamental knowledge and insights into recent developments in medical imaging. Specifically, the lectures covered a broad range of topics, including hybrid PET and SPECT imaging, image reconstruction, kinetic modelling, artificial intelligence applications, radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, computed tomography, and emerging total-body PET technologies. Practical hands-on exercise sessions accompanied each topic, allowing students to connect theory with application. The complete School programme is available at: https://indico.global/event/6870/

“In my many years of involvement in education and training of medical physicists, this is the first time that in only 6 short days, the students and teachers bonded so closely. There was a welcoming and warm atmosphere all around,” said by Prof. Agnette Peralta.

A multidisciplinary faculty of nine international experts from seven different countries facilitated the school: Simon Cherry, Roger Fulton, Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro, Martin Grossmann, Steve Meikle, Masaharu Nomachi, Andrew Reader, and Youngho Seo, with remote support provided by Patrick Le Du.

The organisers wish to acknowledge the exceptional support received from the local team at HCMUS. Led by Dr Hoàng Thị Kiều Trang – Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, the team ensured operations ran smoothly and provided all necessary materials. Furthermore, local involvement in the organisation enabled the realisation of an outstanding week.

“Eight days, including arrival and departure, may not seem long, but it was more than enough to revive my spirit. Before this, there were too many things that drained my motivation, and I lost my passion for many things… until I met everyone. Getting to know the teachers, friends, and colleagues who are on the same journey as me was incredible. They are all so talented, having worked hard to reach their positions today. I truly realised and regained so much, especially the energy and motivation everyone brought into my life, which strengthened my resolve for everything I am currently doing and will do in the future,” said by Lê Tuấn Anh, 4th-year Medical Physics student at HCMUS.

Each day featured dedicated sessions allowing students to practise and reinforce concepts introduced during lectures. These sessions included:

• Individual Laptop Work: Participants utilised materials prepared by lecturers to complete exercises, including kinetic modelling for PET, basic radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, and AI-based image reconstruction using Python. These sessions provided an excellent opportunity for students to apply newly acquired skills and strengthen understanding through problem-solving.

• Hands-on Experiments: Participants divided into groups to perform photon-counting measurements with Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) and to execute practical sessions using the EasyPET system. These activities offered valuable experience in detector operation and data acquisition. Connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications allowed students to deepen an understanding of the physics behind medical imaging.

Hospital Visit

Faculty and participants enjoyed a full-day visit to the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, the largest oncology centre in southern Viet Nam. Here, participants gained valuable first-hand exposure to real-world clinical imaging practice. Instructors demonstrated various validation tests and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures for the Linac, PET/CT, and SPECT systems, giving students a clearer picture of technology utilisation in clinical settings. The hospital staff concluded the visit by organising a competition for the students, where top scorers received awards.

Student Presentations

On the final day, students delivered short presentations sharing research, highlights from the week, and results from the hands-on exercises. This session displayed enthusiasm and creativity, reflecting the knowledge gained from the programme.

The schedule concluded with a farewell reception. Each participant received a certificate recognising the effort and active participation demonstrated throughout the school. A photography contest also took place, awarding students who captured the event’s best moments.

Notably, Andrea Alipio (Medical Physicist from San Juan de Dios Hospital, the Philippines) received the IEEE NPSS ‘School to Conference Initiative Travel Grant’ in recognition of outstanding participation during the school. The award will support attendance at the upcoming 2026 IEEE NSS/MIC Conference in Granada, Spain. Such an opportunity enables Ms Alipio to establish collaborations and learn from leading researchers, thereby bolstering motivation to pursue a career in the medical imaging sector.

“It is often said that a great teacher or speaker is one who can present complex issues in a way that non-specialists can grasp. I was fortunate to meet you all and to be able to follow your impressive presentations. I felt truly encouraged by the professors’ warmth and generosity – from sharing expertise to even offering support with equipment and funding. Even though my field is different, I still felt connected, especially during the evening full of laughter with professors and students. Meeting is fate, but keeping the bond depends on our hearts. So, I believe this spirit will keep us moving forward together in education and dedication,” said by MSc. Phan Nguyễn Ái Nhi – Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science.

In summary, the NPSS School on Advanced Topics in Medical Imaging provided a significant opportunity to strengthen the connection between IEEE NPSS and Viet Nam, while encouraging young participants to explore career paths in medical imaging and radiation sciences.

Late-breaking News

Participants and teachers from four EduCom schools reconvened at NSS-MIC-RTSD in Yokohama. The “School To Conference” award sponsored the conference attendance of Vepy Asyana (Indonesia) and Giulia Tosetti (Italy).

“I had the honour of participating in the IEEE NSS MIC RTSD conference in Yokohama, thanks to the award I received at the IEEE NPSS Prague EduCom International Summer School. These two opportunities gave me the chance to expand my knowledge not only in my own research field but also in other interesting areas, to meet and to discuss with outstanding researchers, and to make new friends! They also inspired me to continue pursuing my research career with motivation and taught me the value and the importance of being part of an international scientific community,” said by Giulia Tosetti.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to join this wonderful conference. I feel very fortunate to have participated in such a great event. Thank you to the entire IEEE NPSS committee for providing this valuable travel award. I truly enjoyed the conference and learned so many new things that I didn’t know before. It has been a great experience and, I hope, the beginning of my journey to further develop my career in medical imaging, especially in PET scan and AI,” said by Vepy Asyana.

Source: https://newsletter.ieee-npss.org/school-on-advanced-topics-vietnam/