On 12th November 2023, the 8th Stem Cell Innovation Competition’s Opening Ceremony and Qualifying Round took place successfully.

In attendance were Assoc. Prof. Trần Văn Mẫn — Head of the Science and Technology Department at VNUHCM-University of Science; M.Sc. Phan Kim Ngọc — Former Head of the Stem Cell Research and Application Laboratory; Assoc. Prof. Phạm Văn Phúc — Director of the Stem Cell Institute; D.Sc. Phan Lữ Chính Nhân — Head of the contest organising committee; and D.Sc. Nguyễn Trường Sinh — Head of the Research and Development Centre at the Stem Cell Institute, alongside representatives from sponsors, teachers, parents, and over 200 enthusiastic supporters.

The Stem Cell Innovation Contest, organised by the Stem Cell Institute and the Stem Cell Research and Application Laboratory under VNUHCM-University of Science since 2014, provides a platform for students and graduate students interested in stem cell research. The competition encourages creativity and innovative ideas to address challenges in applied biology, medicine, and pharmacy.

The theme for the 8th Stem Cell Innovation Competition in 2023 is “To INFINITY and Beyond!” with a total prize value of up to 150 million VND. The competition has attracted nearly 700 registrations from 49 high schools and universities nationwide.

Following a rigorous qualifying round, ten teams have advanced to the finals, which are scheduled to take place on 3rd December 2023 at the Student Cultural House in the Urban Area of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.