Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thach Ut Dong Receives the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2026
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thach Ut Dong, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), has recently been honored with the Encouragement Award at the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2026 for his research on ionosilica nanomaterials for environmental and biomedical applications. This international recognition acknowledges the contributions of a TDTU scientist to the research and development of advanced materials aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
The award-winning research project, “Ionosilica Nanomaterials for Environmental and Biomedical Applications,” focuses on the research and development of functional nanomaterials with potential applications in environmental pollution treatment and healthcare.
The research aims to develop ionosilica materials, a class of hybrid organic–inorganic porous materials that combine the advantages of porous silica with functional groups exhibiting ionic liquid-like properties. Thanks to their distinctive porous structure and tunable surface properties, ionosilica materials offer effective adsorption and ion-exchange capabilities, high stability, and reusability. The research findings contribute to a better understanding of the materials' interaction and adsorption mechanisms while opening up potential applications in environmental remediation, substance separation, catalysis, membrane technology, and the development of drug delivery systems in biomedicine.
Throughout his teaching and research career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thach Ut Dong has served as principal investigator for numerous scientific research projects at various levels. He is also a co-inventor of a patent granted in the United States and has authored or co-authored 29 scientific publications indexed in the Web of Science.
The Asia Innovation Award is an annual award established in 2020 by The Hitachi Global Foundation to promote scientific research, technological development, and innovation, contributing to addressing social challenges and advancing sustainable development in the ASEAN region. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in research and development, with particular emphasis on the practical application of research outcomes and their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thach Ut Dong's recognition at the Asia Innovation Award 2026 not only acknowledges his individual research efforts and achievements but also contributes to affirming Ton Duc Thang University's research capabilities, commitment to innovation, and strategic orientation toward scientific development closely linked to practical applications.
Notably, this marks the third consecutive year (2024, 2025, and 2026) that TDTU scientists have been recognized at The Hitachi Global Foundation's Asia Innovation Award. This achievement further demonstrates the University's research quality and reflects international recognition of the contributions made by TDTU faculty members and researchers in fields of significant scientific value and practical relevance.
