Many projects and ideas of students at the recent “Da Nang Scientific Research Competition for Students in 2024” have effective test products and are highly appreciated for their high practical application.

Many scientific research topics of students in Da Nang have impressive products, suitable for reality. IN PHOTO: A group of Duy Tan University's students are researching the product. Photo: VAN HOANG

“Dirt suction kit for water tank”, developed by a group of students from the University of Science and Technology and the University of Economics, both under the University of Da Nang, is one of 36 projects that entered the final round of the “Da Nang Scientific Research Competition for Students in 2024”.

According to Ho Thi Thu Hang, leader of the research group, water tanks are where water is stored and supplied for the daily activities of each family. However, the accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the tank, affecting the quality of domestic water, is an issue that is rarely paid attention to by people. Based on the above idea, the team created and designed the product "Dirt suction kit for water tank".

The product is equipped with a timer, water quality sensor, dirt suction and ejection motor for the convenience of users. To have a basis for evaluating the effectiveness, the team installed and tested it in a number of households.

After 3 months of visual observation, the dirt suction rate reached over 80%. Thu Hang said that the research topic was carried out from July 2023 and has been continuously improved to achieve the best efficiency.

The product is designed to suit all types of water tanks. With the product, users can save on the cost of hiring an outside cleaning unit and reduce cleaning time. On the other hand, treated water and dirt can be used to cool the roof, water plants, etc. The kit does not use water filtration devices with filter materials, so it ensures the safety of water sources and water quality for each household.

Another impressive topic at the contest has been "Some factors affecting the production process of artistic blooming tea from blue water lilies" by a group of students majoring in Food Technology of the Duy Tan University.

Student Tran Pham Huong Ly, a representative of the research group, said that artistic herbal tea is a unique and sophisticated form of tea enjoyment that attracts the attention of many people. However, this type of tea is not yet popular and is rarely used. With the desire to create a safe, quality, and unique product, the group researched and used blue water lilies as the main ingredient, wrapping roses and jasmine flowers inside the petals.

The group chose blue water lilies because this type of flowers is easy to grow, easy to reproduce, and can be mass produced locally. The medicinal substances in lilies, roses, and jasmine have been proven to be good for health, anti-oxidant, sedative, and sleep-aiding. The group has researched the drying process of raw materials, ensuring the form so that the actual colour does not change compared to the original, quality, humidity, and nutrients in the flowers along with the formula for mixing and balancing the ingredients to create the product shape.

It is known that the group has researched the production process from May to November 2023. Up to now, the product is in the stage of improving and completing the design. The group is completing the application to participate in a number of science and technology competitions in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Huong Ly, after the competitions, through the connection of the organising committee, the research group's products have received offers and suggestions for cooperation in matters related to research copyright, product development and commercialisation. This is not only a motivation for product development but also recognises the efforts in scientific research, and promoting the entrepreneurial spirit among students. The group is currently continuing to research and analyse the pharmaceutical ingredients of the product, thereby meeting the needs of the market and consumers.

According to the municipal Department of Science and Technology, the "Da Nang Scientific Research Competition for Students" is held annually, aimed at encouraging the spirit of scientific research and finding creative solutions among students, as well as promoting the scientific research movement, innovation and nurturing startup ideas at schools in the city. After 6 years of organisation, more than 600 student topics have registered to participate in the municipal-level competition.

In 2024, the municipal Department of Science and Technology coordinated with the organising units to select 36 topics for the city-level competition. In the end, the Organizing Committee awarded 1 first, 1 second, 2 third, and 5 consolation prizes for topics in the categories of Science and Technology - Medical Science, Biotechnology, and Chemistry.

Reporting by VAN HOANG - Translating by M.DUNG