The project in question, titled “Development of multifunctional polyurethane composite materials for fire resistance, thermal insulation and antimicrobial applications in construction and daily life,” was developed by students from Luong Van Tuy Gifted High School in Ninh Binh and awarded a first prize in the materials science category.

In recent days, the project has drawn widespread attention on social media, where users pointed out similarities between the students’ work and research publications led by Associate Professor Hoang Mai Ha, Deputy Director of the Institute of Chemistry under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Responding to the controversy, the Ministry confirmed it has received reports raising concerns about academic integrity in the competition. As the contest operates under an open framework, post-competition review is considered a critical step to ensure objectivity, transparency and compliance with regulations.

The Ministry has directed relevant units to coordinate with the organizing committee, judging panels and related individuals to verify and clarify the allegations. It said any violations, if confirmed, will be handled strictly in accordance with Circular No. 24/2025/TT-BGDDT and other applicable legal provisions.

Officials added that further information will be released once a formal conclusion is reached.

The Institute of Chemistry has also issued a statement addressing the issue, rejecting unverified claims while expressing readiness to cooperate with authorities.

According to the institute, in an era of open science and knowledge sharing, it is not uncommon for student research to overlap with previously published directions. However, any assessment must be objective, comprehensive and grounded in scientific standards as well as academic integrity rules.

The institute noted that research on fire-resistant composite materials led by Associate Professor Hoang Mai Ha has been publicly available since 2019, intended to support the scientific community, particularly younger researchers, in developing new directions.

Accessing and building upon published results is considered normal practice, the statement said, but must strictly comply with academic integrity standards. Responsibility for proper use lies with individuals and organizations, while scientific councils and competition organizers are tasked with evaluating originality and contribution before awarding prizes.

Associate Professor Hoang Mai Ha affirmed he had no involvement in, or supervision of, the student project and only became aware of it through social media. A review of internship and research records from 2024 to 2025 also found no connection between the students and the institute.

The institute expressed concern over the spread of unverified information online, warning of potential harm to the reputations of individuals and organizations. It emphasized its willingness to assist in clarifying the matter and its commitment to strict action if any breach of academic integrity is identified.

Within the scientific community, many have called for a prompt, transparent and evidence-based conclusion. Such a process, they argue, is essential not only to protect the legitimate reputation of researchers but also to maintain public trust in scientific activities, especially those involving students.

The National Science and Engineering Competition for secondary school students took place from March 20 to 22 in Hanoi. A total of 145 projects received official awards, including 14 first prizes, 29 second prizes, 44 third prizes and 58 fourth prizes.

Thanh Hung