Concordia - Mitacs Globalink Research Awards
Concordia University and Mitacs have partnered to fund the Globalink Research Awards (GRA) with Vietnam. Through this initiative, 26 students from Concordia and Vietnam received funding under the academic co-supervision of 13 Concordia professors and 14 professors from Vietnamese academic institutions.
The projects listed below were proudly supported by Concordia and Mitacs through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award program.
2025-26 Globalink Research Awards
Breaking the 'forever'bond: photocatalytic degradation of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances using metal-organic frameworks
| Project summary: | The proposed project, "Breaking the 'forever' bond: photocatalytic degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances using metal-organic frameworks", is a collaborative initiative between Canada and Vietnam aiming at tackling PFAS contamination in water. Due to their characteristic, PFAS take considerable time to degrade and break down in the environment and pose significant health risks. Therefore, the project will synthesize nanostructured materials for the removal of PFAS from water under the influence of photocatalytic processes. Nanoparticle catalysts will be developed by using a novel mechanochemical technique such as liquid-assisted resonant acoustic mixing (LA-RAM) in Canada. The goal of the project is to improve wastewater treatment processes, reduce PFAS concentrations and mitigate their harmful effects on human health and the environment. It also supports the development of a catalytic process for the elimination of hard to degrade environmental pollutants, provides new knowledge on aspects of photocatalytic processes, and provides insights on environmental pollution abatement. |
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| Research keywords: | photocatalysis, metal organic frameworks, PFAS, wastewater, chemical removal |
| Concordia supervisor: | Nhat Truong Nguyen, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering |
| Partner university: | Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh University of Science |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Thi Hien To, Department of Environmental Engineering |
| Vietnamese student: | Song Thuc Khue Nguyen, undergraduate student, Department of Environmental Science |
Development of rare-earth photocatalysts for gas and water treatment
| Project summary: | Photocatalysis is considered an advanced and environmentally friendly solution, as it does not require the addition of large amounts of chemicals to the reaction, thereby minimizing the generation of secondary waste. This helps reduce operational costs, conserve energy, and meet the development requirements of industrial plants aligned with the principles of the circular economy. This project is a research initiative on photocatalysis aimed at treating pollutants present in waste sources that negatively impact the environment. The objective of the project is to utilize the LARAM (Liquid-asassisted resonant acoustic mixing) method to synthesize rare-earth catalysts that can be used to photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic. This study applies an improved synthesis approach that minimizes the use of additional chemicals, and will demonstrate both the efficiency of antibiotic removal and the feasibility of scaling up for broader environmental applications. |
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| Research keywords: | photocatalysis, nanostructures, wastewater treatment, CO2 conversion, |
| Concordia supervisor: | Nhat Truong Nguyen, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering |
| Partner university: | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Nhat Huy Nguyen, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources |
| Vietnamese student: | Gia Kiet Truong, master’s student, Department of Environment |
Effects of lemborexant on brain oscillations and sleep parameters in Vietnamese chronic insomnia patients - a pilot study
| Project summary: | This project aims to investigate the mechanism of action of Lemborexant, an insomnia medication at the neurophysiological level by conducting an advanced analysis of brain oscillations and detailed sleep parameters in chronic insomnia patients after 4 weeks of treatment. By utilizing high-quality clinical and sleep study data from the University Medical Center and University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City - representing a group of Asian patients that has not been extensively studied - and applying advanced sleep microstructure analysis techniques in Prof. Thien Thanh Dang-Vu's laboratory at Concordia, the project will identify neurobiological biomarkers that predict the efficacy of Lemborexant, a new medication entering the Asian market, and there is not much clinical data yet. The benefits for participating organizations are the development of research expertise in complex biomedical signal processing (Canada) and the enhancement of the capacity to explain treatment mechanisms to diverse patient populations (Vietnam), thereby strengthening international academic cooperation. |
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| Research keywords: | sleep parameters, insomnia, neurophysiology, brain oscillations, lemborexant |
| Concordia supervisor: | Thien Thanh Dang-Vu, professor & Concordia University research chair in Sleep, Neuroimaging and Cognitive Health, Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology |
| Partner university: | University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Thao Mai Phuong, Department of Physiology - Pathophysiology - Immunology - Pharmacology |
| Vietnamese students: | Anh-Nguyen Nguyen, master’s student, School of Medicine Khue Bui-Diem, postdoctoral fellow, Department of Physiology - Pathophysiology - Immunology – Pharmacology |
Human-centered smart safety intelligence for urban rail construction: Integrating generative AI, IoT, and machine learning toward society 5.0
| Project summary: | This project focuses on creating a safer and more modern approach to construction safety for urban rail projects by combining Generative AI for clear safety communication with lightweight Machine Learning models for detecting hazards on-site. The work introduces a practical smart-safety prototype, supports multilingual worker training, and applies human-centred principles to improve how technology supports people in complex construction environments. Both participating institutions benefit through strengthened research capacity in AI-enabled safety, access to new comparative data from Canada and Vietnam, and the development of advanced skills for students and researchers. Ultimately, the project helps both partners advance their leadership in innovative, socially oriented digital safety solutions for the construction sector. |
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| Research keywords: | generative AI, Internet of Things, machine Learning, construction safety, urban rail, human-centered design |
| Concordia supervisor: | Po-Han Chen, professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering |
| Partner university: | Hanoi University of Civil Engineering |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | The Quan Nguyen, Construction Economics and Management |
| Vietnamese students: |
Duc Toan Nguyen, undergraduate student, Construction Economics and Management Minh Hieu Nguyen, undergraduate student, Construction Economics and Management Thi Thuy Duong Tran, undergraduate student, Construction Economics and Management Vu Phung Quang, undergraduate student, Construction Economics and Management |
Modeling the urban distribution of tire-derived chemicals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| Project summary: | Tire-Derived Chemicals (TDCs) are compounds generated through the abrasion or volatilization that occurs when tires come into friction with the road surface. These chemicals can travel through the air, settle onto urban surfaces, and be washed into water bodies by rainfall. Some TDCs have been shown to have negative effects on human health and the environment. However, research on this group of compounds remains limited, especially in developing countries. This project will identify the concentrations and distribution of 26 TDCs in PM2.5 from ambient air and in surface water in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In addition, the project will apply the Multimedia Urban Model (MUM) to simulate the environmental behavior and fate of these compounds in urban settings. The model will also be used to compare differences between a tropical city like Ho Chi Minh City and a cold-climate city like Montreal. The results of the project will provide the first data on the presence of TDCs in urban environments, helping to identify pollution levels, understand the behavior of these compounds, and recognize the potential risks that the compounds may cause. |
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| Research keywords: | tire-derived chemicals, multimedia urban model (mum), pm2.5, surface water, urban pollution, lc orbitrap mass spectrometry |
| Concordia supervisor: | Xianming Zhang, assistant professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Partner university: | Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh University of Science |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | To Thi Hien, Department of Environmental Engineering |
| Vietnamese student: |
Nguyen Dang Khai, master's student, Environment |
Optimal energy management in urban microgrids using reinforcement learning
| Project summary: | This research project addresses the critical challenge of managing energy in residential urban areas, where the rapid adoption of rooftop solar panels and electric vehicles is placing unprecedented pressure on local power grids. Instead of relying on traditional forecasting methods that struggle with the unpredictable nature of household energy usage, this project develops an intelligent Energy Management System using Reinforcement Learning. This AI agent learns to coordinate residential devices in real-time, optimizing when to store excess solar energy in batteries and proactively managing EV charging to support the grid rather than strain it. The project benefits the participating institutions by combining Canadian expertise in advanced urban building modeling with Vietnam’s practical insights into volatile grid operations, resulting in a novel, transferable control methodology that strengthens international research collaboration and future smart city innovation. |
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| Research keywords: | reinforcement learning, constrained markov decision process, model-free control, urban microgrids, energy management systems, electric vehicle integration |
| Concordia supervisor: | Liangzhu Wang, professor, associate director Centre for Zero Energy Building Studies, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering |
| Partner university: | Hanoi University of Science and Technology |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Dang Hoang Anh, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
| Vietnamese student: |
Nguyen Duc Gia Huy, master's student, Electrical Engineering |
2024-25 Globalink Research Awards
Advanced nanomaterials for the photocatalytic PFAS removal in wastewater
| Project summary: | Aims to improve wastewater treatment processes, reduce PFAS (toxic chemicals) concentrations, and mitigate their harmful effects on human health and the environment. |
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| Research keywords: | photocatalytic, wastewater treatment, nanomaterials, PFAS, chemical removal |
| Concordia supervisor: | Nhat Truong Nguyen, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering |
| Partner university: | University of Science – VNU HCM |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | To Thi Hien, Environmental Engineering |
| Vietnamese students: | Nguyen Vo Tu Uyen, master’s student, Chemical and Materials Engineering Duong Minh Thu, master’s student, Chemical and Materials Engineering |
Application of effective methods for assessment and remediation of eutrophication in surface water reservoirs in tropical and temperate climates
| Project summary: | Building sustainable water resiliency by evaluate technologies for monitoring, preventing, and remediating eutrophication in water reservoirs and tropical lakes. |
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| Research keywords: | water-related ecosystem remediation, ecotechnology, water security, biological monitoring, phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton |
| Concordia supervisor: | Catherine Mulligan, professor, Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Partner university: | Hanoi University of Science and Technology |
| Vietnamese supervisors: |
Hoang Thi Thu Huong, Environmental Science and Technology ; Doan Thi Thai Yen, Environmental Science and Technology |
| Vietnamese student: | Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, PhD student, Environmental Technology |
| Concordia student: | Antonio Cavalcante Pereira, PhD student, Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering |
Application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on treating polluted water for aquaculture farms in Mekong Delta region
| Project summary: | Assess the potential application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous materials capable of selectively trapping and removing contaminants from water or air, for treating polluted water from aquaculture farms in the Mekong Delta. |
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| Research keywords: | mekong delta, aquaculture, environmental engineering, water treatment, toxic pollution, pollution remediation, adsorption, metal-organic frameworks |
| Concordia supervisor: | Ashlee Howarth, associate professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Partner university: | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU HCM |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Dang Vu Bich Hanh, Environmental Engineering |
| Vietnamese students: | Duy Ho Vu, undergraduate student, Industrial Engineering and Management Vinh Le Nguyen Quang, undergraduate student, Environmental Engineering |
Development of new approach methods (NAMs) for pesticide risk assessment
| Project summary: | Predict how different pesticides will degrade in the environment for a safer and more sustainable agricultural future. |
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| Research keywords: | pesticide, degradation, computational chemistry, hydroxyl radical, ozone, risk assessment |
| Concordia supervisors: | Xianming Zhang, assistant professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry;Gilles Peslherbe, professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Partner university: | Duy Tan University |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Duy Quang Dao, assistant professor, Institute of Research and Development |
| Concordia student: | Samira Norouzi, PhD student, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Vietnamese student: | Dinh Hieu Truong, PhD student, Institute of Research and Development |
Development of new approach methods (NAMs) for pesticide risk assessment
| Project summary: | Predict how different pesticides will degrade in the environment for a safer and more sustainable agricultural future. |
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| Research keywords: | pesticide, degradation, computational chemistry, hydroxyl radical, ozone, risk assessment |
| Concordia supervisors: | Xianming Zhang, assistant professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry;Gilles Peslherbe, professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Partner university: | Duy Tan University |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Duy Quang Dao, assistant professor, Institute of Research and Development |
| Concordia student: | Samira Norouzi, PhD student, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Vietnamese student: | Dinh Hieu Truong, PhD student, Institute of Research and Development |
Developing sustainable social housing for the net zero transition leveraging green materials and digital technologies: Advancing research and practice in Vietnam and Canada
| Project summary: | Propose frameworks and policy recommendations to make sustainable social housing a viable and scalable solution. |
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| Research keywords: | sustainable housing design, energy-efficient building systems, affordable housing development, green building materials, urban sustainability planning, social housing policy |
| Concordia supervisor: | Po-Han Chen, professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering |
| Partner university: | Hanoi University of Civil Engineering |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | The Quan Nguyen, Faculty of Construction Economics and Management and Institute of Investment and Construction Management |
| Vietnamese students: | Duc Trung Nguyen, undergraduate student, Construction Economics and Management Minh Quan Pham, undergraduate student, Civil and Industrial Construction Quang Phuong Luu, master's student, Construction Economics and Management |
Development of sustainable solar-powered HVAC systems
| Project summary: | Developing solar-powered HVAC systems to optimize renewable energy, improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. |
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| Research keywords: | mechanical engineering, renewable energy, thermal engineering, HVAC integration, solar engineering, building energy systems |
| Concordia supervisor: | Hua Ge, professor, Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Partner university: | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU HCM |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Tung Ha Anh, Mechanical Engineering |
| Vietnamese student: | Minh Van Le, undergraduate student, Mechanical Engineering |
Occupant-centric low-energy design solutions for high-rise social apartments in Ho Chi Minh City
| Project summary: | Seeks to improve energy efficiency in high-rise apartments by integrating resident preferences, developing criteria for low-energy design, and recommending architectural solutions. |
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| Research keywords: | occupant-centric, low-energy design solutions, high-rise social apartments, energy efficiency, occupant-building interactions |
| Concordia supervisor: | Mohamed Ouf, associate professor, Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Partner university: | Hanoi University of Civil Engineering |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Pham Thi Hai Ha, Architecture and Planning |
| Vietnamese student: | Nguyen Thi An Anh, PhD student, Architectural Engineering |
Preparation of molecular dye-sensitized photoelectrode for light-driven processes under low-intensity light conditions
| Project summary: | Enhance solar to chemical energy conversion processes for green fuel or high-added value products |
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| Research keywords: | low - intensity Light, green fuel, solar energy, molecular photosensitizers, chemical processes, chemistry |
| Concordia supervisor: | Marek Majewski, associate professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Partner university: | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU HCM |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Nguyen Truong Son, Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry |
| Vietnamese student: | Man Man Chung, undergraduate student, Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry |
Research on the interactions between the electrical grid and the participation of ZEBs, renewable energy and electric vehicles
| Project summary: | Address Canada’s challenges in integrating renewable energy and EVs into the existing grid while ensuring sustainability and energy efficiency. |
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| Research keywords: | grid interaction, zero energy buildings, electric vehicles, electrification, microclimate |
| Concordia supervisor: | Liangzhu (Leon) Wang, professor, associate director, Centre for Zero Energy Building Studies, Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering |
| Partner university: | Hanoi University of Science and Technology |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Hoang-Anh Dang, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
| Vietnamese student: | Dao Van Dung, master's student, Electrical Engineering |
Synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by sol-gel method and their characterization, photodegradation of doxycycline in water induced by TiO2
| Project summary: | Developing titanium dioxide (TiO2) to use them for breaking down antibiotic in water. |
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| Research keywords: | environment engineering, TiO2 nanoparticles, photocatalysis, doxycycline degradation, water treatment technology, nanomaterials, pharmaceutical pollution, sustainable water purification, photodegradation |
| Concordia supervisors: | Ayse Turak, associate professor, Physics ; Rafik Naccache, associate professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| Partner university: | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU HCM |
| Vietnamese supervisor: | Nguyen Huy, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources |
| Vietnamese student: | Tu Pham Duong Minh, undergraduate student, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources |
About Mitacs
Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from the best academic institutions at home and around the world.
Mitacs created and administers Globalink Research Awards, which help faculty at Canadian academic institutions strengthen existing international research collaborations and connect with colleagues around the world through the mobility of senior undergraduate and graduate students.
Student recipients of the Globalink Research Award will develop research skills, cultural fluency, and professional networks, becoming part of Canada’s next generation of global innovators.
Do you have questions?
For questions about the Mitacs Globalink Research Award program at Concordia, get in touch.
Caroline Eastwood
Coordinator, Mobility Programs
caroline.eastwood@concordia.ca
