Recently, lecturers and students from the UEF International Institute left a strong impression at the iREX 2026 Conference on Innovation, Research, Exchange and Exploration with research reports on generative AI in higher education and the application of digital maps in tourism. Remarkably, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, PhD Candidate, won the Best Presentation Award in the Education & Language session.
UEF International Institute lecturer received the Best Presentation Award
In the Education & Language session, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, PhD Candidate, Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics, presented the research topic “Mapping the Research Landscape of Generative AI in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Analysis Using the Dimensions Database.”
The research adopted bibliometric analysis to examine 3,237 articles from 2022 to 2025 in the Dimensions database to systematize studies conducted on generative AI in higher education. The analysis focused on publication trends, countries and institutions with significant contributions, researcher networks, and the development of research topics in the field.
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Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, PhD Candidate, reported research findings at the conference
The research report noted a dramatic increase in publications after the advancement of ChatGPT. The most popular topics include writing assistance, feedback in learning, academic integrity, learner awareness, and AI ethics. The results indicated the need for further research on adjustments to assessment, developing guidelines for AI use, and expanding research collaboration among educational institutions.
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With the outstanding performance at the conference, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao was presented with the Best Presentation Award for the Education & Language session, highlighting the UEF International Institute lecturers' engagement in academic exchange in the field of technology and education.
Students connect research with urban tourist experience
In the Economics & Management session, a group of students in the US and UK collaborative programs, including Ha Gia Khanh Linh, Mai Quoc Dat, and Mai Quoc Dung, participated in the conference with the research topic “A study into factors influencing tourists’ intention to use interactive digital maps and suggestions for experiential tourist routes development along Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City.”
Taking into account the context of tourism development along Metro Line 1, the study explored how factors such as the characteristics of interactive digital maps and tourists’ state of mind affect their intention to use this feature. The research group combined qualitative research, quantitative surveys, and pre-surveys - post-surveys for prototype testing before coming to suggestions for design, data management, and application implementation.
The student research group presented their findings at the conference
The study aims to build a research basis for developing interactive digital maps to enhance the tourist experience based on environmental, social, and management factors. This also demonstrates how the students applied knowledge to address a practical issue in Ho Chi Minh City.
The participation of UEF International Institute lecturers and students at iREX 2026 demonstrated their eagerness to research and share knowledge. Through the conference, students gained more experience in presenting research findings to the academic community, enhancing critical thinking and developing applied research competence.
UEF International Institute
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