International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | An Interview with One of the Authors—Prof. Dr. Thulan Nguyen

Name: Prof. Dr. Thulan Nguyen
Affiliations: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyo-shi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
Interest: community responses to environmental noise

“Assessing Annoyance and Sleep Disturbance Related to Changing Aircraft Noise Context: Evidence from Tan Son Nhat Airport”
by Thulan Nguyen, Tran Thi Hong Nhung Nguyen, Makoto Morinaga, Yasuhiro Hiraguri and Takashi Morihara
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081296
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/8/1296

1. Congratulations on your recent publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research focus?
My name is Thulan Nguyen, and I am affiliated with Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan. My research focuses on community responses to environmental noise, particularly in urban areas. I first became interested in noise-related issues in Vietnam more than 20 years ago, and I have been publishing on this topic for over a decade.
My earlier work examined the effects of aircraft noise on residents living around major airports in Vietnam, especially in densely populated areas where aircraft noise combines with high levels of background urban noise. The paper published in IJERPH is a continuation of the surveys and investigations I conducted during my master’s and doctoral studies under stable environmental conditions, and it extends this earlier work to examine how changes in environmental noise affect community responses.

2. What inspired you to focus on aircraft noise and its impact on health in rapidly urbanizing areas?
I initially studied road traffic noise, but I became increasingly interested in aircraft noise because its impact differs significantly between developed and developing countries.
In Vietnam, aircraft noise is mixed with extremely high background noise caused by motorbikes, horns, vibrant and active urban activity. Airports are located in very densely populated areas, and there are no strict land-use or buffer-zone regulations to reduce population density near airports. As a result, many residents live very close to the runways.
Additionally, airports in Vietnam operate 24 hours a day, which means nighttime noise severely affects sleep quality. Surprisingly, despite the severity of the exposure, relatively few formal complaints are filed. This motivated me to investigate why residents tolerate such loud environments and how mixed noise sources shape their perceptions and health outcomes.

3. What role does the built environment—such as building design or urban layout—play in mitigating or amplifying noise effects?
Both urban planning and building design play crucial roles:

• Urban layout–Factors such as land-use planning, the placement of transportation infrastructure, and the absence of noise buffers can significantly influence exposure levels. Proper planning could greatly reduce the number of residents subjected to high noise levels;
• Building design–Many Vietnamese houses are built with brick and concrete, which offer reasonable sound insulation. However, the effectiveness is limited by the lifestyle in tropical climates, where windows and doors are kept open for natural ventilation. Often, windows have only a single glass layer or consist of louvers, which cannot effectively block noise. Because of this combination, the difference between outdoor and indoor noise levels is small, meaning noise is pervasive both outside and inside the home. Cultural habits—such as spending time on balconies, conducting conversations outdoors, or engaging in loud indoor activities like karaoke—can also amplify noise exposure in communities.

4. Looking ahead, what do you see as the next major research direction in environmental noise and health?
One promising direction is the visualization of noise impacts. People increasingly prefer to understand their environment through visual and interactive formats rather than through numbers alone. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) can help individuals experience different sound environments and provide more intuitive feedback.
Another major direction involves applying machine learning and AI to sound perception research. While humans perceive noise through emotional and sensory experiences, AI processes sound as data. Understanding the differences between AI and human responses—and determining how AI can be used to model or substitute human exposure in dangerous environments—will be an important research frontier.
Areas such as industrial noise, airport engine testing zones, and special environments (e.g., kindergartens or healthcare settings for children with disabilities) require more attention. These spaces often involve extreme or unusual noise levels, and AI-based tools may help researchers study them more safely and effectively.

5. What advice would you give to young researchers beginning their PhD studies in environmental noise and public health?
Maintaining curiosity and enthusiasm is essential. At the start of a career, it is easy to feel inspired, but long-term research can sometimes seem repetitive or less exciting, especially in fields such as environmental noise and public health, where new challenges continually emerge. Observing everyday life with an open mind helps researchers identify new problems that need solutions.
Young researchers should remain connected to real-world issues, continue exploring their surroundings, and think about how their skills can contribute to improving living environments. A strong sense of purpose and ongoing curiosity are key qualities for long-term success. As both a researcher and a university teacher, I believe it is important not only to stay inspired, but also to pass that inspiration on to students and colleagues, helping to cultivate a motivated and forward-thinking academic community.

6. What motivated you to choose our open access journal, and how would you characterize your publication experience?
I was very satisfied with the publication process. The speed of peer review and editorial handling was quick and efficient, especially when I responded promptly to reviewer comments.
Publishing in an open access journal was important to me, as it allows anyone to read my work without barriers, helping increase visibility and citations. I also appreciated the smooth communication with the editorial office.
I submitted my paper to a Special Issue, which I found particularly valuable because it gathers multiple papers focused on related topics. This helps authors learn from one another and increases the visibility and citation potential of each paper.

We sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Thulan Nguyen for sharing her time and insights. Her research on the community responses to environmental noise in urban areas bridges urban factors and human health. We wish her continued success in advancing this important field and expanding access to practical, inclusive health solutions.