The Professor, Scholar and Rector Viorel Bostan was invited to an interview at the “Portret obiectiv” show broadcast on TVR Moldova. Mr. Bostan spoke about the influence of his teachers within the different stages of his education, especially the profound impact of his father, who was also a teacher. This influence drove him to make teaching his life’s purpose, leading him to declare: “In the years ahead, I envision myself primarily as a teacher. This is what I enjoy – standing before students and sharing my experiences. I believe the greatest satisfaction lies in witnessing that twinkle of joy in their eyes or the fact that I’ve set their “motors” of motivation and emotions in motion, that they want to learn and genuinely aspire to do so.”
The conversation began with journalist Elena GUȚU’s rhetorical question:
– Why, after all, does the future belong to Engineering?
– “Because ‘Engineers create the Future,'” responded Mr. Bostan, quoting UTM’s well-known motto, inspired by the statement “Scientists study the world as it is, and engineers create the world that has never been”, attributed to the renowned mathematician and aerospace engineer Theodore von Kármán. This signifies that engineering is an immensely crucial field for the development of society, without diminishing the role and importance of other fields, of course.
– Indeed, the world is constantly changing, undergoing continuous transformation. We are currently in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Do you believe that Engineering still holds a special place in shaping the modern world?
– Absolutely! Take mobile phones, for instance, which have become commonplace today. If we compare it to 30 years ago, a modern mobile phone now has more computing power than the computing centers that existed in universities or research institutions. Provided there’s a signal, we can watch a TV program from anywhere – from Australia or Nigeria, for example. Today, we have an impressive exchange of data that makes us more productive. In fact, mobile phones and communication technologies have transformed many fields, including media and journalism. So, this progress we are witnessing, especially in the field of engineering or fundamental sciences, is highly significant, and Artificial Intelligence, in particular, should be treated as a new tool that will simplify and enhance our daily activities and lives.
– To what extent does it facilitate your personal life? Do you use Artificial Intelligence? Does it make your life easier?
– For now, it’s relatively insignificant. Chat Gbt, for example, was launched nearly a year ago, but here at UTM, we’re already thinking about how to use Artificial Intelligence to transform the way we teach courses or deliver content. We are even discussing European research projects through which to develop guidelines and best practices for harnessing all the opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence in education.
– For how long have you been at the helm of UTM?
– Since 2016, I am in my second term, in my 8th year…
– What emotions do you feel each time you step into the University every morning?
– First and foremost, I wish that by the end of my term, I won’t have any regrets about not having achieved more. In this regard, it’s very important to me that the Managerial Plan I set out in my first and second terms is being fulfilled. From this perspective, I am at ease because many things have already been accomplished, and the rest are on the horizon in the near future.
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The show’s editorial team prepared a collage showcasing UTM’s recent successful achievements, highlighted from the public rhetoric of Rector Viorel Bostan, including:
– An engineer can create software, launch a nanosatellite, construct an excellent building, design modern clothing, and much more, all contributing to the country’s economic growth.
– The assistance provided by Romanian universities, especially technical universities or those with engineering faculties, has been extremely important and fundamental. Until 1991, technical education in our country was predominantly in Russian, including textbooks, guides, monographs, technical documentation, etc. Thanks to the support of Romanian universities, we initiated the transition of engineering education into the Romanian language.
– This led to the exchange of experiences, joint projects, research internships, fact-finding missions, and collaborative visits, which evolved into strong relationships over time.
– We are developing various mobility programs for both students and teaching staff.
– A group of UTM researchers and engineers had a grand vision – to place Moldova among the countries capable of handling space technologies and launching objects into outer space. The most significant achievement in this regard is the launch of the Moldovan nanosatellite, designed, developed, manufactured, and assembled at the Technical University of Moldova, demonstrating the highest standards of elite technical education.
– The new study plans allow the implementation of double and triple degree programs with partner universities.
– Viorel Bostan – father, son, scholar – which of these roles takes up most of your time, requires most dedication, and brings you the most joy?
– Without a doubt, it is the role of UTM manager, which I have taken on and to which I am fully dedicated, perhaps sometimes at the expense of my own family. On the other hand, I am grateful to my family for their understanding, encouragement, and support.
– How many emails do you open and read daily?
– I don’t keep count, but they do consume a significant portion of my time. However, I have an excellent team, and we manage to delegate tasks in a way that allows us to handle them and be proud of our accomplishments.
– What’s at stake? How far can UTM grow under your leadership?
– To continue being the best university in Moldova, offering quality education programs aligned with the demands of the business environment. I believe UTM still has a significant untapped potential both in research and in teaching. We have an extraordinary human resource, but that doesn’t mean we should stop developing more skills.
– What does a nanosatellite mean for Moldova?
– It means a first step, demonstrating our capability to place an object in outer space. Probably for the country, it’s a matter of pride. I am more pragmatic. For instance, I used this example when meeting with various investors who came to Moldova. Before opening a technical research center, establishing a business, a branch, or launching production processes, they would visit the Technical University to assess the quality of the human resources and their capacity to handle complex technical challenges. When I presented them with the example that UTM had designed, developed, built, and launched a nanosatellite 100% “made in Moldova”, they had no doubts about the quality of the study programs and the quality of education at the Technical University.
– Students: how are they today compared to previous generations. And is it fair to make such comparisons between generations?
– It’s certain that they are a different generation from the previous one, and also from those from 10-15 years ago. Some claim that younger generations are less prepared compared to previous ones, and vice versa. However, I believe that each generation has its charm within a certain context, and we should accept them as they are without making judgments. Each generation has its own potential, is extraordinary in its own way, and we should appreciate their achievements accordingly.
– Do you form friendships with students?
– No, in the sense that there should always be a professional relationship between a professor and a student. But that doesn’t mean you have to be rigid or strict, and you can’t share a joke with them. Ultimately, a professor should also be empathetic – it’s one of the additional qualities a teaching staff should possess, alongside professionalism, responsibility, and integrity. And if you are empathetic, then you can convey knowledge much more effectively and comprehensively.
– What would you never forgive in students?
– I wouldn’t forgive cases of academic integrity violations, lying, or attempts at cheating. Anything else can be understood as long as the student wants to learn. For instance, I believe there are no students who are bad at Mathematics (because I teach Mathematics and Applied Mathematics). There are only cases of a teacher’s failure to transfer knowledge to their students.
– How does Rector Viorel Bostan remember student Viorel Bostan?
– I was just like any other student, including those of today. I had a very enjoyable time during my studies, faced some challenges, yet I was also very responsible. In fact, I was fortunate enough to experience several educational systems. I became a student in 1989, during the twilight of the Soviet Empire, which was already on the verge of collapse. So, my initial years of college were in the Soviet system, where there was a strong emphasis on practical aspects. Then, I transferred to the University of Bucharest, where the approach in Romania was relatively similar to that of France (at least that was my impression), placing a particular focus on theoretical aspects, including axiomatization and rigor. Later on, I applied for doctoral studies in the USA, which had an educational system entirely different from that of Europe. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to undertake research internships in Germany, where, once again, I encountered an educational system completely distinct from what I had known up to that point. From this perspective, I consider myself fortunate, as each experience allowed me to meet new people and learn new things.”
This impressive journey is, of course, reflected in his CV. We’ll highlight some key points:
– UTM Rector, Professor, and Ph.D. Viorel BOSTAN is an exceptional figure in higher technical education with a remarkable track record in teaching and research.
– He was born on August 27, 1972, in Chișinău.
– He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Mathematics, graduating in 1995.
– He continued with his Master’s studies and, in 1997, enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of Iowa, USA.
– Since 2004, he has been actively involved at UTM. Through his comprehensive academic, scientific, and managerial efforts, he makes a significant contribution not only to the education of new generations of professionals but also to institutional development and the enhancement of UTM’s prestige. He occasionally spends up to 12 hours a day here, successfully implementing essential changes.
– The results of his research are extensive: he has authored over 300 scientific papers, monographs, textbooks, and invention patents. His work has been showcased at international exhibitions of scientific research, inventions, and technology transfer, earning him 45 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 12 special awards. He has also been involved in the design of the “Republic of Moldova” nanosatellite.
– Viorel Bostan has an admirable strategic vision: he is an integral person who knows how to motivate his team. He values professionalism, hard work, and honesty in people. However, few know that he is also passionate about hiking, but due to a lack of time, this hobby always remains on the “waiting list.”
– What dreams or plans would an eventual “waiting list” of Rector Viorel Bostan include?
– In the coming years, I see myself primarily in the role of a professor because I genuinely enjoy it. Standing in front of students and sharing my knowledge is something I find extremely fulfilling. The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing that spark of joy in their eyes, knowing that I’ve ignited their enthusiasm and drive to learn, and that they genuinely desire it. This is the most beautiful part of my work. Therefore, even in my position as the rector, I have never given up on teaching, and I continue to deliver a certain number of courses, as allowed by the regulations.
– What does August 27th look like for you personally and for your family?
– Yes, it’s my birthday, and it has also been the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova for the past 32 years. Typically, we gather with our family and enjoy a beautiful day because at the end of August, we always have very nice weather.
– Besides the University, what other passions does the UTM Rector have?
– My passion for hiking, for fantastic mountain treks, has captivated me since my student days in Bucharest. I used to go to the mountains with friends and sometimes even alone. I carried this passion with me to the USA, where I hiked in the Colorado mountains several times, which I miss now. But I hope that perhaps next year, after some better physical preparation, I’ll be able to resume those journeys. Furthermore, in my capacity as rector, I often have the opportunity to fuel, so to speak, my passion for travel, as we get to go on various delegations to establish relationships with universities as part of the various projects we have with our partners.
– Who are the people from whom you may seek advice?
– I greatly value my father’s experience in managing a university, although I must admit that in the past, we had several contradictory discussions regarding the university’s development strategy, only for me to be proven right most of the time in the end. Additionally, I consult with my colleagues – I believe that the success of a university is not solely attributed to the rector, but primarily to the managerial team, which includes vice-rectors, deans, and department heads. I believe in transparency and communication, even though, ultimately, I am obligated to make decisions that I consider important as a manager. Even if some disagree, I take the risk. One very important thing is to have the strength to acknowledge when you have made a mistake, when necessary. Because a good system is characterized not just by admitting mistakes, but by how we react to them – through feedback and our ability to improve it.
– Because you mentioned your father, academician Ion Bostan, could you please tell me about his influence on your personal and perhaps professional development?
– I can give you an example in this regard. I was very impressed at the age of 13-14 when I learned that when he was my age, my dad… ran away from home. It seemed extraordinary to me, out of the common! But the story was actually a very simple one. When he finished the 8th grade at the school in our village and wanted to go to the 9th grade at the boarding school in Cărpineni, his father (my grandfather) told him to quit school because he needed him at home to help with household chores. And because he wanted to continue his education, my dad ran away from home and didn’t return for about half a year. Then, two years later, the story repeated itself when he said he was going to continue his studies in Chișinău, which he did. For me, it was an extraordinary example – to leave home out of a desire to learn!
– What are the things you admire about your father?
– First of all, that he is an engineer. He thinks systematically, very fundamentally, and with strong reasoning. He’s not spontaneous. And what I appreciate the most and wish I could do myself is that he’s always fair and just with everyone.
– Have you ever wanted to surpass him?
– Of course. Every person wants to surpass their predecessors, including their parents, to be better, stronger. And I think parents want the same thing. I, at least, wish for my children to be better than me and to go further. But I also want them to be happy.
May UTM continuously surpass itself, conquering new heights in the realm of education, scientific research, and knowledge in general!
We are proud of our Rector!