Between November 27 and December 1, 2023, the delegation from the Technical University of Moldova went on a study visit to North Carolina State University (NCSU), USA.
This excellent study visit marked the beginning of the “Speaker Exchange Program: NCSU-UTM with participation of other universities” project, under the coordination of UTM and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Chișinău, Moldova. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish a strategic partnership between UTM and NCSU, with a special focus on fostering international academic cooperation, namely through the exchange of researchers, professors, and students, collaborative research projects, publications, and the organization of conferences.
The UTM delegation, under the leadership of Rector Prof. Viorel BOSTAN, along with vice-rectors Dr. Vladislav REŞITCA and Dr. Daniela POJAR, Lilia CEPOI, Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, deans Dr. Sergiu POPA and Dr. Dumitru CIORBĂ, Dr. Nina PUŢUNTEAN, Head of the International Relations Service, Dr. Larisa CAISÎN, and Ina BUTUCEL, Director of Business Enabling Environment at Chemonics International/USAID, were warmly welcomed during the study visit to North Carolina State University (NCSU), USA. NCSU, an institution globally recognized for its excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with over 34,000 students and 7,000 employees, was chosen as a partner in this project. Prominent individuals such as Dr. Rich BONANNO, Vice-Provost for International Affairs, Dr. Amy CONGER, Vice-Provost for Global Affairs, Dr. Chadi SAYDE, Assistant Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering; Sarah OLSON, Director of Global Partnerships, Dr. Jose CISNEROS, Director of International Programs CALS, Steve LOMMEL, Associate Dean and Director of the NC Agricultural Research Service, among others, significantly contributed to the success of this collaboration.
The rich and diverse agenda of the event featured a mix of visits and working sessions, including a guided tour of the Lake Wheeler Road Field laboratories, led by Chad Carter, Research Operations Manager, which provided practical insights into NCSU’s research activities. The UTM team also had the opportunity to meet with the esteemed Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State, a prominent figure in American public life. She has made a valuable contribution to the bilateral partnership between North Carolina and the Republic of Moldova, particularly with UTM.
The focal point of the visit centered around the concept of EXTENSION, one of the three fundamental pillars within NCSU’s model of excellence: RESEARCH, TEACHING, and EXTENSION. This strategic framework transforms scientific advancements into tangible solutions for everyday challenges faced by local communities. With 101 local centers, over 1,100 experts, and an expansive network of partnerships, NCSU’s extension activities, focused on agriculture and food, health and nutrition, and youth development through 4-H programs, have become a reliable resource for connecting research and education with communities, economies, and families across the state, fostering prosperity for local citizens. Through the 101 local centers and a wide-reaching network of partnerships, Extension converts science into action, delivering practical solutions to address local issues within the state. This operational cycle involves identifying problems, determining research-based solutions, and effectively transferring the resulting knowledge to the community.
The trips conducted beyond the borders of Raleigh city included tours around the Cherry Farm Research Station, Small Farm Unit, Agroforestry Department, Dairy Department, Nash County Center, Nash Produce, and Enfield Cotton Ginnery. Each of these locations provided an in-depth look at how NCSU systematically translates research into targeted solutions addressing the specific needs of local communities.
NCSU’s Entrepreneurship Clinic stands as an exemplary model, effectively integrating research, teaching, and real-life experience, offering students a valuable opportunity to collaborate with leading corporations and startups.
During the series of meetings with deans, professors, and experts from various fields at NCSU, including the College of Natural Resources, College of Design, Library, and Wilson College of Textiles, the participants engaged in thorough discussions, in an effort to fortify the bond between the two universities by presenting ongoing research projects and initiating new collaborations.
Similarly, the UTM team delved into key departments at NCSU, specifically preoccupied with agriculture and life sciences. The NCSU Plant Sciences Department, renowned as a global center of innovation in this domain, emerged as a focal point of the discussions. Dr. Adrian PER, Executive Director, and Dr. Geoff BOCK, Manager, underscored the significant contributions made by experts from academia, government, and industry in research aimed at enhancing crop yield and sustainability.
The visits extended further to the Department of Micropropagation and Storage, as well as the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Here, Dr. Teresa LAMBERT and Dr. Peter THORNTON presented a comprehensive array of extensive and diverse research in animal health, gas and oil inspection, agricultural marketing, and more. A dedicated session on workforce development, moderated by Dr. Kim ALLEN and Dr. Praveen KOLAR, added another layer of depth to the discussions.
The Moldovan delegation had the exceptional opportunity to initiate discussions with the Advisory Committee of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. This committee plays a pivotal role in offering valuable professional counsel and ensuring the department remains at the forefront of advancements in the field.
The visit concluded with working sessions during the “Bridging the Gap between NC State and Moldova” workshop. Rector Viorel BOSTAN showcased UTM’s main research areas, shared the delegation’s profound impressions, as well as the new collaborative ideas and implementations that surfaced during the visit. Dr. Jose CISNEROS and Dr. Chadi SAYDE moderated the closing session, emphasizing the importance of transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. The speakers also initiated constructive discussions on exploring future collaboration prospects in mutually interesting fields and developing a strategic action plan.
The commendable itinerary, organized under the auspices of the “Speaker Exchange Program: NCSU-TUM with participation of other universities,” has effectively fulfilled its predetermined objectives. This study visit has strengthened the bonds between the Technical University of Moldova and North Carolina State University, opening up new avenues for collaboration and supporting the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two academic institutions.
