The Technical University of Moldova recently hosted the visit of a delegation of professors from North Carolina State University (NCSU)—an event that provided the ideal platform for strengthening the collaboration between the two academic institutions from the Republic of Moldova and the United States of America. Led by Secretary of State Elaine Marshall of North Carolina, the delegation was warmly welcomed by UTM, highlighting the importance of the longstanding partnership and fruitful cooperation spanning a quarter of a century between the two nations.
The visit has further solidified the strategic partnership between UTM and NCSU, initiated through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration one year ago. This collaboration has already yielded substantial benefits for UTM, providing faculty and students with access to advanced educational resources, opportunities for exchange of expertise, and joint research projects. As a result, UTM’s competitiveness, along with that of its graduates, has been enhanced significantly in both national and international job markets.
The recent visit of the NCSU delegation to UTM focused on the advancement of the agricultural sector in the Republic of Moldova. During discussions, both parties identified strategies to improve the agricultural curriculum, with the goal of preparing competent specialists capable of meeting market demands. This initiative was backed by the ongoing commitment of the US Government to support research and development projects, underscoring the role of agricultural research and plans to establish experimental fields at UTM, drawing inspiration from NCSU’s experience.
The presentations and discussions demonstrated Moldova’s extraordinary potential in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the significance of the partnership with NCSU in creating opportunities for the country’s youth. Additionally, the visit fortified the collaboration between ZIPHOUSE Fashion Hub and the Wilson College of Textiles at NCSU, aiming to advance the textile industry in the Republic of Moldova.
Professors from North Carolina State University delivered public lectures across several faculties of UTM – FCIM, FIEB, FTA, FIMIT, FȘASM, FMV, covering a wide range of current topics:
Dr. Jose CISNEROS – “Accelerating economic development through international collaboration in research and education”;
Dr. Carla BARBIERI – “Agritourism & Well-being: Family, Heritage, & Rural Development”;
Dr. Rick BRANDENBURG – “Creative and effective partnerships between research and education to enhance agricultural production”;
Dr. Sung Woo KIM – “Trends in monogastric nutrition research in the US: Importance of intestinal health in animal production”;
Dr. Lirong XIANG – “AI-enabled robotics for precision agriculture”;
Dr. Chadi SAYDE – “High-Resolution Measurement of Water Dynamics in Soil, Stream, and Atmospheric Systems”.
During the workshops, the faculty addressed pressing issues and proposed solutions in various fields, including bilateral partnerships, irrigation system management, agricultural robotics, agrotourism, perennial crops, and animal husbandry.
The wrap-up session of the NCSU delegation visit highlighted the essential components for implementing the future action plan, including needs assessment and resource identification, curriculum development, strengthening the link between research and extension, as well as ongoing collaboration and capacity building. Dr. Jose CISNEROS, co-director of the program, underscored the remarkable potential of UTM staff and expressed confidence in achieving all project objectives.
The visit also carried a profound national significance, marking 25 years of collaboration between the Republic of Moldova and North Carolina. The commemorative session of the bilateral committee convened esteemed officials from both countries, highlighting the achievements of their joint efforts in education, agriculture, healthcare, and defense.
The partnership between UTM and NCSU stands as a notable example of international cooperation in agricultural education. This strategic alliance will modernize Moldovan agriculture, enhance the sector’s competitiveness, and ensure a prosperous future for forthcoming generations.
