Today marked a historic day at the Technical University of Moldova as it celebrated its 60th anniversary, hosting distinguished guests, including high-ranking officials from both sides of the Prut River, who gathered to honor the university’s rich legacy of excellence and innovation. The event, which also served as a joint conference of the National Councils of Rectors from Romania and Moldova, opened with a warm greeting from UTM’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Viorel BOSTAN. The performances of the Moldovan national anthem and “Gaudeamus” by the TNOB Choir, under the baton of conductor Oleg CONSTANTINOV, added a touch of solemnity and deep emotion to the occasion.
Today, the President of the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Maia SANDU, accompanied by Moldova’s Minister of Education and Research, Mr. Dan PERCIUN, honored the occasion with their presence, reaffirming their commitment to the development of education and research in the country. In her speech, President Maia SANDU highlighted UTM’s pivotal role in shaping young generations of specialists and its significant contribution to Moldova’s modernization:
“The Technical University of Moldova stands at the forefront of higher education in the Republic of Moldova, and its achievements are proof that innovation and academic excellence know no boundaries. May the next 60 years be just as filled with accomplishments and progress as the ones before!”
In his opening address, UTM Rector, Prof. Dr. Viorel BOSTAN, highlighted the invaluable support that universities in Romania have consistently offered, playing a crucial part in advancing Moldova’s technical, engineering, and agricultural education. He also shared his vision for expanding this collaboration by building new bridges—both physical and virtual—to facilitate the launch of joint projects.
“The close cooperation between the universities of Romania and Moldova creates a conducive environment for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best practices—essential for aligning Moldova’s higher education system with European standards,” said the Rector of UTM. He emphasized the importance of academic dialogue during this period of transition and reform in higher education, noting the need for deeper integration of Moldovan universities into the European academic community—an inevitable step in light of Moldova’s candidacy for EU membership.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the President of the Council of Rectors of Moldova, Acad. Prof. Dr. Emil CEBAN, Rector of the “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy; the President of the National Council of Rectors of Romania, Vice-President of the Romanian Senate, and President of the Francophone University Agency, Prof. Dr. Sorin Mihai CÎMPEANU, Rector of the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest, alongside Rectors from Romania’s top universities, such as Prof. Dr. Ioan Vasile ABRUDAN of Transilvania University of Brașov and Mihnea Cosmin COSTOIU of the Politehnica University of Bucharest. Also in attendance were Acad. Ion TIGHINEANU, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, and EU High Adviser for Education and Research in Moldova, Daniel FUNERIU, along with other distinguished guests.
During the conference, the rectors from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership and enhancing bilateral collaboration. Topics discussed included launching new dual-degree programs, conducting joint scientific research projects, and participating in international programs that support the development of higher education. The event also provided a valuable platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas on the internationalization of university education and its adaptation to the dynamic demands of the labor market.
This gathering served as an excellent opportunity to consolidate academic ties between the universities of Moldova and Romania, creating a solid foundation for future research and educational collaborations that will benefit both faculty and students on both sides of the Prut River.
