Today, September 24, 2024, the Technical University of Moldova took a significant step in modernizing its educational infrastructure by inaugurating a series of state-of-the-art laboratories. These developments are part of two major projects: “Modernizing the Curriculum in Information Security, Information Management, and Data Science – IMM/DATASEA” and “Modernizing the Curriculum in Engineering, Electronics, Automation, and Robotics – Industry 4.0/GEAR 4.0.” Funded by the World Bank under the “Higher Education in Moldova” project, these initiatives aim to strengthen the educational capabilities of higher education institutions in Moldova, aligning them with the demands of the modern labor market.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, Dan PERCIUN, and his Romanian counterpart, Ligia DECA. Both ministers emphasized the long-term impact of these investments on the educational system and the economic competitiveness of the Republic of Moldova.
GEAR 4.0: Laboratories for the Future of Engineering
As part of the GEAR 4.0 subproject, several scientific and educational laboratories were launched:
- Applied Electronics Laboratory (supervised by Dr. Nicolai ABABII): Equipped with five stations, this lab helps students deepen their understanding of fundamental engineering principles, with a focus on analog and digital electronic circuits.
- Electropneumatic Actuators for Industrial Automation Laboratory (supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Rodion CIUPERCĂ): Featuring six specialized stations, this lab provides a solid foundation for developing practical skills in designing electropneumatic circuits for industrial automation.
- Smart Factory Laboratory (supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Ion FIODOROV): Representing a mini digital factory, this lab introduces the latest production innovations to UTM, aligned with the Industry 4.0 concept. Students and researchers have access to cutting-edge infrastructure, facilitating exploration in automation and robotics technologies.
Innovation through the DATASEA Subproject
Concurrently, the DATASEA subproject brings significant improvements in the fields of information security and data science, through the launch of new research facilities:
- Physics Laboratory (supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Constantin P RȚAC): This lab is dedicated to strengthening fundamental skills in information and communication technology (ICT).
- Data Science I and II Laboratories (supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Viorica SUDACEVSCHI): These labs are focused on research and education in Bioinformatics and Data Science.
- Computer Networks, Information Security, and Virtual Reality Laboratories: These facilities are crucial for developing competencies in cybersecurity, network development, and virtual reality applications.
- Three scientific and educational chemistry labs: Located in rooms 312, 313, and 404 of Building 5, Faculty of Food Technology.
At the launch event, Moldova’s Minister of Education and Research, Dan PERCIUN, highlighted the importance of these investments: “We are currently implementing a 25-million-euro project, from which UTM is also benefiting, with investments primarily directed towards laboratories. These funds come from external sources, provided by the World Bank and accessed through the Government of the Republic of Moldova. These are the largest investments in recent years in our university system, and I believe they will significantly change the image of our universities. It is crucial to promote these positive examples and encourage more students to visit our renovated universities. What we see today was unimaginable 15 years ago. I can confidently recommend UTM and many other specializations in our universities to all of our students.” He also mentioned that the project will be expanded next year with an additional 30 million euros, with a large portion allocated to UTM. These funds will support both research and the modernization of student dormitories.
These investments reflect Moldova’s commitment to raising the educational system to an internationally competitive level, preparing students for the challenges of the global digital economy. In light of rapid technological change, fields such as information security, industrial automation, and data science have become essential for building a competent and well-prepared workforce. “Investments in education are, in fact, investments in our economic and social future,” he added. “That’s why we, at the Ministry of Education and Research, will continue to support the improvement of higher education, ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge resources and equipment. These projects allow us to create not just top specialists, but leaders capable of driving innovation and bringing positive changes to society.”
Romania’s Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, highlighted the importance of collaboration in education: “In higher education, the reasons for connecting to the European family are numerous, from the ability to invest and adopt best practices to the extraordinary mobility opportunities available to many students and professors. Looking ahead, we aim to establish a Romanian Erasmus program, through which educators from the Republic of Moldova can visit universities in Romania for short periods, benefiting from stipends and accommodation, strengthening the ties between our institutions. These mobility programs foster social relationships, research projects funded by European grants, and membership in European university alliances. I hope that, in the future, we will have European degrees issued by universities from both countries.”
She also emphasized the importance of developing advanced skills in fields such as information security, industrial automation, and data science, noting that the economic future of any nation depends on its ability to invest in education and innovation. Collaboration between the two countries in this area will facilitate the mobility of students and educators, enhancing the exchange of best practices and access to cutting-edge educational resources.
In closing, UTM Rector, Associate Professor Dr. Viorel BOSTAN, remarked that these investments are essential for developing top specialists in fields like electronic engineering, information security, and industrial automation. “The inauguration of these laboratories is a defining moment for UTM and for the entire higher education system in the country. With cutting-edge equipment and innovative technologies, these laboratories open new horizons for our students, offering them unique opportunities to develop their skills in a modern and research-oriented environment. UTM’s leadership in updating both curricula and educational infrastructure is the direct result of an ambitious vision to transform the university into a regional hub for academic excellence and innovation. These laboratories are not just physical learning spaces; they are catalysts for new ideas, international collaborations, and the development of innovative solutions. We are proud to contribute to the training of future engineers, researchers, and experts who will carry forward UTM’s spirit of innovation and help Moldova integrate into the global knowledge and technology-driven economy.”
The “Higher Education in Moldova” project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, aims to modernize educational infrastructure from 2020 to 2025. With a total value exceeding 10 million euros, this project supports five universities in Moldova, including UTM, to develop an educational system tailored to the needs of the labor market and international standards.
