On December 23, 2024, the Technical University of Moldova hosted the closing event of the project “Modernization of the Curriculum in Information Security, Information Management, and Data Science – DATASEA.” This strategic initiative, part of the “Higher Education in Moldova” project funded by the World Bank, aimed to modernize study programs in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and strengthen the university’s research capabilities. The event, held in lecture hall 3-3 AMDARIS at the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics (FCIM), brought together representatives from academia, government, and industry.
The event kicked off with an address from UTM Rector, Prof. Dr. Hab. Viorel Bostan, who underscored the project’s transformative impact on education and research in the ICT field:
“The DATASEA project is an example of excellence in international collaboration, demonstrating that through joint efforts, we can transform ideas into tangible realities. This project not only provides advanced technologies and modern tools but also unique opportunities to connect students, faculty, and industry partners in a vibrant innovation ecosystem. We thank the funders for their trust and invaluable support, as well as the project team for their dedication and passion in achieving these ambitious goals. I am confident that the results of DATASEA will inspire similar initiatives, further strengthening UTM’s position as a regional leader in ICT education and research.”
Mrs. Nadejda Velișco, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Research, commended UTM for the project’s success, highlighting its vital role in shaping the future of Moldova’s workforce:
“The results of the DATASEA project show that investments in education and research bring concrete and sustainable benefits, positioning UTM as a key pillar in developing digital skills and technological innovation. Congratulations to the team for their effort and determination!”
Sergiu HAREA, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised UTM’s efforts in implementing this project:
“Through this project, UTM proves that investments in education and research are essential for economic development. By combining innovation and academic excellence, you are shaping specialists who will directly contribute to Moldova’s competitiveness on the international stage. Congratulations to the entire team for their vision and involvement!”
Dr. Daniela POJAR, UTM’s Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs and International Relations and project coordinator, presented the key achievements:
“We have developed relevant study programs, modernized educational and research infrastructure, and provided students and faculty access to advanced technologies and modern tools that help them develop their skills and better prepare for the job market. These achievements create an inspirational environment and open new perspectives for innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.”
With a total budget estimated at €298,200, the DATASEA Project delivered numerous benefits, including:
- Updating the curriculum for undergraduate and master’s programs with innovative courses in data analysis and information security;
- Equipping laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment;
- Creating interactive platforms, such as simulations in the Security Operation Center (SOC) and the use of virtual reality in cybersecurity training;
- Developing cybersecurity skills through the National Cybersecurity Innovation Institute “Cybercor”;
- Launching student initiatives, such as the Student Data Science Club and the Information Security Students Association.
Dean of the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dumitru CIORBĂ, emphasized the advantages for students:
“Modernized programs and cutting-edge equipment enable us to train competitive specialists ready to tackle the challenges of the global digital economy.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viorica SUDACEVSCHI, Head of the Department of Software Engineering and Automation, highlighted the importance of the newly created infrastructure:
“The modernized laboratories and equipment open new horizons for research and study, positioning UTM as a regional center of academic excellence.”
The event featured several demonstrations of technological innovations:
- Mixed reality interfaces for computer network modeling, presented by engineers Vlad GUȚU, Vladislav CORCODEL, Andrei CLIMA, and Nicu DRUMEA;
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications, presented by university assistant Adriana URSU.
These achievements were complemented by presentations on the project’s sustainability, such as the CODWER Academy Cyber Range platform, coordinated by Lecturer Marius DUMITRAȘCU, and the LifeTech Bioinformatics Laboratory, led by Viorel MUNTEANU.
“The completed projects are just the beginning of a path toward innovation and academic excellence,” noted Rector Viorel BOSTAN, reiterating the project’s significance: “UTM continues to be a regional hub of progress in STEM education.”
The DATASEA Project stands as a successful model of integrating scientific research into education, contributing to the development of a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. By collaborating with local and international partners, UTM remains a leader in STEM education and a driver of technological advancement in Moldova.
During the event, an important milestone for the future of the information security sector was marked with the signing of the Agreement to Establish the Association of Information Security Professionals and Students. Representing the Technical University of Moldova, Rector Viorel Bostan, and Mihaela Iurașcu, administrator of the Association for the Development of Information Technologies “EDUCAT,” formalized their commitment to advancing education, research, and innovation in the field.
The agreement sets the stage for greater involvement of students, professionals, and academic leaders in developing groundbreaking projects and fostering international collaborations. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the initiative aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and drive progress in information security. The association will also host educational events and competitions, providing valuable opportunities for participants to sharpen their skills and thrive in this rapidly evolving and critical domain.
