The Technical University of Moldova has achieved a major milestone by officially joining EELISA – the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance, one of the most significant European university alliances in the fields of engineering, science, and innovation. The accession ceremony took place in Istanbul during the EELISA Grand Meetings, in the presence of UTM Rector Viorel Bostan, the Rector of the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Mihnea Costoiu, and UTM Vice-Rector for Finance and International Relations, Daniela Pojar.
“The Technical University of Moldova joining the EELISA Alliance marks a decisive step in the internationalization of engineering education in the Republic of Moldova.
In this context, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of the POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, for his constant support and significant involvement in the accession process. We are confident that the partnership with EELISA will strengthen UTM’s capacity to train globally competitive specialists. At the same time, involvement in this prestigious Alliance will help create an open academic environment, where science and engineering serve as tools for sustainable development and progress,” stated UTM Rector Viorel Bostan.
The major highlight of this meeting was the welcoming of the two new EELISA’s associated partners—the University of São Paulo and the Technical University of Moldova.
The Technical University of Moldova (UTM) is the leading higher education institution in engineering, technology, and innovation in the Republic of Moldova. With over 12,500 students across 11 faculties, it offers study programs in Romanian, English and French, covering a broad spectrum of fields – from mechanical and electrical engineering to information technology, design, food technology, veterinary medicine, agricultural, fostering innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence through global partnerships and research initiatives.
The University of São Paulo (USP), founded in 1934, stands out as a world-class institution with more than 5,300 professors, nearly 80,000 students, 12,000 staff members, and over 580 academic programs across all fields of knowledge; consistently ranked among the world’s top 200 universities, it produces about 20% of Brazil’s total scientific output and is supported by a vibrant network of cultural and public outreach initiatives. “This collaboration will provide our students with greater opportunities to engage in the initiatives promoted by the Alliance, fostering increased bilateral exchange of students and researchers, as well as the development of joint projects between our institutions. We are confident that this initiative will consolidate and elevate USP’s internationalization efforts to new levels of excellence and global relevance”, says Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Jr, President of the USP.
For Hasan Mandal, Istanbul Technical University’s Rector and the new EELISA Governing Board Chairman, “The University of São Paulo and the Technical University of Moldova expand EELISA’s scientific capacity and geographic reach, reinforcing our ambition to advance transnational education, joint research, and societal impact.” Anthony Briant, outgoing co-chairman and Director of École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC), added that this impact is also strategically significant at the institutional and European level: “Our new associated partners not only validate this premise but also complement and amplify our educational, societal, and ecological impact”. Echoing this vision, El Mouhoub Mouhoud, President of Université PSL and outgoing co-chairman, emphasized, “This partnership marks a promising step toward impactful and sustainable progress and the beginning of a broader international opening for EELISA.”
EELISA brings together elite technical universities from across Europe and the extended European area. Currently, the Alliance consists of the following 10 member universities:
Budapest University of Technology and Economics – HUNGARY
École des Ponts ParisTech – FRANCE
Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg – GERMANY
Istanbul Technical University – TURKEY
Scuola Normale Superiore – ITALY
Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna – ITALY
National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest – ROMANIA
Université Paris Sciences et Lettres – FRANCE
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid – SPAIN
Zurich University of Applied Sciences – SWITZERLAND
By obtaining Partner status in the EELISA Alliance, UTM connects directly to a European ecosystem of education, research, and innovation. The university becomes part of the strategic group shaping the future of engineering in Europe, participating in EELISA Governing Board meetings as an observer. At the same time, UTM integrates into the European network for mobility, academic communities, research, and internationally impactful initiatives.
UTM’s accession to EELISA opens up a broad range of academic, professional, and research opportunities for the entire university community. The official documents outline the following key areas:
- Modern education and international mobility
- Joint study programs
- Participation in EELISA Communities
- Integration into the EELISA Research Network
- Professional development and career guidance
- Thematic activities and European projects
Joining EELISA is one of the most important international developments in the recent history of the Technical University of Moldova, and integration into this European ecosystem strengthens its position as a modern university—open to collaboration, and capable of preparing engineers, researchers, and professionals aligned with European standards.
