On 12-16 May 2025, scientists from the Faculty of Technical Systems and Energy-Efficient Technologies of SumDU visited the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania) within the EU Erasmus+ project.

The SumDU delegation was represented by Ivan KOZII (vice-rector for scientific and pedagogical work) and Vitalii IVANOV (deputy dean for international cooperation; head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Machine Tools and Their Technology).

The focus of working meetings was on strategic and scientific cooperation.

The memorandum signing on SumDU entry as an associated partner into the Alliance of European Technical Universities (EUR Alliance), coordinated by the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, took place in 2024. At the meeting with Nicolae Vlad BURNETE (vice-rector for internationalization, communications and branding), the previous results of cooperation were summarized. Besides, the next steps regarding project activities and academic mobility with involvement of other members of the EUT Alliance were discussed.

A constructive meeting was held with Daniela POPESCU (vice-rector for strategic development). She emphasized the importance of integrating SumDU scientists into the European scientific space, in particular through joint fundamental and applied scientific projects.

SumDU scientists got acquainted with the research infrastructure of the Romanian institution. They got acquainted with National Research Center for Rapid Innovative Manufacturing – FABRIN (Research Laboratory for Optimization of Technological Processes; Research Laboratory for Unconventional Technologies and Competitive Manufacturing; Rapid Prototyping Research Laboratory). Also, they visited Research Center for Simulation and Testing of Industrial Robots – CESTER as well as Center of Cercetare Dassault Systems Solutions – DSSC (Virtual and Augmented Reality Research Laboratory; 3D Makerspace Student Innovation Lab). They watched Research Center in Quality Engineering and Management – CCIMC (Industrial Applications Research Laboratory; 3D Measurement and Scanning Research Laboratory). Also, they observed Research Laboratory for Manufacturing Parts from Competitive Materials; Industry 4.0 Laboratory “Bosch Cluj Plant”.

“Our cooperation with the SumDU department began 7 years ago. This partnership is time-tested. Previous experience and the desire to apply modern scientific methods in design of engineering products and modeling of production processes are a prerequisite for new projects and technological developments,” – said Calin NEAMTU (head of the Department for Design and Robotics).

Stelian BRAD (dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Industrial Management) expressed words of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. He also outlined possibility of supporting the university IT system by providing cloud resources for the SumDU community. Potential areas of cooperation were discussed regarding student exchanges, postgraduate internships in the laboratories and research centers of the faculty. Besides, joint scientific research is considered. The importance of practice-oriented training of future engineers and introduction of a joint program of virtual academic mobility for students of technical specialties was emphasized.

Modern engineering must meet the Sustainable Development Goals. It concerns creation of environmentally friendly materials and rational planning of production processes in accordance with environmental policy. These aspects became key in conversation with Bogdan NEAMTU (dean of the Faculty of Materials Science and Environmental Technologies).

The meeting became a basis for future endeavors. It promises successful implementation.

SumDU expresses sincere gratitude to the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca for the long-term and reliable partnership and, personally, to associate professor Grigore Marian POP for effective coordination of joint activities.