Manfred Heublein, Ph.D. (local coordinator) visited the University of Iasi together with Univ. Prof. Dr. Soyoung Lee (the WP4 representative for “Good Health and Well-Being”), and Assoc. Univ. Prof. Dr. Andrei Ionut Mardare (Institute of Chemical Technology of Inorganic Materials, JKU). The visit was part of ongoing EC²U Alliance activities to promote the partnership and share information between member universities.

Prof. Lee's reflections provided more insight into the enriching experience: “Before traveling to Iasi and the University of Iasi, I was not very familiar with this area. My visit, however, was an extremely enlightening and enjoyable. I met very friendly people who organized an ideal program tailored to my interests, as well as those of my colleagues. We had an opportunity to visit a number of different research institutes and meet many engaged and passionate researchers.”

The visit involved a range of interesting activities and discussions providing insight into the University of Iasi's vibrant academic and research landscape. Highlights included:

1. Meeting with university management: Heublein and the delegation held informative talks with Rector Prof. Liviu-George Maha and Prof. Nicoleta Laura Popa (Vice-Rector for International Relations). They highlighted the university's considerable contributions to Iasi's growth, with graduates finding employment opportunities in the city, particularly in IT and in the pharmaceuticals sector.
2. Commitment to EC²U Work Package 4: The delegation discussed EC²U Work Package 4 with Prof. Daniela Tatiana Soitu, head of Work Package 4, focusing on “Good Health and Wellbeing”. They discussed potential JKU involvement in the joint LIFELINE Master's degree program and paving the way to support a potential partnership in this important area. Click here, opens an external URL in a new window to learn more about the EC²U Master's degree programs.
3. Visiting research facilities: The visit included a tour of state-of-the-art research facilities, including biology laboratories and the regional oncology institute (IRO). The visit to Antibiotice was particularly impressive, giving the delegation a first-hand impression of the modern research facilities at one of Romania's largest pharmaceutical companies. Antibiotice, an EC²U partner, has become a major player in the region's pharmaceutical industry. As a public pharmaceutical company, Antibiotice Iași is one of Romania’s largest drug manufacturers. The research center and production facilities are located in Valea Lupului, a community near Iași.
4. Engaging with participants at EC²U Student Week: The delegation was privileged to meet with the students attending a unique event designed to bring students from the eight EC²U partner universities together. The week focused on upcoming EU elections and active citizen participation, encouraging students to reflect on civic engagement, their sense of being part of the European Union, and developing their European identity. Students also had the opportunity to prepare for an EU-style parliamentary debate, learning more about the EU’s democratic process.

The trip to the University of Iași not only strengthened academic ties, but also provided valuable insight into the university's research expertise and its commitment to a just and inclusive society. The JKU remains a leader in academic collaboration and innovation within the EC²U network, creating exciting opportunities for future collaboration efforts and partnerships.