Sultan Qaboos University this morning welcomed Professor Vasile Ţopa, Rector of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania. He was received by Dr. Nabil bin Zahran Al-Rawahi, Dean of the College of Engineering, in the presence of several academic faculty members from the College and University officials.

The Dean of the College of Engineering welcomed the guest and, during the meeting, presented an overview of the College’s history, facilities, and departments, as well as its role in graduating highly qualified cadres who contribute to national development. He also highlighted the scientific initiatives and events organised by the College, alongside its academic programmes and degrees.

Professor Vasile Ţopa delivered a presentation on higher education in Romania and outlined the history, facilities, faculties, and scientific and humanities programmes offered at UTCN. He also highlighted the university’s research initiatives and technological progress, ongoing development projects, and its advanced academic departments focusing on AI, autonomous vehicles, and other modern fields. He further spoke about the university’s associated scientific centres and its regional and global rankings.

The guest also presented the university’s key current priorities, which include promoting digital education by developing digital skills, fostering a culture of educational technologies, and strengthening collaborative learning. He additionally emphasised efforts to expand international relations in staff, student, academic, and research exchange. He underscored the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research by creating an interactive environment across disciplines, with a particular focus on AI, hydrogen, and micro-electronics.

The meeting concluded with discussions on prospects for academic and research cooperation, as well as student and academic exchange between SQU and UTCN, paving the way for future partnership opportunities between the two institutions.