Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI) hosted a meeting with representatives of the Embassy of the United States of America on October 7, 2026, to explore new opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic training.
The U.S. Embassy delegation, was represented by Alys L. Spensley, Public Affairs Counselor and Ioana Damian, Public Diplomacy Specialist. TUIASI was represented by Prof. Irina Lungu, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for International Relations; Prof. Marinel Costel Temneanu, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Prof. Alexandru Sălceanu, PhD, Eng., Director of the Council for Doctoral Studies (CSUD); and Prof. Bogdan Istrate, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for Student Affairs.
During the meeting, the participants presented existing collaborations between TUIASI and academic institutions in the United States and discussed new forms of cooperation, focusing on academic mobility, the exchange of expertise, research projects, innovation, and the development of entrepreneurial initiatives. The Embassy representatives noted that one of the reasons for their visit to Iași was their desire to deepen dialogue with TUIASI’s faculties and students.
Existing Programs and Opportunities for Development
TUIASI has already established a strong foundation for engagement with the American academic community, supported by bilateral collaborations and exchanges. The university currently has several cooperation agreements with universities in the United States, complemented by practical exchange experiences. TUIASI has hosted a group of American students as part of a summer school organized by BEST (Board of European Students of Technology), while faculty members from the University of Rochester have contributed to Innovation Week. American researchers participate in conferences organized by the university, while TUIASI faculty members present their research findings at conferences across the United States. In addition, Fulbright alumni from the TUIASI community are bringing their experience to the development of the Student Entrepreneurial Society.
“A strong academic community is the foundation of a university, and strengthening it remains a priority for us. Partnerships with universities in the United States can complement our European engagement and create new opportunities for education and collaboration. We hope to see these opportunities materialize through mobility programs, joint courses, entrepreneurial initiatives, and research projects.”
emphasized Prof. Irina Lungu, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for International Relations.
Academic Exchange and Mobility Programs
The Embassy representatives presented programs dedicated to academic exchange and research, including Fulbright programs for master’s and doctoral studies, as well as other initiatives designed for researchers and doctoral students.
“We see TUIASI as a strong academic partner in Iași and would like to build on the connections already in place. Our goal is to identify programs that can create meaningful opportunities for students, faculty and researchers, while also opening the door to broader academic and professional networks in the United States.”
said Alys L. Spensley, Public Affairs Counselor at the Embassy of the United States of America.
One of the programs presented was the Fulbright Specialist Program, which enables universities to collaborate with American specialists on short-term academic projects lasting between two and six weeks. Depending on the projects proposed by the host institution, activities may include curriculum development, faculty training, consultancy, and the exchange of expertise.
Next Steps
Discussions built on the infrastructure and experience TUIASI has already developed in innovation and research. The university has a Technology Transfer Center and supports entrepreneurship mentoring activities through its Student Entrepreneurial Society. It organizes Innovation Week, incorporates entrepreneurship into its academic programs, and is developing an innovation hub on campus.
Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are also key areas in which the university conducts research, participates in European projects, and offers doctoral training programs.
Building on these existing capabilities, the participants discussed opportunities to facilitate connections with American experts and institutions experienced in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity. They also explored the possibility of inviting American specialists to TUIASI to deliver mentoring sessions and courses and facilitate knowledge exchange, as well as connecting the university’s students and researchers with competitions, hackathons, and other international initiatives in STEM fields.
In the coming period, discussions will continue to identify the projects and programs that best meet the needs of students, faculty members, and researchers, ranging from mobility opportunities and knowledge exchange to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship projects.
The visit of the American delegation concluded at the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University Library, which has been included in a ranking of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
