The National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCSI) sets the standard for R&D in Romania. As part of the government, working under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research, ANCSI leads Romania’s ambitious National Research Program for Research, Development & Innovation 2015-2020 and pushes Romanian research institutions at EU and global standards. ANCSI’s mission is to position Romania as an international centre for cutting-edge R&D which boosts economic growth and competitiveness, enhances quality of life and fosters a knowledge-based society. Mihai Dima, President of ANCSI and a professor of physics at the University of Bucharest, discusses ANCSI’s current objectives.
European Times: What is your background in scientific research and what are your goals for ANCSI?
Mihai Dima: I am a physicist with a background in cybernetics as well. My own research focuses on climate change. In this field I have long lasting and fruitful collaboration with Professor Gerrit Lohmann at the Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven, Germany. At the beginning of the year I was asked by the Minister of Education and Scientific Research, Professor Adrian Curaj, to head Romania’s research activities as ANCSI’s president. Here in Romania, many global best practices in R&D have been implemented, so my main goal as ANCSI president is to take Romanian research to the next level.
European Times: What are some of Romania’s current major research initiatives?
Mihai Dima: Romania is a key player in the EU’s Extreme Light Infrastructure project and in the Danube International Centre for Advanced Studies for River-Delta-Sea Systems (DANUBIUS) Research Infrastructure project, a flagship EU research effort. ANCSI is also participating in the EU Infect-ERA initiative, which aims to promote international research on human infectious diseases.
European Times: Why should international researchers choose to work in Romania or partner with Romanian R&D institutions?
Mihai Dima: Romania’s research centres are equipped with the latest equipment and technologies, and we have many amazing new research projects planned. Our cutting-edge new Laser Valley initiative, for example, shows that Romania is a leader in research which has global relevance. Romania needs good scientists and our research organizations are more and more motivated to find the best people, both Romanian and foreign. We welcome international partnerships. In addition, ANCSI is stimulating scientific environments which encourage research and supports innovative projects. A motivating environment for research can be more important than financial factors.
