Romanian Academy to Establish New Academic Council Amid Leadership Transition
The Romanian Academy is establishing the Romanian Academic Council (CAR) in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Moldova, amidst the expiration of Ioan-Aurel Pop’s second term as president. The move comes as the institution navigates a budget crisis and prepares for a leadership change.
Formation and Membership of the Romanian Academic Council
The Romanian Academic Council will unite the Romanian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova with four branch academies in Romania, including:
- Romanian Academy
- Academy of Sciences of Moldova
- Academy of Legal Sciences from Romania
- Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences
- “Gheorghe Ionescu-Sișești” Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences
- Academy of Technical Sciences from Romania
Launch and Objectives
The official launch ceremony for the Romanian Academic Council is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. In the Aula of the Romanian Academy, where the heads of the new organization will be elected.
According to a press release, the Romanian Academic Council will focus on developing analyses, studies, and recommendations on significant topics of public interest. It also aims to foster a collaborative environment for Romanian science and culture, integrating it within European and international knowledge networks.
Leadership Transition
Ioan-Aurel Pop’s presidency of the Romanian Academy concludes on April 5, with a new leader expected to be elected at that time. Sources indicate that Mircea Dumitru, former rector of the University of Bucharest, is a potential candidate. Ioan-Aurel Pop previously served as Professor of History at Babeș-Bolyai University since 1996 and as Rector at Babeș-Bolyai University since 2012. He was also elected President of the Romanian Academy in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Pop’s attempt to pass legislation allowing for unlimited mandates as president was unsuccessful in parliament.