Mr. Ciprian Dobre, Vice-Rector of the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, is an accomplished academic and research leader with extensive contributions to the fields of computer science, mobile computing, and digital innovation. Holding the title of Professor Habil. in Computer Science within the Faculty of Automatic Control and Computers, Ciprian also plays a pivotal role in managing research and quality assurance at the university, where he serves as a member of the Faculty Council. He teaches courses on “Communication Protocols,” “Parallel and Distributed Algorithms,” “Web Programming,” “Cloud Computing,” and “Dependable Systems,” shaping the next generation of computer science and engineering students. His work is deeply rooted in exploring the intersection of Data Science, Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Networks, and Smart Urban Technologies.

As the Coordinator of the Pervasive Services and Products Laboratory (MobyLab) at POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Ciprian drives cutting-edge research in mobile computing, large-scale distributed systems, and pervasive services. He is also responsible for the university’s CRESCDI office, which focuses on the Digitalisation of Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) activities, ensuring that the institution stays at the forefront of digital transformation in academia and research.

Throughout his career, Ciprian has earned widespread recognition for his scientific contributions. He is a fellow at the California Institute of Technology, a position he has held for over a decade, and has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Oracle PhD Fellowship, the IBM Faculty Award, two CENIC Awards for setting global records in high-speed networking, and four Best Paper Awards for his research publications. His research spans crucial topics such as modeling and simulation, smart technologies, and high-performance computing, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications.

Ciprian’s leadership extends beyond academia. He is a key representative of POLITEHNICA Bucharest in prominent European initiatives such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and CESAER, an influential forum for universities of science and technology across Europe. His involvement in these organizations positions him at the heart of Europe’s open science and research collaboration movements.

As a Scientific Evaluator for the European Commission and national funding bodies in countries including the Netherlands, Italy, Latvia, and Poland, Ciprian plays a crucial role in shaping the future of research and innovation funding across Europe. His deep understanding of the scientific landscape, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him a sought-after expert for evaluating cutting-edge research projects and national research strategies. He is also a member of the European University Association (EUA) Research and Innovation Strategy Group (RISG), contributing to the development of research and innovation strategies for universities across Europe. In this capacity, he provides strategic advice to the EUA Board on horizon scanning and policy review.

His commitment to advancing research and innovation extends to his collaboration with government bodies. Ciprian has worked closely with the Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digitalisation, where he developed digital tools for Romania’s National Research Strategy. He has also served as Cabinet Directorand IT Officer within the ministry, further demonstrating his leadership and expertise in the intersection of public policy and digital innovation.

Beyond his academic and governmental roles, Ciprian is also a Senior Researcher 1st Degree with the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest), where he previously headed the department of Research and Development of Systems and Applications for Society. His research at ICI Bucharest has focused on pervasive and mobile technologies, large-scale distributed systems, and the optimization of e-Government systems, contributing to advancements in both academia and industry.

In addition to his academic and research leadership, Ciprian is the manager of SmartRDI, a Romanian SME that acts as a hub for research and innovation, with a particular focus on mobile computing and IoT technologies. Through SmartRDI, Ciprian fosters innovation in Romania’s tech ecosystem, promoting the development of new technologies that bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government.

In summary, Ciprian Dobre’s career is a testament to his dedication to advancing research, innovation, and education in computer science. His extensive contributions as a professor, researcher, policy advisor, and leader in both academia and government highlight his commitment to shaping the future of technology and science in Romania and across Europe.