Program: Romania Secondary Education Project (ROSE)

Funding: Ministry of Education / World Bank

Implementation Period: 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 (Cohorts)

1. Overview

STARRRHI+ is a secondary education project funded through the ROSE scheme. It supports a minimum of 80 first-year students (per annual cohort) at the Faculty of Architecture, UAUIM, who are identified as being at academic or social risk.

Through activities complementary to the standard curriculum—including awareness campaigns, mentoring, remedial programmes, and targeted equipment support—the project aims to ensure successful completion of the first year of study and significantly reduce the risk of dropout.

2. Role & Responsibilities: Adrian Ibric

Role: Mentor and Application Author (Writing Team Member)

Context: Faculty of Architecture, UAUIM

Strategic Contribution

• Funding Application Co-Writer: Member of the grant-writing and implementation team. Contributed to the preparation of the STARRRHI+ application, defining objectives, activities, the mentoring concept, and the monitoring framework.

Main Responsibilities

• Mentoring: Acted as a mentor for first-year architecture students in academic or social-risk situations. Conducted regular meetings to discuss difficulties (study rhythm, adaptation to university life, financial/personal issues) and identify solutions.
• Awareness Campaign: Contributed to campaigns addressing the target group, explaining dropout risks, available support measures, and the benefits of engaging with remedial activities.
• Remedial Design: Participated in the design and implementation of remedial activities (e.g., additional feedback sessions on studio work, time-management advice, exam preparation) based on team-identified needs.
• Monitoring: Supported the tracking of participation, individual progress of mentees, and qualitative feedback for reporting to ROSE management structures.

Key Achievements

• Program Design: Member of the core team that designed STARRRHI+ as a structured support mechanism, contributing to reduced dropout risk in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 cohorts.
• Direct Impact: Provided direct guidance to students from vulnerable backgrounds, assisting their navigation of academic and personal challenges during the transition to university.

3. Main Objectives

• General Objective: To support at least 80 first-year students (in both 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 cohorts) at the Faculty of Architecture who are in academic or social-risk situations, thereby reducing dropout rates and improving results.
• OS1 – Awareness: Increase awareness of academic and social risk factors through dedicated information campaigns.
• OS2 – Mentoring: Provide structured mentoring to offer a safe space for identifying personalised solutions to student challenges.
• OS3 – Remedial Support: Offer activities complementary to the standard curriculum (guidance for key disciplines, learning skills) based on identified needs.
• OS4 – Infrastructure: Ensure necessary equipment and management support for implementing mentoring and remedial activities.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Target Group: At least 80 first-year students per cohort (2019/2020 & 2020/2021) identified as at-risk and included in the project.
• Engagement: High number of mentoring sessions held and students actively participating.
• Awareness: Execution of campaign actions (meetings, online materials) regarding dropout risks.
• Remedial Action: Implementation of additional classes, consultations, and workshops with tracked participation rates.
• retention: Improvement in progression from 1st to 2nd year (reduced dropout/failure rate) compared to previous cohorts.

5. Key Deliverables

• Mentoring Programme: A structured support system for at-risk students, implemented by a team of mentors (including Adrian Ibric).
• Campaign Materials: Awareness-raising resources regarding risk factors and support mechanisms.
• Remedial Curriculum: tailored activities complementing the first-year curriculum, focusing on critical courses and adaptation skills.
• Resources: Equipment and management resources secured under the ROSE framework.
• Policy Data: Experience and data generated to inform future UAUIM student-support policies and retention initiatives.

6. References & Links

• STARRRHI+ Project Page: https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/starrrhi/
• ROSE Programme Info: http://proiecte.pmu.ro/web/guest/rose/informatii
• Adrian Ibric – UAUIM Profile: https://www.uauim.ro/en/university/faculty/ionut-adrian-ibric/

Acronym: VIP Code: CNFIS-FDI-2020-0622 | Funding: CNFIS-FDI (Institutional Development Fund) Strategic Domain: D1 – Equity & Access in Higher Education Implementation Period: 21 April 2020 – 27 November 2020

1. Overview

“Designing the Future Together” (VIP) is an outreach project aimed at discovering and stimulating the artistic and creative potential of high-school pupils, with a specific focus on those from rural areas and small towns (under 10,000 inhabitants).

Co-financed by CNFIS-FDI 2020, the project promotes the educational offer of the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM) and supports access to higher education in architecture, urbanism, landscape, and interior design.

2. Role & Responsibilities: Adrian Ibric

Role: Project Assistant and Team Member Context: VIP 2020 (CNFIS-FDI-2020-0622)

Strategic Contribution

• Funding Application Co-Writer: Co-authored the VIP CNFIS-FDI-2020-0622 funding application. Contributed significantly to the formulation of objectives (O1–O6), the activity plan, performance indicators, and sustainability measures.

Main Responsibilities

• Outreach Planning: Supported the Project Director (Lect. dr. urb. Sorina-Georgiana Rusu) in planning activities targeting rural and small-urban high schools across multiple counties.
• Online Adaptation: Helped organize online information sessions and presentations adapted to the constraints of the 2020 pandemic context.
• Module Design: Participated in the design and implementation of the experimental counselling module “Architects, Urban Planners, Landscape Architects or Designers?”, helping pupils explore their vocation.
• Event Coordination: Assisted in coordinating the “Open Doors Day… Online! 2 September 2020” event for prospective applicants.
• Partnership Building: Contributed to establishing partnerships with high schools and external partners (ALLBIM NET, ASAR) and building the initial VIP database.

Key Achievements

• Foundation Building: Supported the delivery of the first VIP outreach cycle, creating the concept and network that underpinned later projects (ACCES VIP 2021, VIP 2022).
• Financial Support: Contributed to implementing the fee-exemption scheme for 30 high-school pupils, facilitating their access to the 2020–2022 admission process.

3. Main Objectives

• O1 – Potential Discovery: Discover and stimulate the creative potential of high-school pupils and familiarize them with the specific requirements of architecture and design fields.
• O2 – Promotion: Promote UAUIM’s educational offer and explain the impact of the built environment on local community development.
• O3 – Counselling: Provide career counselling to help pupils understand the professional profiles of architects, urban planners, and designers.
• O4 – Digital Tools: Develop and pilot digital/blended learning tools to support inclusive education, especially under pandemic conditions.
• O5 – Rural Access: Increase access to higher education for graduates from rural areas and small towns (pop. <10,000).
• O6 – Market Alignment: Align UAUIM’s offer with labor market demand through feedback from pupils, teachers, and partners.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Outreach: Multiple partner high schools reached in counties such as Călărași, Prahova, and Dâmbovița via online sessions.
• Participation: High number of pupils engaged in information sessions, counselling, and preparatory courses.
• Counselling: Delivery of the experimental module “Architects, Urban Planners, Landscape Architects or Designers?”.
• Financial Aid: Admission fee exemption approved for 30 pupils (Board request no. 3204/22.06.2020).
• Partnerships: Agreements signed with high schools and external partners (ALLBIM NET, ASAR).

5. Key Deliverables

Events & Education

• Online Information Sessions: Series of presentations delivered to partner high schools (June 2020).
• “Open Doors Day… Online!”: Live online event held on 2 September 2020.
• Experimental Module: Online questionnaire and introductory content for career orientation.

Strategic Partnerships

• ALLBIM NET (Partnership no. 7619/26.11.2020): Collaboration for the development of digital competencies and inclusive education.
• ASAR – Association of Architecture Firms (Partnership no. 7620/26.11.2020): Collaboration to facilitate contact with architecture offices as potential mentors.

Materials

• Publicity materials (Digital posters, brochures) distributed via UAUIM online channels.

6. References & Links

• VIP 2020 Project Page: https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/vip/
• “Open Doors Day… Online!” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua4923K1tqw
• UAUIM VIP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@uauimvip/videos

Strategic Domain: Development of Institutional Capacities for Research

Event Period: 4–8 October 2021 (Online)

1. Overview

INNOMINCU (“Innovation as Necessity, Opportunity and Registered Mark of University Research”) is an institutional research-support project at the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM).

The 2021 edition, titled “Sustainability and Research Days in UAUIM”, aimed to stimulate performance in Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI). The project focused on improving the research skills of academic staff, researchers, PhD candidates, and students through a week-long series of online conferences, workshops, and courses involving international speakers from the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Austria.

2. Role & Responsibilities: Adrian Ibric

Role: Scientific Researcher and Organising Committee Member

Context: INNOMINCU 2021 (CNFIS-FDI-2021-0508)

Strategic Contribution

• Funding Application Co-Writer: Co-authored the successful CNFIS-FDI funding application. Contributed to the design of objectives (OS1–OS3), activity planning, and the indicator framework for research capacity-building at UAUIM.

Main Responsibilities

• Programme Design: Contributed to the design and implementation of the conference programme, including sessions on digital modelling, energy efficiency, and the INNOSCAPES workshop.
• Coordination: Supported the management of calls for papers, abstract selection, and communication with speakers from UAUIM and international partner universities to ensure thematic coherence (sustainability, renewable energy, nZEB).
• Capacity Building: Supported the rollout of training activities regarding research funding and project preparation to help staff apply for competitive grants.
• Event Management: Assisted in the dissemination of conference materials (programmes, Zoom links) and the documentation of participation.

Key Achievements

• Event Organization: Part of the core team that organized the week-long online conference “Sustainability and Research Days in UAUIM.”
• Institutional Impact: Contributed to integrating existing research initiatives at UAUIM with new European research directions and funding opportunities.

3. Main Objectives

• OS1 – RDI Performance: Increase performance in RDI activities and support a stimulating academic environment for 250 academic staff and 30 PhD candidates, aligning UAUIM with new European research directions.
• OS2 – Institutional Visibility: Strengthen mechanisms for promoting research results and international collaboration through conferences, workshops, and digital platforms.
• OS3 – Interdisciplinary Cooperation: Encourage collaboration by inviting external speakers and building partnerships with public and private institutions related to architecture, urbanism, and the built environment.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Target Group: At least 250 academic staff and 30 PhD candidates targeted for research-skills development.
• Event Duration: One week-long conference (4–8 October 2021) held fully online.
• Content: Multiple sessions including plenary presentations, the INNOSCAPES workshop, digital modelling sessions, and a research funding initiation course.
• International Reach: Involvement of speakers and partners from universities in the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Austria.
• Impact: Enhanced research skills and awareness of sustainability topics among the academic community.

5. Key Deliverables

• Conference Event: The “Sustainability and Research Days in UAUIM” conference, featuring thematic sessions on innovation, nZEB, and sustainable resources.
• Workshops & Training: The INNOSCAPES workshop and a dedicated initiation course on research funding and project applications.
• Capacity Building Program: A structured programme for staff and PhD candidates that laid the foundation for future editions (e.g., INNOMINCU 2025) and integration with CULTADISER/CULRADISER.
• Documentation: Collection of abstracts, recorded sessions, and conference materials hosted via UAUIM platforms.

6. References & Links

• INNOMINCU Project Page (Overview): https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/innomincu/
• Conference Page 2021 (Programme & Feedback): https://www.uauim.ro/evenimente/conferinta-innomincu-2021/
• Workshops & Courses Listing (allBIM): https://uauim.allbim.net/catalog/cursuri-si-ateliere/620431d1-dc45-46a0-a865-d7a7fc5ab602
• INNOMINCU 2025 (Continuity): https://www.uauim.ro/en/events/innomincu-2025/

Strategic Domain: D1 – Equity & Access in Higher Education

Implementation Period: 12 May 2021 – 29 November 2021

1. Overview

ACCES VIP (“Acces Viitorul Împreună îl Proiectăm”) is a project aimed at discovering and stimulating the artistic and creative potential of high-school pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and rural or small-urban areas.

The initiative supports the transition to higher education in architecture, urbanism, landscape, and interior architecture through online counselling, preparation, and digital learning tools, while raising awareness of the importance of academic specialisation in the built environment.

2. Role & Responsibilities: Adrian Ibric

Role: Project Assistant and Team Member

Context: ACCES VIP (CNFIS-FDI-2021-0510)

Strategic Contribution

• Funding Application Co-Writer: Co-authored the successful CNFIS-FDI funding application. Contributed significantly to defining the project objectives (OS1–OS3), activity plan, indicator framework, and sustainability measures.

Main Responsibilities

• Coordination: Supported the Project Director (Sorina-Georgiana Rusu) and the interdisciplinary team in planning and implementing outreach, counselling, and preparation activities.
• Content Design: Contributed to the design of online information sessions and webinars presenting UAUIM’s programmes and admission procedures.
• Course Management: Assisted in organizing initiation courses for selected pupils, including schedule coordination and preparation of learning materials.
• Communication: Managed the development and dissemination of visual identity materials (logo, digital poster, announcement, diplomas) and the project’s online presence.
• Data Management: Maintained the contact database for pupils and teachers from partner high schools, ensuring continuity with previous outreach projects (VIP 2020).

Key Achievements

• Program Launch: Helped implement the first edition of ACCES VIP as a structured equity and access programme.
• Impact: Supported the delivery of a full cycle of outreach activities (webinars, initiation courses, candidate’s guides) that informed the strategy for subsequent widening participation projects (such as VIP 2022).

3. Main Objectives

• OS1 – Promotion & Potential: Promote UAUIM’s educational offer in rural/small-urban high schools to discover and stimulate pupils’ artistic potential through targeted presentations and visual materials.
• OS2 – Inclusion & Access: Increase social equity by providing online counselling, guidance, and admission preparation for 200 pupils (grades IX–XII) from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• OS3 – Institutional Framework: Improve the framework for inclusive education by familiarising up to 30 selected pupils with new digital learning tools (e-learning) and developing basic competencies for future careers.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Target Group: 200 high-school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds included in online guidance and orientation activities.
• Skill Development: 30 selected pupils familiarised with digital learning tools and engaged in intensive initiation courses.
• Outreach: Multiple partner high schools reached through online information sessions and webinars (including regions like Brașov and Constanța).
• Certification: Up to 200 electronic participation diplomas issued to participants.
• Financial Support: Implementation of an admission fee waiver scheme for pupils from partner high schools (Approved Board request no. 2505/07.06.2021).
• Sustainability: Completion of the ACCES VIP database to ensure long-term contact with partner schools.

5. Key Deliverables

Communication & Visibility

• Project Logo (R1) and Digital Poster (R2).
• Graphic Project Announcement (R3).
• Up to 200 Electronic Participation Diplomas (R4).

Educational & Guidance Materials

• Candidate’s Guide: “ACCES VIP – Ghidul candidatului UAUIM 2021” (PDF).
• Webinars: Online information sessions organised with partner high schools.
• Initiation Courses: A dedicated course package (5–9 July 2021) delivered via the allBIM.net platform.

Video Content

• Promotional Video: “UAUIM ACCES V.I.P. – The path of a student at MINCU” (showcasing student life and activities).

Sustainability

• Updated database of contacts (pupils/teachers) extending the network created in VIP 2020.

6. References & Links

• ACCES VIP Project Page: https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/acces-vip/
• Initiation Courses (Allbim platform): https://uauim.allbim.net/product/f49cead9-ba1b-41a4-8561-1f21d3518d84/acces-vip-cursuri-de-initiere
• Promotional Video (“The Path of a Student”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0VTPzxnss0
• Adrian Ibric – UAUIM Profile: https://www.uauim.ro/en/university/faculty/ionut-adrian-ibric/

Code: CNFIS-FDI-2021-0520 | Funding: CNFIS-FDI (Institutional Development Fund)

Strategic Domain: D4 – Supporting Student Entrepreneurial Societies (SAS)

Implementation Period: 2021 (Pilot Edition)

1. Overview

HUB UAUIM BUSINESS 2021 is a pilot institutional project of the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM) dedicated to developing entrepreneurial skills among students and recent graduates in architecture, urbanism, interior design, and related fields.

The project establishes the HUB UAUIM Business programme as a framework for training, mentoring, and practical entrepreneurial experience. It functions as a small-scale incubator for UAUIM’s creative community, culminating in an ideas and business-plan competition.

2. Role & Responsibilities: Adrian Ibric

Role: Project Director and Application Author

Context: HUB UAUIM BUSINESS 2021 (Pilot Edition)

Strategic Contribution

• Application Author: Principal author of the successful CNFIS-FDI-2021-0520 proposal. Defined the HUB concept, objectives, activities, indicators, and the institutional framework for entrepreneurship within UAUIM.

Main Responsibilities

• Concept Design: Designed the overall structure of the HUB UAUIM Business programme as a pilot initiative supporting entrepreneurial projects for students, PhD candidates, and staff.
• Strategic Planning: Defined project objectives (OS1–OS3), target groups, and the activity plan (workshops, mentoring, competition) in alignment with CNFIS-FDI D4 requirements and the Student Entrepreneurial Society (SAS) goals.
• Coordination: Managed an interdisciplinary implementation team, including mentors and invited practitioners, ensuring training content was relevant to the specific professional context of architecture and urbanism.
• Communication: Oversaw dissemination actions to recruit participants and foster an initial entrepreneurial community.
• Monitoring: Managed reporting on project indicators, including participation numbers and business ideas developed within the 2021 cohort.

Key Achievements

• Program Launch: Conceived and launched the first edition of HUB UAUIM Business, establishing the foundation for a long-term institutional programme that continued in 2022, 2023, and beyond.
• Curriculum Development: Led a pilot training and mentoring pathway that introduced students to business planning, creative entrepreneurship, and professional self-management.

3. Main Objectives

• OS1 – Establishment & Promotion: Set up the HUB programme within UAUIM to highlight the importance of entrepreneurial skills. Deliver an information package to at least 300 members of the academic community and build partnerships with professional associations.
• OS2 – Competence Development: Develop institutional capacity by organizing training workshops and mentoring sessions. Focus areas include business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and project management tailored to architecture and design.
• OS3 – Incubation Support: Offer a practical framework where students and graduates can propose, test, and refine business ideas through a competition functioning as a mini-incubator, connected to professional networks.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Outreach: Minimum 300 members of the target group (students, PhD candidates, young graduates, staff) reached via promotion activities.
• Training Events: Delivery of 4–6 workshops and mentoring sessions covering entrepreneurship, business planning, and creative industries.
• Engagement: A core cohort of 20–40 active participants engaged in intensive training.
• Output: Multiple business ideas and draft business plans developed and presented within the HUB competition.
• Network: Institutional partnerships activated with professional bodies (e.g., OAR, RUR) and relevant companies.

5. Key Deliverables

• Pilot Programme: A functional version of HUB UAUIM Business with a defined structure, governance model, and activity calendar.
• Communication Package: Presentation materials, calls for participation, and social media content targeting the UAUIM community.
• Educational Content: A series of workshops and lectures delivered by academics and practitioners on business models, cultural industries, and start-up financing.
• Competition Framework: An internal ideas and business-plan competition acting as a mini-incubator (offering feedback, mentoring, and selection).
• Strategic Legacy: Data and experience that informed the design of subsequent HUB editions (2022–2025), consolidating UAUIM’s entrepreneurship education strategy.

6. References & Links

• HUB UAUIM 2021 Project Page: https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/hub-2021/
• HUB UAUIM 2022 (Program Evolution): https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/hub/2022/
• HUB UAUIM 2025 (Current Edition): https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/hub/2025/
• Adrian Ibric – UAUIM Profile: https://www.uauim.ro/en/university/faculty/ionut-adrian-ibric/

Code: CNFIS-FDI-2022-0567 | Funding: CNFIS-FDI (Institutional Development Fund) Institution: “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM) Implementation Period: 1 April 2022 – 30 November 2022

1. Overview

“Designing the Future Together 2022” (VIP 2022) is an outreach and widening participation project funded by the CNFIS-FDI-2022-0567 grant. The initiative targets high-school students from rural and small-urban areas in Romania, promoting UAUIM’s educational offer and supporting their transition to higher education in architecture, urbanism, landscape, and interior design through digital learning tools and tailored guidance.

2. Role & Responsibilities: Adrian Ibric

Role: Assistant Manager and Project Team Member Department: Department for Research Management, UAUIM

Strategic Contribution

• Funding Application Co-Writer: Co-authored the CNFIS-FDI-2022-0567 funding application. Significantly contributed to defining objectives, target groups, work plans, performance indicators, and sustainability measures.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordination: Supported the Project Director (Sorina Rusu) in coordinating an interdisciplinary team of landscape planners, architects, and interior architects across three faculties to ensure coherent delivery of outreach activities.
• Campaign Management: Contributed to the design and implementation of the online information and marketing campaign, promoting VIP 2022 opportunities in up to 10 partner high schools (rural/small-urban).
• Educational Content: Helped structure and deliver online webinars regarding study paths, professional opportunities, and the impact of the built environment on local communities.
• Course Organization: Supported the organization of initiation courses (architecture, urbanism, landscape, interior design) for selected pupils, including the preparation of teaching materials and exercises aligned with admission requirements.
• Asset Management: Contributed to the development of digital/print materials (flyers, brochures, diplomas) and updated the VIP/ACCES-VIP databases to ensure the sustainability of FDI-D1 projects.

Key Deliverables

• Information Package: Co-developed the complete VIP 2022 info package (Announcement, Flyer, Brochure, Presentation) used in partner high schools.
• Event Delivery: Participated in the delivery of 11 online webinars and at least one initiation course for over 30 selected students.

3. Project Objectives

• OS1 (Promotion & Awareness): To promote UAUIM’s educational offer in up to 10 rural and small-urban high schools involving staff from all three faculties. This includes an online marketing campaign raising awareness of the positive impact of architecture and urbanism.
• OS2 (Inclusion & Access): To increase social inclusion and equity in higher education by providing online counselling, guidance, and admission preparation for up to 160 pupils (grades IX–XII) from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• OS3 (Sustainability & Skills): To improve the institutional framework for inclusive education by familiarizing up to 20 selected pupils with new digital learning tools (e-learning) and developing basic competencies for future built-environment professions.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Outreach: 10 rural/small-urban high schools reached; 11 formal partnership agreements signed.
• Engagement: Target group of up to 160 pupils engaged in counselling and orientation.
• Events: 11 webinars delivered presenting educational offers and admission procedures.
• Skill Building: 3 initiation courses (FU, FA, FAI) delivered to over 30 selected pupils; at least 20 pupils involved in e-learning initiation activities.
• Support: Up to 20 admission fee waivers approved for pupils from partner high schools (Senate decision 2971/09.06.2022).

5. Key Deliverables

Communication & Visibility

• Project Logo (R1), Digital Poster (R2.1), and Graphic Announcement (R3.1).
• Up to 160 Electronic Participation Diplomas (R4).

Graphic Materials

• VIP 2022 Flyer (R5).
• VIP 2022 Brochure (R6).
• Updated Project Presentation for webinars (R7).

Educational Outputs

• 11 Webinars for partner high schools (R8).
• 4 Video Interviews (Students, Alumni, Professors) on YouTube (R9).
• 3 Initiation Courses for pupils (R12).
• Vocational/Skills Test for aptitude exploration (R13.1).

Sustainability

• Updated database of contacts (pupils/teachers) building on VIP 2020/ACCES-VIP 2021 (R14).
• 11 Partnership Agreements with high schools (R15).

6. Reference Links

• Project Page (Overview & Results): https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/vip-2022/
• Project Brochure (PDF): Download Brochure
• Project Flyer (PDF): Download Flyer
• Video Interviews Playlist: YouTube Playlist

Contract No: 14020/16.09.2022 | Project Code: 169368083

Funding: National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP/PNRR), Component C15 – Education

Budget: 12,785,634.00 RON | Period: 16 Sept 2022 – 31 Mar 2026

1. Role & Responsibilities: Adrian Ibric

Role: Scientific Researcher and Expert, Department for Research Management

Focus: Digital Transformation Strategy & Implementation (2022–2026)

Overview

Served as Funding Application Co-Writer for the PNRR project, contributing to narrative sections on institutional context, objectives (OS1–OS10), work-package structure, digital infrastructure design, training plans, and the indicator framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordination: Supported the design and implementation of digital platforms and laboratories, specifically:
  • OS1: Online platforms for project topics and juries.
  • OS6: CAD & GIS lab for urban planning.
  • OS7: BIM-Lab and Fab-Lab for Interior Architecture.
  • OS8/OS9: HeritaDigi and Digital Library.
• Pedagogical Design: Defined technical specifications for digital teaching, examination, and research workflows (e.g., online juries, digital heritage documentation, geospatial analysis).
• Training Implementation: Designed and delivered training programmes on BIM, CAD/GIS, and digital workflows (Revit, Allplan, Lumion, AI rendering) for students and staff (2025–2026).
• Monitoring: Contributed to technical reports, documented training cohorts, and consolidated data on beneficiaries across all 10 specific objectives.

Key Achievements

• Grant Success: Co-developed sections of the winning PNRR application that secured 12.79 million RON for the university’s digital transformation.
• Capacity Building: Facilitated the rollout of free digital skills courses (BIM, AI rendering, etc.) for hundreds of students and staff, directly contributing to the project’s transversal training objectives.

2. Project Overview

General Objective

To strengthen UAUIM’s institutional capacity to support the digital transition through an EPR system, an integrated educational platform, and advanced technological infrastructure. The project aims to develop digital competencies for the academic community and prepare UAUIM’s transformation into an open university.

Specific Objectives (OS1 – OS10)

1. OS1 (General Architecture): Develop an online platform with three modules (project topics, assessments, international juries) and train 20 staff / 250 students.
2. OS2 (Design Basics): Equip 25 design studios with technology and provide transition training for 50 staff / 500 students.
3. OS3 (Design Synthesis): Equip 11 design studios and offer tool adoption training for 22 staff / 220 students.
4. OS4 (Technical Sciences): Equip the Building Physics Laboratory and digitalise the Materials Library for 23 staff / 50 students.
5. OS5 (History & Heritage): Equip the Restoration & Conservation Laboratory for interactive online teaching for 24 staff / 200 students.
6. OS6 (Urbanism): Establish a CAD & GIS Laboratory for urban design and geospatial analysis for 40 staff / 140 students.
7. OS7 (Interior Architecture): Equip a BIM-Lab, Fab-Lab, and “Mac Popescu” Experimental Studio for 28 staff / 280 students.
8. OS8 (Research): Equip HeritaDigi (Laboratory for digitalisation of architectural heritage) for 5 researchers / 20 students.
9. OS9 (Info & Doc): Create a Digital Library, BDAU mobile app, and mobile heritage lab for 28 staff / 280 students.
10. OS10 (Infrastructure): Upgrade IntraNet, digitalise Erasmus+ mobility and Doctoral Schools for 28 staff / 360 students.

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

4. Key Deliverables

• Institutional Digital Backbone: A functional EPR-based system integrated with an extended educational platform.
• Physical Infrastructure: Fully equipped digital laboratories across all faculties (CAD/GIS, BIM, Fab-Lab, Heritage Labs).
• Training Ecosystem: A comprehensive suite of free professional development courses (Revit, Allplan, Lumion, AI rendering) open to all UAUIM students and staff.
• Process Digitalisation: Full migration of Erasmus+ mobilities and Doctoral School administration to digital workflows.
• Reporting: Periodic progress reports and communication materials adhering to “NextGenerationEU” visibility rules.

5. References & Links

• UAUIM Research Management: https://www.uauim.ro/cercetare/
• Training Announcements: https://www.uauim.ro/anunturi/cursuri-gratuite-de-formare-profesionala/
• PNRR Official Portal: https://mfe.gov.ro/pnrr/

Project Title: OPTIMINCU 2021 – Optimization of UAUIM management and the educational process through the implementation of digital solutions. Project Code: CNFIS-FDI-2021-0421

Domain: Enhancing the quality of teaching-learning activities and student-centered services.

Duration: April – December 2021.

Funding: Institutional Development Fund (FDI).

Host: “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM).

2. Adrian Ibric’s Achievements & Role

In this project, Adrian Ibric acted as a central figure in both the strategic acquisition of funding and the operational execution of the project’s digital goals.

• Primary Role: Assistant Manager & Funding Application Co-Writer.
• Designation: Scientific Researcher.
• Key Achievements:
  • Successful Grant Acquisition: Mr. Ibric co-authored the technical proposal that secured the FDI funding for the 2021 cycle.
  • Strategic Coordination: He served as the primary operational link between the Project Management and the implementation teams, ensuring project milestones were met.
  • Digital Transformation: He supervised the transition of legacy student workflows into streamlined digital formats during a critical institutional period.
• Responsibilities:
  • Technical Reporting: Drafting the mid-term and final performance reports for the funding agency.
  • Process Optimization: Identifying administrative bottlenecks and designing digital interventions to improve student-university communication.
  • Team Leadership: Managing administrative staff and technical experts during data migration and software testing phases.
• Key Deliverables:
  • The Funding Application (as Co-Writer).
  • Comprehensive Management Reports detailing the optimization of university resources.

3. Main Objectives

• O1: Digital Transition: Accelerating the adoption of digital management tools to support modern educational formats.
• O2: Administrative Efficiency: Streamlining document flows between students and the university secretariat.
• O3: Student-Centricity: Developing online platforms that provide 24/7 access to academic records and administrative requests.
• O4: Data Integrity: Ensuring the security and confidentiality of student information within the new digital modules.

4. KPIs of the Project

• Platform Deployment: Successful launch of the student-centered digital platform.
• Staff Training: Training over 50 administrative staff members in the use of the new management software.
• Resource Access: Migration of all essential student administrative forms to a digital, accessible format.
• Efficiency Gains: A measurable reduction in the average processing time for student administrative requests.

5. Key Deliverables

• Digital Infrastructure: The upgraded UAUIM student portal and back-end administrative modules.
• User Documentation: Digital manuals for staff and students regarding optimized administrative workflows.
• Scientific Impact Study: A report analyzing the effects of digital management on institutional transparency and efficiency.

6. Project Links (UAUIM Resources)

Detailed information and downloadable resources for the 2021 cycle are available at:

• UAUIM OPTIMINCU 2021 Project Page
• UAUIM FDI Projects Archive

1. Overview

Project Title: CULTADISER 2022 – Developing UAUIM’s institutional capacity for research in architecture and urbanism by creating a culture of results dissemination. Project Code: CNFIS-FDI-2022-0450

Domain: Development of institutional capacity for research in universities.

Duration: 9 months (April 1st – December 16th, 2022).

Funding: Institutional Development Fund (FDI).

Host Institution: “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM).

2. Adrian Ibric’s Achievements & Role

Position: Researcher / Implementation Team Member (Architect PhD).

• Personal Role: Expert in the management of interdisciplinary research activities and the curation of scientific content for dissemination.
• Responsibilities:
  • Scientific Coordination: Organizing calls for contributions and managing the peer-review process for doctoral and faculty research.
  • Activity Management: Leading and contributing to the LCDI (Interdisciplinary Doctoral Research Laboratory) workgroups.
  • Event Facilitation: Coordinating the UAUIM Research Networking Day and the INNOMINCU and CiSDAU conferences to ensure high academic participation.
  • Strategic Dissemination: Overseeing the transition of research materials into “Open Science” formats for the university’s web platforms.
• Key Deliverables: * Coordination of the LCDI Activity Reports (Workgroups: Inter-ACT, Danube, and Smart Research).
  • The structural layout and content selection for the INNOMINCU 2022 conference volume.

3. Main Objectives

• Objective 1 (O1): Establish the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Research Laboratory (LCDI) to attract innovative projects and develop collaborative research systems.
• Objective 2 (O2): Implement Open Science practices by publishing architectural design research results online in an open-access format.
• Objective 3 (O3): Continue the INNOMINCU conference series (Sustainability in University Research) to boost performance and experimental projects.
• Objective 4 (O4): Organize the CiSDAU international conference to improve doctoral writing skills and foster international cooperation.
• Objective 5 (O5): Publish representative doctoral theses, student articles, and faculty contributions through competitive financial support.

4. KPIs of the Project

• Involvement: Participation of at least 200 attendees for the INNOMINCU conference and 50 participants for the CiSDAU conference.
• Academic Output: Successful selection and publication of doctoral theses and faculty books through a peer-review system.
• Networking: Creation of 3 specialized workgroups (Inter-ACT, Danube, Smart Research) within the LCDI.
• Digital Presence: Development of a dedicated project website (lcdi.uauim.ro) to host all research results.
• Dissemination: Printing 200 copies of the collective conference volumes with ISBN.

5. Key Deliverables

• Scientific Events:
  • CiSDAU Conference: International session for doctoral schools with writing workshops.
  • INNOMINCU 2022: “Sustainability and Research Days at UAUIM” featuring 16 speakers.
• Publications:
  • CiSDAU Program and Abstracts Volume (Bilingual).
  • INNOMINCU 2022 Full Conference Volume (ISBN).
  • Selection of funded doctoral theses and faculty books in digital and print formats.
• Research Tools:
  • LCDI Website: A permanent digital environment for academic communication.
  • Databases: A comprehensive database of UAUIM interdisciplinary theses from 1990 to the present.
  • Strategy Reports: Action plans for Danube-related projects (INTERREG, DANUrB) and Digital Transition studies (Smart Research).

6. Project Links & Downloads (UAUIM Website)

• Official Project Page: CULTADISER 2022 Overview
• Full Conference Volume: INNOMINCU Dec 2022 (PDF)
• Conference Program: CiSDAU Abstracts & Program (PDF)
• Research Laboratory: LCDI Website (Interactive)
• Activity Reports: LCDI Activity 13-15 Reports

HUB UAUIM Business 2022 (Acronym: HUB) is the second edition of the entrepreneurship program initiated by the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM). Funded through the Institutional Development Fund (FDI-2022-0573), specifically within Strategic Area D4 (Supporting Student Entrepreneurial Societies – SAS), the project acts as an institutional incubator. It is designed to bridge the gap between creative academic training and the pragmatic requirements of the business world for students and recent graduates (2018–2020) in architecture, urbanism, and design.

2. Adrian Ibric: Leadership & Achievements

Ionuț Adrian Ibric served as the Project Director and Application Author for the 2022 edition, following his successful initiation of the pilot program in 2021.

Personal Role & Responsibilities:

• Project Directorship: Strategic coordination of the entire implementation team (including HR specialists, procurement experts, and activity implementers).
• Grant Writing & Acquisition: Authoring the winning funding application submitted to CNFIS-FDI.
• Curriculum Development: Editor-coordinator for the specialized course materials and pedagogical framework.
• Stakeholder Management: Coordinating with the Order of Architects (OAR) and successful entrepreneurs to integrate real-world mentorship into the academic environment.

Key Deliverables (Personal):

• Course Support Coordination: Leading the editorial team for the “Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Creative Services” volumes.
• Financial & Administrative Reporting: Ensuring compliance with FDI funding regulations and achieving institutional KPIs.
• Mentorship Framework: Designing the structure for the 12+ lectures featuring industry leaders.

3. Main Objectives

• OS1 (Capacity Building): Expanding the implementation team and providing a comprehensive information package on entrepreneurship to at least 150 target group members.
• OS2 (Dissemination): Promoting the benefits of entrepreneurial skills through lectures, interviews, and professional practice presentations for 100 members.
• OS3 (Skill Consolidation): Developing practical experience through modular entrepreneurship courses and dedicated mentoring sessions for 60 members.
• OS4 (Professional Development): Completing professional training with practical workshops focused on business plans and creative service management.

4. KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

• Target Group Reach: Enrollment and training of at least 150 students/graduates.
• Knowledge Transfer: Execution of a minimum of 6–12 specialized lectures featuring successful entrepreneurs.
• Practical Output: Generation of at least 2 specialized workshops focused on business plan writing and branding.
• Resource Creation: Publication and distribution of updated course supports (Physical and Digital).

5. Key Deliverables

• HUB UAUIM BUSINESS Course Support: A multi-volume guide (Vol. 1: Legal/Financial; Vol. 2: Entrepreneurial Lectures; Vol. 3: Marketing & Branding).
• The Entrepreneurial Library: A media collection of podcasts and interviews with successful architects and designers.
• Business Plan Portfolio: A collection of startup ideas and projects developed by students during the workshops.
• Institutional Reports: Comprehensive project reports (Raport Proiect FDI 2022) submitted to CNFIS.

6. Links to Downloadable Files

Related documents and reports can be accessed via the official UAUIM research portal:

• HUB UAUIM Business 2022 – Project Page
• FDI 2022 Project Report (PDF)
• Recruitment & Job Descriptions for HUB 2022
• Course Support Volume 2 (UAUIM Publishing)