Did you know that Politehnica University of Bucharest is the oldest and largest technical university in Romania? Its story began long before its official establishment in 1920. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of this esteemed institution.
The roots of Politehnica University of Bucharest stretch back to 1818. Gheorghe Lazăr founded the first higher technical school in Wallachia. He recognized the need for a modern technical education in Romania. This school initially operated within the Saint Sava Princely Academy. It was known as the Technical Superior School for Surveying Engineers.
In 1864, the School of Bridges and Roads, Mines and Architecture was established. This marked a significant step in the development of engineering education in Romania. Gheorghe Duca played a crucial role in improving the school. He emphasized the importance of rigorous academic standards. Duca also recruited top professors like Spiru Haret and Anghel Saligny.
By 1890, the National School of Bridges and Roads became a model for technical studies. It began issuing equivalency certificates for engineering diplomas earned abroad. This affirmed the school’s high standards. It also demonstrated Romania’s capability to train its own specialists.
In 1920, Nicolae Vasilescu-Karpen transformed the National School of Bridges and Roads. It became the Politehnica School of Bucharest. The newly formed Politehnica had four sections. These were Civil Engineering, Mechanics and Electricity, Mines and Metallurgy, and the Industrial Section.
Decree 3799 of 1938 further solidified Politehnica’s role. It stipulated that higher education could only be provided by universities. Polytechnic Schools and Academies for Commercial Studies were also allowed. Consequently, several other institutions joined Politehnica. The school was renamed Politehnica Carol II of Bucharest. It now fell under the Ministry of National Education.
Between 1938 and 1948, Politehnica of Bucharest expanded. It included seven faculties. These faculties were Civil Engineering, Electro-mechanics, Metallurgy, Industrial Chemistry, Silviculture, Agronomy, and Architecture.
The year 1948 brought significant changes. Several faculties and specialities became independent. Some even moved to other cities. The Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest evolved. The Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism also developed.
From 1948 to 1992, the institution was known as The Polytechnic Institute of Bucharest. For a time, it was named Institutul Politehnic Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej București. In November 1992, it officially became University Politehnica of Bucharest.
Today, Politehnica University of Bucharest is a leading technical university. It has fifteen faculties offering a wide range of engineering degrees. The university also has a Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages. Here teaching is conducted in English, French, and German.
Politehnica University of Bucharest is not just an educational institution. It is a hub for research and innovation. The university has two research institutes. CAMPUS and PRECIS host 90 advanced research and innovation labs.
Many notable figures have graduated from Politehnica University of Bucharest. These include Elie Carafoli, Henri Coandă, and Nadia Comăneci. The university continues to uphold its mission. It trains specialists who contribute to Romania’s progress. It also promotes sustainable development.
As we stand here today, we recognize Politehnica University of Bucharest. It stands as a testament to Romania’s commitment to technical education. Its rich history and dedication to innovation shape the future. The university has been educating for a better future. It finds solutions through research for a better present.