CULTADISER (Institutional Capacity Development of UAUIM for Research in Architecture and Urbanism through the Creation of a Culture of Results Dissemination) was a strategic project funded by CNFIS-FDI-2022-0450. Implemented over nine months in 2022, the project aimed to strengthen the research framework of the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM) by bridging the gap between academic investigation and public visibility.
Strategic Objectives and the Interdisciplinary Lab
At the heart of the project was the creation of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Research Laboratory (LCDI). This laboratory serves as an organized environment designed to attract innovative research projects and develop collaborative systems. To support this, three specialized working groups were established: Inter-ACT, which focuses on transdisciplinary strategies; Dunărea (Danube), dedicated to the sustainability of regional development projects; and Smart Research, which examines the impact of digital transition and new technologies on architectural research.
Scientific Events and International Cooperation
The project successfully organized two major conferences to stimulate academic performance and international networking. The International Conference of Doctoral Schools of Architecture and Urbanism (CiSDAU) provided a platform for doctoral students to present their work and attend scientific writing workshops. Simultaneously, the INNOMINCU conference (Sustainability and Research Days at UAUIM) focused on innovation and sustainability, bringing together over 200 participants and numerous speakers to discuss the importance of academic involvement in modern research.
CiSDAU 2022: Conference Overview
Theme: Developing institutional research capacity through a culture of dissemination.
Dates: July 4–7, 2022
Locations: Bucharest (University HQ) and Dealu Frumos (Vernacular Architecture Study Center).
1. Purpose and Objectives
The conference served as the 8th edition of the Scientific Communications Session for the Doctoral Schools of UAUIM. Its primary goals were:
- Dialogue: Facilitating debate between doctoral students and professionals to improve the quality of theses.
- Team Building: Encouraging the formation of interdisciplinary research teams.
- Skill Development: Providing academic workshops to improve the research and writing skills of PhD candidates.
2. Event Structure
The event was divided into two distinct phases to balance formal presentation with deep academic debate:
- Presentations (July 4-5): Held in Bucharest. The first day was conducted online, and the second day was on-site. Each participant had 15 minutes for their presentation and Q&A.
- Debates & Workshops (July 6-7): Held in Dealu Frumos. This phase focused on in-depth discussions of the presented papers and workshops led by academic staff.
3. Scientific Leadership
The conference featured a robust international Scientific Committee with experts from:
- Romania: UAUIM (Prof. Dr. Marian Moiceanu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alex-Ionuț Petrișor).
- International Partners: Experts from Poland (Adam Mickiewicz University), Greece (University of Macedonia), Portugal (University of Algarve), Serbia (University of Belgrade), Kosovo (University of Prishtina), and Algeria (University of Tlemcen and Biskra).
4. Publication Opportunities
Accepted papers were given the opportunity to be published in prestigious academic journals, provided they passed the peer-review process:
- Urban Planning focus: Journal of the Doctoral School of Urban Planning (RSDU) and Journal of Landscape and Urban Planning (JLUP).
- Architecture/Theory focus: sITA (Studies in History and Theory of Architecture) and Argument Journal.
5. Participation Details
- Fee: No participation fee was required for registered PhD students and guests.
- Logistics: UAUIM provided transportation to the Dealu Frumos session, with accommodation prioritized by registration date.
- Requirements: Abstracts were limited to 3,000 characters and required a clear definition of theoretical context, methods, and results.
Open Science and Editorial Achievements
A primary focus of CULTADISER was the implementation of Open Science practices. By transposing research results into an open-access online format, the project facilitated information exchange prior to peer review. Furthermore, the initiative included a robust editorial component, resulting in the selection and publication of representative doctoral theses, articles, and faculty contributions. These were distributed both in print and digital formats, ensuring that the high-level scientific output of UAUIM reaches a global audience.
Long-term Impact and Digital Presence
The project concluded with the launch of a dedicated project website and the LCDI platform, which serve as permanent communication hubs for the academic community. By centralizing research databases, bibliographies, and best practices, CULTADISER has laid the groundwork for future international partnerships and sustained institutional growth, ensuring that the “culture of dissemination” continues to thrive beyond the project’s official duration.
