AFBI Hosts International Visitors from Timişoara, România

A delegation from Banat’s University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, King Michael I, of Timişoara in Romania recently visited the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). They were joined by the Economic Counsellor of the Romanian Ambassador in the United Kingdom, Mr Manuel Donescu. The aim of the visit was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will strengthen links between the organisations and open the way to greater collaboration on research, knowledge exchange and training.

A delegation from Banat’s University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, King Michael I, of Timişoara in Romania recently visited the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). They were joined by the Economic Counsellor of the Romanian Ambassador in the United Kingdom, Mr Manuel Donescu. The aim of the visit was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will strengthen links between the organisations and open the way to greater collaboration on research, knowledge exchange and training.

In August 2015, Dr Nicolae Corcionivoschi joined the Food Science Branch of AFBI having graduated from the Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, in Timişoara, Romania and subsequently from Edinburgh University.

Dr Corcionivoschi has maintained strong links with his alma mater and consequently his AFBI colleague Dr Bob Madden was invited to Timişoara, as a plenary speaker at the Bioengineering of Animal Resources Conference in May 2015, when the University celebrated its 70th anniversary.

Following the visit, it was agreed that collaboration between the institutions would be mutually profitable, leading to the University sending a high level delegation to AFBI, consisting of Paul Pirsan (Rector), Teodor Trasca (Vice Rector for Research), Nicolae Pacala (Dean of School of Animal Licence), Lavinia Stef (Professor of Animal Nutrition), and Loan Pet (Lecturer in Animal Feed Production).

The visitors toured AFBI’s Headquarters, Newforge Lane, AFBI Hillsborough and AFBI Veterinary Sciences Division at Stormont.

The delegates were struck by how green the Northern Ireland countryside was, in contrast to Banat County, where in summer temperatures reach 40°C, and there is little rain. To cement the relationship a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Banat’s University and AFBI, therefore more staff exchanges will be seen in future. The University will also be exploring degree teaching being shared by staff at the two institutions, therefore the green acres of Northern Ireland may be admired by Romanian students undergoing instruction at one of AFBI’s research centres.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high-quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office 028 9025 5326.

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