The success of the course „Integrated Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies”
A weekend for innovation
On the weekend of February 21–22, 2026, the Faculty of Computer Science hosted the course „Integrated Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies”, organized by the project UpDigitalUTM, code 215961572, financed by the PNRR. The event brought together an impressive number of participants: 150 students and faculty members, physically present in Amphitheater M102, and over 100 connected online via Teams.
Although the weekend was marked by blizzards, snowfall, and difficult traffic conditions, interest in AI and Advanced Digital Technologies exceeded expectations. Many participants came from localities outside Bucharest, demonstrating motivation, curiosity, and a genuine desire to connect with current IT trends.
The course was coordinated by cc. Dr. Eng. Elena Paraschiv, a specialist with extensive experience from the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI–Bucharest), who offered participants an integrated perspective on modern directions in AI, advanced digital architectures, and cybersecurity.
The program included six thematic modules, comprising:
- Emerging professions in IT&C and advanced digital ecosystems;
- cloud-native architectures, distributed systems, and critical infrastructures;
- AI integration as an infrastructure element, MLOps, and AIOps;
- date, interoperability, and digital governance;
- cybersecurity and digital trust;
- Case studies, demonstrations, and practical applications.
The atmosphere was dynamic and interactive, and the questions and discussions demonstrated that young people are concerned about how AI is transforming industries, jobs, and everyday processes.
Thank you to everyone who was with us, physically or online, students and faculty, and contributed to the success of this course. Thank you, first and foremost, to Mrs. Cc. Dr. Eng. Elena Paraschiv for a high-quality presentation. The calm, clear, and balanced way in which each topic was approached created an accessible and enjoyable learning environment for all participants. The practical examples provided, the explanations, and the willingness to answer students' questions in detail demonstrated not only professionalism but also genuine teaching skills.
Special thanks Mr. President of the Senate, University Associate Professor Dr. Eng. Iustin PRIESCU, for the initiative and vision to include an advanced course on Artificial Intelligence in the UpDigital project programUTM, and, last but not least, for the involvement and valuable additions and supplementary information brought throughout the course, as well as Vice-Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geanina Banu and the entire project organization team UpDigitalUTM, who have made a sustained effort to make this course possible. Thanks also to the teaching staff of the Faculty of Computer Science for their participation and active involvement throughout the course. Thanks also to the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics for the close and constant collaboration we have had for several years.
It was a weekend where we once again discovered how valuable our students are. We had the opportunity to learn more about their real concerns, the interesting projects they are involved in, and how they view the evolution of digital technologies. We connected more deeply with them, with their aspirations and curiosities, and realized how dedicated, talented, and extraordinary they are. This course was not just about AI, but also about our community, the Faculty of Computer Science, about the people who make it so special.
Dean,
University Professor, Doctor. Daniela JOIȚA
