Prof. Dr. Cosmin Alin Popescu

Rector of “King Michael I” University of Life Sciences, Timișoara

Prof. Dr. Cosmin Popescu is the Rector of the“King Michael I”University of Life Sciences from Timișoara, being a prominent figure in the fields of rural development, management, and sustainable tourism.

He is an Environmental Engineer, Topographic Engineer, and holds a PhD in Agricultural Sciences. He is a Professor within the Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering at ULST, Faculty of Agriculture. He specializes in Remote Sensing, GIS, and Cadaster, with over 20 years of experience in higher education.Throughout his career, he has published numerous scientific papers in specialized journals and collective volumes, addressing topics such as rural economy, sustainable development, valorization of local resources, and rural tourism. He has coordinated and participated in relevant national and international projects, contributing to strengthening the connections betweenacademia, public administration, and the private sector.

As Rector, Prof. Dr. Popescu has actively supported the internationalization of the university by developing strategic partnerships with academic institutions and organizations across Europe and beyond. He has also played an active role in promoting the Banat region withinEuropean initiatives, including the program “Banat–European Region of Gastronomy2028″, contributing to the valorization of gastronomic and cultural heritage.

His managerial vision is centered on innovation, interdisciplinarity, and sustainability, supporting the development of modern educational programs adapted to current societal needs.

As a member of IGCAT’s Global Experts Network since 2026 (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism), Prof. Dr. Cosmin Popescu contributes to promoting excellence in gastronomy, culture, and tourism, supporting initiatives that enhance local identity and foster the sustainable development of communities