Romania needs to become a 'knowledge society', in which decisions and public debate are based on scientific truths and expertise, President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year at the University of Bucharest.

The restored Faculty of History building was also inaugurated on this occasion.

'I believe it is important that, perhaps, the key challenge for our society at this time is whether we can become a knowledge society, a society in which decisions are based on scientific truths, a society in which citizens relate to society through recognised truths, in which citizens approach their own health based on medical knowledge, and in which citizens relate to our past through historical research.

'For this, I believe each of us, in our respective fields, needs to be more present where society is. Obviously, if we are in academia, the way we progress is by attending seminars, discussing with our peers and exchanging ideas. But if we neglect to be where society is - for example, where nine million Romanians are on TikTok - then we will be living in two parallel realities, and the decisions or direction in which society moves will be influenced by people who lack historical and financial reference points. I do not think that is good for our society,' the head of state explained.

He called on academics to be more present in the spaces where public debate takes place, including social media platforms.

The president congratulated the University of Bucharest, describing it as 'a centre of excellence' in Romanian higher education and saying that it has succeeded in adapting to the demands of society and the economy, which are changing at an increasingly rapid pace.

The head of state urged the students attending the ceremony to make the most of their university years.

'This is a time when you have to develop yourselves and to learn. Make the most of this time as much as you can. Best of luck to everyone!' Nicusor Dan said.

The University of Bucharest announced the completion of restoration and modernisation works on the Faculty of History section, as part of a broader rehabilitation project covering the entire building, the country's largest educational edifice and one of Romania's most important national heritage buildings.

The works sought to preserve the architecture and features that define the building's identity, while adapting it to the current requirements of a modern university space. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Roberto Stan; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)

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