Dan Cristian Vodnar Awarded Doctor Honoris Causa by UAV

Today, May 13, 2025, "Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Professor Dan Cristian Vodnar, a prominent figure in the Romanian and international academic and scientific community.

Prof. Dr. habil. Dan Cristian Vodnar is annually ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists in the field of food science. He is a professor of molecular gastronomy and food biotechnology, the president of the Senate of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, a respected mentor, and a renowned researcher.

The awarding ceremony took place in the festive hall of UAV, with over 300 attendees—faculty members, researchers, students, and colleagues from the academic communities of Arad, Cluj-Napoca, and other university centers. The event celebrated not only Professor Vodnar’s

professional achievements but also his exceptional contribution to promoting science in the public sphere.

Known for his ability to make science accessible to the general public, Prof. Vodnar is the author of the book “Science with Salt and Pepper: The Chemistry You Don’t Learn in School” and is a frequent guest in media appearances where he explains scientific phenomena in a clear and engaging manner.

“It is an honor and a joy for us to welcome Professor Dan Cristian Vodnar into the academic community of UAV. We strive to bring valuable people alongside us, and together, to provide quality education for our students. We are proud that our university is the first to grant him this title, recognizing not only his scientific excellence but also his commitment to education and society,” stated UAV Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teodor Cilan.

The Laudatio Committee was composed of:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Camelia Daciana Stoian, President of the UAV Senate – Chairperson;

Academician Prof. Dr. Doru Pamfil, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca;

Prof. Dr. Narcisa Elena Băbeanu, Dean, Faculty of Biotechnologies, USAMV Bucharest;

Prof. Dr. Vasile Stoleru, Vice-Rector, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences, Iași;

Prof. Dr. Dana Maria Copolovici, Vice-Rector for Research, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad.