At the University of Bucharest, the Geopark brought the story of the Earth to life in an anniversary year through research, innovation, and art

To mark the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geopark Țara Hațegului, the University of Bucharest hosted a special panel within the Annual Conference on Communicating Research Results, organized by the University’s Research Institute (ICUB).

The panel brought together nine professors, researchers, experts, and doctoral students who have conducted research activities within the Geopark, presenting the scientific potential of this UNESCO-designated territory.

“The Geopark is a very special project – indeed, among the many research and social engagement initiatives of the University of Bucharest. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the University of Bucharest is the only university in the world to manage a geopark. This makes it a model for other countries and universities, while also standing as a classic example of integrating the concerns of specialists and researchers from diverse fields. The Geopark is a powerful integrator of research teams, a place where, through interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity, almost the entire University contributes to applied research serving community needs, with the goal of supporting local development and, ultimately, preserving a unique space in Romania and in the world,”  – Prof. Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest

Likewise, Prof. Carmen Chifiriuc, PhD, Vice-Rector of the University of Bucharest, emphasized the importance of UB’s ongoing on-site presence and close collaboration with local communities: “We believe that the UNESCO Global Geopark Țara Hațegului is profoundly important as an ambassador of the University of Bucharest to local communities and to society at large. We greatly appreciate the work our colleagues carry out there and the fact that our elite researchers work alongside local communities and authorities. The constant presence of several of our representatives – who live and build together with the people of the region – is truly invaluable.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Rectorate of the University of Bucharest also hosted the opening of the Stone Made Objects exhibition, created at the initiative of Alexandru Andrășanu and the Țara Hațegului UNESCO Global Geopark. After traveling through Italy, Germany, and Luxembourg, this international exhibition brings forward geological and anthropological stories from over 30 UNESCO Global Geoparks across Europe. The displayed objects invite visitors to explore how communities have transformed the geological materials available in their territories into objects, practices, and crafts that have shaped cultural identities and contributed to local economic development over time. The exhibition will remain open in the Rectorate lobby until 15 December 2025.

The opening event featured technical demonstrations by students of the Afton Robotics #25225 Club from “I.C. Brătianu” High School in Hațeg and the Titans Robotics team from “Gheorghe Lazăr” National College in Bucharest.

Eight young Geopark volunteers – also students at “I.C. Brătianu” High School – took part in the events held in the capital. They helped set up the exhibition and served as guides for visitors. They also attended the conference and met with experts from the University’s Learning Center and the Botanical Garden.

For Paula Bejușcă, participating in the activities in Bucharest was a valuable learning experience: “Coming from Hațeg to Bucharest was truly wonderful. Guiding visitors through the exhibition was unforgettable –I met new people who were genuinely interested in what we presented, and I learned so much about geoparks across Europe.”

Robert Rădoni, also a Geopark volunteer, shared: “It was really interesting. It was the first time I served as a guide, even though I’ve been a volunteer for some time. I really enjoy what is showcased here – the history of the objects, how they formed, the materials they are made of, and how this reflects the development of communities not only here, but worldwide.”

These events demonstrated that the University of Bucharest continues to play a key role in supporting innovation, research, and community development, providing the academic framework and resources that create real opportunities for young people – both in the Țara Hațegului Geopark and at the national level.

The series of events at the University of Bucharest was organized in collaboration with ICUB and supported by BRD – Groupe Société Générale, as a partner of the program Rural and Urban Communities Together for Conservation and Sustainable Development, carried out through the Kogayon Association, the Romanian Geoparks Network, and the Network for Urban Nature.

The UNESCO Global Geopark Țara Hațegului spans the entire Hațeg region and holds UNESCO status as part of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, which includes 229 territories across 50 countries in the Global Geoparks Network, selected and validated through a rigorous process. Its administration as a UNESCO Global Geopark is carried out by the University of Bucharest.

A Geopark is a territory of significant natural and cultural value – a sustainable development program, a brand that offers a journey through Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history, a shared mindset for all those who want to contribute to the revival of communities, and a space that brings together everyone who feels connected to traditional values, whether they are local residents or part of a wider virtual community.

The Geopark includes noteworthy geological features alongside ecological, archaeological, historical, and cultural elements. The dinosaurs discovered in Țara Hațegului are unique worldwide; their scientific importance and appeal are enhanced by the discovery of nests with eggs and hatchlings, by findings of mammals contemporary with the dinosaurs, and by the remains of a gigantic flying reptile (Hatzegopteryx) from the pterosaur group.