From Rarotonga to Romania: TPVM Team Build Connections Through Erasmus+ Exchange
In early June, Research Fellow Lauren Turner and Associate Research Fellow Dr Antony Vavia were invited to visit the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, through the European Union's Erasmus+ Programme.
The Erasmus+ Programme supports the international mobility of researchers, academics, and related staff to undertake professional development and collaboration opportunities at partner institutions abroad.
The purpose of the visit was to enhance each partner's understanding and experience of the other's country and industries; build professional relationships; promote cultural exchange; and foster potential partnerships and collaboration between our institutions.
Facilitated by Professor Liviu-Daniel Galațchi, Lauren and Antony enjoyed a stimulating and engaging week in Constanța.
They visited the Ovidius University of Constanța campus and met with key faculty members, including Associate Professor Dr Marius Radu, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences; Associate Professor Dr George Cracu, Vice-Dean; and Daciana Sava, Director of the Department of Environment. Lauren and Antony were given a tour of the faculty, visiting classrooms and laboratories while experiencing the vibrant university atmosphere.
Antony and Lauren (centre) viewing the Natural and Agricultural Sciences department’s botanical collection.
They also delivered presentations to an audience of faculty and students, introducing many attendees to the Cook Islands and increasing understanding of our unique geographical sociocultural and environmental context, and how this interacts with our work. Lauren gave an introduction to the Cook Islands and highlighted how research undertaken by Te Puna Vai Mārama supports evidence-based decision-making to address local challenges. Antony presented his PhD research, sharing insights and reflections from his experiences conducting research in Mitiaro, his home island, and the opportunities and challenges of undertaking research in a small outer island setting.
Lauren and Antony also visited the Romanian National Marine Research Institute, where they were hosted by Dr Mădălina Galațchi and Dr George Tiganov, both ichthyologists. They toured an impressive collection of preserved marine species and learned more about Romania's marine environment, fisheries, and related industries.
Lauren and Antony (front left) outside the Romanian National Marine Institute with their colleagues from the Marine Institute and Ovidius University
They also met with Professor Carmen Bucovală at Mare Nostrum, an environmental non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting the Black Sea's marine and coastal ecosystems. Professor Bucovală shared about the organisation's work, including scientific research, conservation, environmental education, and community engagement.
Outside of the formal networking program, Lauren and Antony enjoyed exploring Constanța and experiencing Romanian culture and history. They visited local landmarks including the Techirghiol Orthodox Monastery, Constanța Old Town, the iconic Casino building, and many of the city's beautiful (but relativelychilly!) beaches, while enjoying plenty of delicious local seafood and traditional Romanian cuisine.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our new friends and colleagues in Constanța, particularly Professor Liviu-Daniel Galațchi, for their warm Romanian hospitality and for generously sharing their time, knowledge, and friendship with us.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships between our institutions, deepen our understanding of each other's countries and research contexts, and exchange knowledge and experiences. We look forward to continuing these relationships and hope this marks the beginning of a fruitful connection between our organisations.
