The Politehnica University of Timisoara (UPT) is launching, for the first time in Romania, a new study programme in drone engineering and applied informatics in aeronautics, titled 'Drone Engineering and Aeronautical Informatics.'
The moment symbolically marks 125 years since the historic flight carried out on March 18, 1906 by Traian Vuia, a pioneer of global aviation and one of the emblematic figures of Banat's innovative spirit.
"This is not just a coincidence of dates. Between the buildings of the Faculty of Mechanics and the Electro building at Politehnica stands the statue of Traian Vuia, a silent landmark between two engineering worlds that today meet again in an interdisciplinary programme dedicated to the future of flight: autonomous, intelligent and connected. Today, this historical thread continues through the launch of the bachelor's programme 'Drone Engineering and Aeronautical Informatics', taught in English and developed within the field of Mechatronics and Robotics. Its mission is to train engineers capable of designing, operating and integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS), using autonomy and artificial intelligence technologies, in line with European aeronautical standards," UPT said in a press release on Wednesday.
The programme offers an integrated approach, combining hardware and software components of modern aeronautical systems. From the first year, students will study core subjects such as mathematics, physics, materials science, electrical engineering and programming, alongside introductions to 3D modelling and aerodynamics.
In the following years, training becomes increasingly specialised, covering flight dynamics, propulsion systems and automation, as well as sensors, control systems and an introduction to artificial intelligence.
In the third year, the focus shifts to decision systems, machine learning, safety and validation, as well as human-computer interaction, while the final year highlights autonomous functions, drone manufacturing, aeronautical certification and the development of the graduation project.
Graduates will have access to a wide range of career opportunities, from the aeronautical industry and autonomous systems development to embedded software, applied artificial intelligence, research and entrepreneurship in emerging fields such as drone-based services.
The launch of the programme is part of a broader vision of the Politehnica University of Timi?oara to help transform the city into a hub of technological innovation. The initiative was developed in collaboration with Romanian specialists from the global industry, including experts involved in major aerospace and artificial intelligence projects, such as Dragos Margineantu, a distinguished UPT alumnus.
The new programme reflects a clear strategic direction: shifting from an outsourcing-based economic model to one focused on innovation, research and the development of proprietary technology. In this context, Timisoara has the potential to become a regional and European hub in drones and autonomous systems.
Admission to the "Drone Engineering and Aeronautical Informatics" bachelor's programme will take place in the summer or autumn session of 2026, depending on the completion of the accreditation process.
"125 years after Traian Vuia demonstrated to the world that powered flight was possible, Politehnica Timisoara proposes a new generation of engineers prepared not only to understand flight, but to reinvent it. The university itself bears the imprint of this name. Between 1970 and 1991, the institution operated under the name Traian Vuia Polytechnic Institute of Timisoara, a symbolic gesture highlighting the deep connection between technical education and the courage to innovate. Founded in 1920 as the first higher education institution in western Romania, Politehnica has from the outset embodied a regional spirit oriented towards progress, technology and construction values exemplified by Traian Vuia," the UPT press release added.
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