Prof. Nicolae Istudor, PhD,
Rector of the Bucharest University of
Economic Studies (ASE)
Being the Rector of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, the most prestigious economic university in Romania, remains both an exceptional honor and a profound responsibility. It is a privilege that offers the opportunity to contribute, together with an extraordinary academic community, to the continuous development of an institution that has shaped generations of professionals and leaders for more than a century.
Founded in 1913 at the symbolic “kilometer zero” of Romanian economic higher education, ASE continues to promote a modern and ambitious vision centered on academic excellence, innovation, and international openness. Our graduates, professors, and researchers have distinguished themselves throughout the world as leaders in academia, business, public administration, diplomacy, and scientific research, demonstrating the enduring quality of an ASE education.
In 2026, our University celebrates 113 years since its founding and marks a remarkable milestone: 100 years since the inauguration of the ASE Palace, the emblematic building that has become a symbol of academic excellence, resilience, and continuity.
The story of ASE has been built through the vision, dedication, and leadership of generations of academics who understood that a great university is never completed and it is continuously shaped and strengthened by those entrusted with its mission. Over its 113-year history, twenty- five Rectors have contributed to the development of the institution, each adding a distinctive chapter to its evolution. As the 26th Rector of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, I am deeply aware that my role to preserve this legacy, but also to build further upon it, together with the entire academic community, ensuring that ASE remains a benchmark of excellence for future generations.
The anniversary motto, “Building Further”, reflects both our respect for the legacy inherited from those who came before us and our commitment to the future. Every generation of the ASE community has added its own chapter to the story of this institution. Today, it is our responsibility to continue this endeavor, strengthening the foundations laid by our predecessors while adapting the University to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
I am currently serving my third mandate as Rector of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, a mission entrusted to me by my colleagues and by our students since the university elections of 2016. Throughout these years, I have learned that leadership in higher education means balancing tradition with innovation, preserving institutional values while encouraging transformation, and ensuring that every decision contributes to the sustainable development of our University.
The years behind us have brought significant achievements, but also unprecedented challenges. Together, we have strengthened ASE’s position among the leading universities in Romania and enhanced its international visibility through excellence in education, research, innovation, and societal engagement.
ASE continues to strengthen its role as a modern and forward-looking academic institution, dedicated to educating responsible professionals and leaders capable of contributing actively to the sustainable development of the economy and society.
As we celebrate the centenary of the ASE Palace and 113 years of institutional excellence, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided this University throughout its history: knowledge, integrity, responsibility, and service to society. Building on a century of tradition and achievement, we continue to build further for our students, for Romania, and for future generations.
SHORT PRESENTATION
Nicolae Istudor is the Rector of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE) since 2016, having previously served as Vice-Rector of ASE (2008–2016), State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development (2004–2005), and Director General within the same Ministry (2001–2004), among other roles. He has pursued all stages of an academic career, starting in 1993 as a teaching assistant and reaching the rank of full professor in 2007. Since 2022, he serves as an elected member of both National Romanian Ortodox Church Assembly and Eparchial Romanian Ortodox Church Assembly for the mandate 2022 – 2026 and 2026–2030.
He has an extensive publishing activity as author and co- author, having written 18 specialty books and chapters in specialty books, 24 ISI-indexed articles, over 50 articles in professional journals, and participated in over 60 national and international conferences.
Research activity is a top priority for Nicolae Istudor, who has been involved in 60 research projects: 6 as project director (including one international project) and 54 as team member (including four international ones).
Among his most significant professional affiliations are:
- Corresponding Member of the Association of Romanian Scientists (AOSR), 2026 –
- Associate Member of the Association of Romanian Scientists (AOSR), 2025 –
- Honorary Member of the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences “Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” (2024– present)
- Associate Member of the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences “Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” (2018–2024)
- Member of the National Commission for the Foundation
of the National Plan for Adopting the Euro (2018)
- Vice-President of the National Council for the Financing of Higher Education (2015–2023)
- Member of the Interministerial Committee for theReform of Public Finance Management (2004–2005)
- Member of the Monitoring Committee for the SAPARD
Program (April 2004 – January 2005)
- President of the Association of Romanian Faculties of Economics (AFER) (2016–present)
- ice-President of the General Association of Romanian Economists (AGER) (2013–present)
- Member of the Board of Directors of the Policyholders Guarantee Fund (since September 2020)
- Member of the Supervisory Board of the Romanian Counter-Guarantee Fund (January – September 2020)
- Member of the National Romanian Ortodox Church Assembly for the mandate 2022 – 2026 and 2026–2030 term
- Member of the Eparchial Romanian Ortodox Church Assembly for the 2026–2030 term.
- President of the Board of the Private Pension Rights
Guarantee Fund (2022)
- Vice-President of the National Council of Rectors (May 2016–present).
Scientific Distinctions:
- Doctor Honoris Causa of the “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați (2017); “Ovidius” University of Constanța (2018); Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (2018); University of Petroșani (2018); “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy of Sibiu (2022); “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu (2022); University of Oradea (2023); “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava (2023); “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad (2023); Petroleum and Gas University of Ploiești (2023); University „1 Decembrie 1918” from Alba Iulia (2025).
- Pierre Werner Centenary Medal, Romanian Academy – National Institute of Economic Research “Costin Kirițescu” (2016).
- National Order “Faithful Service” in the Rank of Knight for contributions to rural development and the efficiency of agricultural and forestry sectors within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Romania’s National Day – Presidency of Romania (2004).
- Diploma recognizing contributions to the agri-food sector – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), March 2010.
- Honorary Citizen of the Municipality of Bucharest (2018) and of the Municipality of Buzău (2019).
