In both global and national contexts, where the complexity of social, psychological, and human phenomena is increasingly evident, the role of a faculty dedicated to life sciences and human development becomes not only relevant but essential. Our faculty encompasses two fundamental fields of study—Psychology and Social Work—each with a strategic role in shaping a more balanced, healthier, and cohesive society.

A Commitment to Quality Education

My vision is strongly oriented toward enhancing the quality of education across all dimensions: curricular, methodological, relational, and institutional. I envision our faculty as a place of academic excellence, but also of deep human development. I place great emphasis on active, student-centered learning, on building a collaborative and stimulating academic environment where theory naturally complements practice, and knowledge serves to understand and support the human being in all its complexity.

Relevant and Applied Scientific Research

A modern university is defined not only by its teaching but also by the research it generates and its societal relevance. Therefore, I aim to strengthen the research capacity of our faculty, to support the active involvement of both academic staff and students in national and international projects, and to build lasting partnerships with institutions and professional communities to ensure applicability and the transfer of knowledge.

Psychology – Science, Balance, and Human Support

The Bachelor's program in Psychology offers rigorous academic training, continually updated to reflect new directions in psychological science. Today, psychology is no longer just a field of academic exploration, but a real instrument of intervention in vital areas such as mental health, education, organizations, justice, security, and personal development.

Our goal is to train competent, balanced, reflective, and ethical psychologists, capable of addressing the real challenges of today’s world. Our graduates will be prepared not only to pursue a regulated professional path but also to actively contribute to promoting a culture of mental and relational health in Romania.

Social Work – Vocation, Intervention, and Social Change

In a society facing growing vulnerabilities, Social Work is a key field for ensuring social cohesion. Our Bachelor's program in Social Work prepares professionals who understand and can effectively intervene in the lives of communities, vulnerable groups, and social institutions.

The social worker is increasingly becoming a strategic actor in public policy, healthcare, education, and child protection. We aim to train competent, empathetic, and proactive social workers, ready to become agents of balance and transformation in the systems in which they will operate.

Strategic Priorities

As Dean, I intend to focus on the following strategic directions:

• Enhancing the quality of teaching through curriculum modernization, continuous faculty development, and authentic assessment;
• Expanding the academic offer by developing new Bachelor's and Master's programs aligned with labor market needs and socio-economic trends, including programs in English for international students;
• Supporting scientific research and encouraging interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration;
• Strengthening human relationships within the academic community—fostering meaningful student-teacher connections, mentorship, counseling, and personal development;
• Clear orientation toward stakeholder needs—students, employers, and community—through adaptability, openness, and continuous feedback;
• Institutional partnerships with public and private organizations, NGOs, and specialized institutions to support internships and professional integration;
• A stronger international dimension through Erasmus+ mobilities, joint projects, and academic partnerships abroad.

This faculty must continue to be a space for dialogue, lifelong learning, and the formation of strong, engaged individuals. Our students are not only future professionals in psychology and social work—they are future leaders of social change, promoters of human balance, and architects of sustainable development in the communities they will serve.

I warmly invite all students, colleagues, and partners to join me in building this vision together. Let us grow, innovate, and remain loyal to our mission: to educate well-prepared professionals deeply connected to the human reality of today’s world.

With respect, openness, and confidence,

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nicu Ionel Sava

Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences and Human Development

Danubius International University of Galați