The Annual International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

Academic Awards

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The Victor Dan Zlătescu Department of Law Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Law

STATUTE FOR THE VICTOR DAN ZLĂTESCU DEPARTMENT OF LAW AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIELD OF LAW

Article 1 – Purpose of the Award

The Victor Dan Zlătescu Department of Law Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Law is established by the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu” to honour the intellectual legacy and academic influence of Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu (1933–2000), a leading figure in Romanian legal scholarship and a founder of the modern Romanian school of comparative law. The award recognises individuals whose academic, scholarly, or institutional work has significantly contributed to the development of legal education and research, and to the advancement of the legal field within the Faculty of Public Administration.

Article 2 – Awarding Framework

The award is bestowed annually at the International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective. It is presented during the official session of the conference and remains a lasting honour linked to the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu”.

Article 3 – Eligibility

Eligible nominees include:

• faculty members of the Faculty of Public Administration whose academic, pedagogical, or institutional work contributes to the development of legal education;
• researchers and collaborators whose publications, projects, or academic initiatives support the advancement of legal education within the department;

visiting professors, including those participating in ERASMUS or other international teaching programmes, whose contributions enrich the department’s academic environment;

• authors of books, articles, or teaching materials used in the legal training of students;
• individuals whose work has reinforced the faculty’s legal programmes, academic culture, or institutional development;

scholars who present papers at conferences organised by the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu”, whose research demonstrates excellence, relevance, and alignment with the values of the award.

There are no limitations regarding age, academic rank, nationality, or employment status.

Article 4 – Evaluation Criteria

Candidates are assessed according to the following criteria:

4.1 Contribution to Legal Education

• quality of teaching, pedagogical innovation, curriculum development;

involvement in student mentoring, academic advising, or extracurricular legal activities.

4.2 Scholarly Impact

The following specific criteria are considered when evaluating scholarly impact:

• publications in recognised academic journals or publishing houses;
• authorship of books, chapters, or teaching materials used in legal education;
• citations, peer recognition, or influence on legal doctrine;
• participation in national or international research projects;

contributions to comparative, civil, constitutional, or administrative law relevant to the faculty’s academic mission.

4.3 Support for Student Training

• development of materials, lectures, or activities that enhance students’ legal knowledge;

contributions to the modernisation of legal education within the faculty.

4.4 Institutional Engagement

• involvement in academic initiatives, program development, or strengthening the faculty’s legal profile;

contributions to the visibility and reputation of the faculty at the national or international level.

4.5 International Academic Cooperation

• ERASMUS teaching activities;

participation in international academic exchanges or collaborations that benefit the faculty.

• Alignment with the Values of Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu

Intellectual rigour, integrity, professionalism, and commitment to legal education.

Article 5 – Nomination Procedure

Nominations may be submitted by:

• members of the Faculty of Public Administration;
• the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu”;

members of the Scientific Committee of the conference.

Each nomination must include:

• a nomination letter;
• a description of the nominee’s contributions in the field of law;

supporting documents or evidence, where relevant (publications, teaching activities, institutional initiatives, etc.).

Article 6 – Selection Committee

6.1 Composition

The selection committee is appointed by the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu” and comprises:

• at least three members of the department with recognised academic experience;
• one representative of the Scientific Committee of the conference;

one external academic expert in law, invited for independence and balance.

6.2 Qualifications

Members of the committee must:

• hold a doctoral degree in law or a related field;
• have a demonstrated record of academic or institutional contributions;

be free of conflicts of interest regarding the nominees.

6.3 Decision-Making

Decisions are taken by majority vote.

Deliberations are confidential, and the final decision is definitive and not subject to appeal.

Article 7 – Award Presentation

The award consists of:

• an official certificate of recognition;
• a crystal trophy symbolising the distinction;
• a laudatio presented during the conference;

public acknowledgement on the conference website and in official materials.

Article 8 – Ethical Standards and Consequences

8.1 Expectations

Nominees and laureates are expected to uphold:

• academic integrity;
• professional ethics;

respect for the values associated with Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu.

8.2 Consequences

If a laureate is later found to have violated academic or ethical standards:

• the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu” may issue a public clarification;

in severe cases, the award may be withdrawn by a decision of the selection committee.

the faculty reserves the right to revise the laureate’s status in official records.

Article 9 – Continuity

The Victor Dan Zlătescu Department of Law Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Law is a permanent distinction of the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu”. It is awarded annually to recognise excellence, academic engagement, and institutional development within the faculty.

About the Award and Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu

Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu (1933–2000)

• Pioneer of Modern Comparative Law and Architect of Legal Modernisation in Romania

The Victor Dan Zlătescu Department of Law Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Law is established in honour of Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu (1933–2000), one of the most distinguished Romanian jurists of the 20th century and a foundational figure in the development of modern comparative law in Romania. The award recognises exceptional academic, pedagogical, or institutional contributions that reflect the intellectual rigour, comparative openness, and professional integrity that defined his career.

Legacy and Significance

Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu holds a distinguished position in the development of Romanian legal scholarship. An alumnus of the University of Bucharest and recipient of the Diplôme supérieur de droit comparé from Strasbourg, he was among the pioneering Romanian jurists to methodically incorporate comparative methodology into legal education and research. His European academic background and intellectual receptivity positioned him as a conduit between Romanian legal doctrine and prominent contemporary legal systems.

His professional career combined academic excellence with notable judicial service. He worked as a solicitor, researcher at the Institute of Legal Research of the Romanian Academy, a specialist at the State Council, a judge of the Supreme Court of Justice, and later a judge of the Constitutional Court of Romania. Through his jurisprudence, he contributed significantly to aligning Romanian constitutional practice with European human rights standards and to strengthening the role of comparative reasoning in judicial decision-making.

As a professor specialising in civil law, comparative law, and legislative drafting, he mentored many generations of legal scholars. He pioneered innovative courses on prominent contemporary legal systems and was instrumental in establishing legislative drafting (legistics) as a distinct academic discipline in Romania. His publications, characterised by clarity, analytical rigour, and comparative insight, continue to serve as fundamental references within Romanian and European legal scholarship.

Purpose of the Award

The Victor Dan Zlătescu Department of Law Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Law is conferred annually during the International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective. It honours individuals whose work demonstrates:

• excellence in legal scholarship, particularly in comparative law, civil law, constitutional law, or legislative studies;
• contributions to legal education, including teaching, curriculum development, or pedagogical innovation;
• scholarly impact through publications, research projects, or academic collaborations;
• support for student training through books, articles, or teaching materials used within the Faculty of Public Administration;
• engagement in international academic cooperation, including ERASMUS teaching activities;

alignment with the values embodied by Professor Zlătescu: intellectual rigour, integrity, professionalism, and dedication to the advancement of legal culture.

Enduring Mission

Through this award, the Department of Law “Victor Dan Zlătescu” honours a jurist whose intellectual legacy continues to shape Romanian legal thought. It also encourages future generations of scholars and educators to pursue rigorous, comparative, and forward‑looking research that strengthens legal education and contributes to the modernisation of law in Romania and across Europe.

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The Professor Ioan Alexandru Award for Interdisciplinary Studies

STATUTE FOR THE PROFESSOR IOAN ALEXANDRU AWARD

• FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Article 1 – Purpose of the Award

The Professor Ioan Alexandru Award for Interdisciplinary Studies honours the scholarly legacy of Professor Ioan Alexandru (1939–2023), one of the most influential Romanian scholars in administrative law and public administration. The award recognises outstanding interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of administrative law and administrative sciences, and their connections to related fields, including political science, sociology, economics, public policy, and European studies.

Article 2 – Awarding Framework

The award is granted annually during the International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective. It is presented at the official conference session and constitutes a permanent distinction associated with the Scientific Committee.

Article 3 – Eligibility

Eligible nominees include:

• scholars from Romania or abroad;
• researchers, academics, or practitioners working in administrative law, public administration, or related interdisciplinary fields;

authors of books, articles, or studies that contribute to the development of interdisciplinary approaches in administrative sciences.

There are no limitations based on age, academic position, or institutional connection.

Article 4 – Evaluation Criteria

4.1 Interdisciplinary Contribution

• integration of administrative law with other disciplines (political science, sociology, economics, public policy, EU studies);

innovative methodological approaches integrating multiple disciplines.

4.2 Scholarly Impact

Scholarly impact is assessed through:

• publications in recognised academic journals or publishing houses;
• authorship of books, chapters, or studies with interdisciplinary relevance;
• citations, peer recognition, or influence on administrative doctrine;
• participation in national or international research projects;

contributions that advance the theoretical or practical understanding of public administration.

4.3 Integrity and Academic Rigour

Nominees must demonstrate:

• adherence to academic integrity standards, including proper citation practices and avoidance of plagiarism;
• methodological rigour, clarity of argumentation, and evidence‑based reasoning;
• transparency in research methods and data use;
• compliance with ethical standards in research involving institutions, public authorities, or human subjects;

a professional record free of academic misconduct or ethical violations.

4.4 Relevance for Administrative Sciences

• contributions that support institutional development, administrative reform, or public policy innovation;

research with measurable or conceptual impact on public administration practices.

4.5 Academic Engagement

• involvement in teaching, mentoring, or academic program development;

participation in conferences, networks, or interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Alignment with the Values of Professor Ioan Alexandru

Integrity, academic rigour, commitment to public service and dedication to the advancement of administrative sciences.

Article 5 – Nomination Procedure

Nominations may be submitted by:

• higher education institutions;
• research institutes;
• members of the Scientific Committee;

previous laureates.

Each nomination must include:

• a nomination letter;
• a description of the nominee’s interdisciplinary contributions;

supporting documents (publications, projects, academic activities, etc.).

Article 6 – Selection Committee

6.1 Composition

The selection committee consists of:

• at least three members of the Scientific Committee with recognised academic experience;
• one external expert in administrative law or public administration;

one representative of the conference organising committee.

6.2 Qualifications

Members must:

• hold a doctoral degree in law, public administration, or a related field;
• have a demonstrated record of interdisciplinary research;

be free of conflicts of interest.

6.3 Fairness and Transparency Mechanisms

To ensure impartiality and transparency:

• committee members must declare any potential conflict of interest before deliberations;
• all evaluations must be based solely on the criteria listed in Article 4;
• the committee must keep a written record of the evaluation process;
• the final decision must be justified through a brief internal report summarising the reasons for selection;

deliberations remain confidential, but the criteria and process are public.

6.4 Decision-Making

Decisions are reached by majority vote. Deliberations are confidential and conclusive.

Article 7 – Award Presentation

The award consists of:

• an official certificate of recognition;
• a crystal trophy symbolising achievement;
• a laudatio delivered during the conference;

public acknowledgement on the conference website and in official materials.

Article 8 – Ethical Standards and Consequences

8.1 Expectations

Nominees and laureates must uphold:

• academic integrity;
• professional ethics;

respect for the values associated with Professor Ioan Alexandru.

8.2 Consequences

If a laureate is later found to have violated academic or ethical standards:

• the Scientific Committee may issue a public clarification;
• in severe cases, the award may be withdrawn;

official records may be updated accordingly.

Article 9 – Thematic Priorities

The award does not impose mandatory annual themes. However:

the Scientific Committee may announce optional thematic priorities each year, reflecting emerging issues in administrative law, administrative sciences, or interdisciplinary research;

submissions outside the annual theme remain fully eligible and are evaluated equally.

Article 10 – Continuity

The Professor Ioan Alexandru Award for Interdisciplinary Studies is a permanent distinction of the conference and is granted annually to promote excellence in interdisciplinary research.

About the Award and Professor Ioan Alexandru

Professor Ioan Alexandru (1939–2023)

• Distinguished Scholar in Administrative Sciences and Administrative Law

The Professor Ioan Alexandru Award for Interdisciplinary Studies is established in honour of a prominent figure in Romanian administrative sciences and administrative law. The award recognises exceptional academic contributions that reflect the intellectual breadth, interdisciplinary outlook, and public-minded commitment that characterised Professor Ioan Alexandru’s (1939–2023) career.

Legacy and Significance

Professor Ioan Alexandru stands as a symbol of scientific prestige, academic integrity, and human dedication. His work after 1990 played a decisive role in shaping the modern study of public administration in Romania. As the founder and first Dean of the country’s inaugural Faculty of Public Administration at SNSPA, he laid the institutional and intellectual foundations for an entire field of study. His academic leadership continued through his service as Vice-Rector of SNSPA, as a doctoral supervisor, and as a member or leader of numerous national and international professional bodies.

A prolific scholar, he authored more than 80 books and over 150 studies in administrative sciences and administrative law, amounting to nearly 7,500 pages. His works, widely cited and utilised in universities, research institutes, and public administration training centres, have become essential references for students, researchers, and practitioners. His landmark publications, including Public Administration: Theories, Realities, and Perspectives and the Treaty on Public Administration, opened new directions for comparative, interdisciplinary, and European-oriented research.

Professor Alexandru’s academic career was complemented by extensive public service experience, including roles within central and local government, the Presidency of Romania, and the Ministry of Justice. This dual perspective – scholarship and practical involvement – shaped his conviction that the study of public administration must be understood in its full complexity, at the meeting point of political, social, economic, legal, and institutional factors.

Purpose of the Award

The Professor Ioan Alexandru Award for Interdisciplinary Studies is awarded annually at the International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective. It honours a scholar whose work demonstrates:

• interdisciplinary excellence in the study of public administration, administrative law, or related fields;
• national and European relevance, through contributions that advance understanding of administrative systems, governance, and public institutions;
• academic integrity and public commitment, reflecting the values embodied by Professor Alexandru throughout his career;

innovative research that bridges theory and practice, enriching the dialogue between law, administration, and the social sciences.

Enduring Mission

Through this award, the conference community recognises a distinguished scholar whose intellectual contributions continue to shape the field. It also serves to inspire subsequent generations of academics to engage in rigorous, interdisciplinary research that supports democratic governance and advances public administration in Romania, throughout Europe, and beyond.