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

BYLAWS 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 “Victor Dan Zlătescu” Department of Law to honor 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 recognizes 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 presented annually at the International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective. It is presented during the conference’s official session and remains a lasting honor associated with the “Victor Dan Zlătescu” Department of Law.

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 programs, whose contributions enrich the department’s academic environment;

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

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

There are no restrictions based on age, academic rank, nationality, or employment status.

Article 4 – Evaluation Criteria

Candidates are evaluated based on 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 taken into account when evaluating scholarly impact:

• publications in recognized 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 that are relevant to the faculty’s academic mission.

4.3 Support for Student Training

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

contributions to the modernization of legal education within the faculty.

4.4 Institutional Engagement

• involvement in academic initiatives, program development, or enhancing 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 rigor, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to legal education.

Article 5 – Nomination Procedure

Nominations may be submitted by:

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

members of the conference's Scientific Committee.

Each nomination must include:

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

supporting documents or evidence, as applicable (publications, teaching activities, institutional initiatives, etc.).

Article 6 – Selection Committee

6.1 Composition

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

• at least three members of the department with recognized academic experience;
• one representative from the conference's Scientific Committee;

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

6.2 Qualifications

Members of the committee must:

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

be free of conflicts of interest regarding the nominees.

6.3 Decision-Making

Decisions are made by majority vote.

Deliberations are confidential, and the final decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Article 7 – Award Ceremony

The award consists of:

• an official certificate of recognition;
• a crystal trophy symbolizing the award;
• a laudatio presented during the conference;

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

In severe cases, the award may be revoked 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 award presented by the “Victor Dan Zlătescu” Department of Law. It is awarded annually to recognize 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 Modernization in Romania

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

Legacy and Significance

Professor Victor Dan Zlătescu has played a distinguished role in the development of Romanian legal scholarship. A graduate of the University of Bucharest and recipient of the Diplôme supérieur de droit comparé from Strasbourg, he was among the pioneering Romanian jurists to systematically incorporate comparative methodology into legal education and research. His European academic background and intellectual openness positioned him as a bridge between Romanian legal doctrine and prominent contemporary legal systems.

His professional career combined academic excellence with notable judicial service. He worked as a solicitor, a 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 judicial decisions, 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 specializing 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 played a key role in establishing legislative drafting (legistics) as a distinct academic discipline in Romania. His publications, characterized by clarity, analytical rigor, 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 presented annually during the International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective. It honors 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;
• participation in international academic cooperation, including ERASMUS teaching activities;

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

Enduring Mission

Through this award, the “Victor Dan Zlătescu” Department of Law honors a legal scholar 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 modernization of law in Romania and across Europe.

---

The Professor Ioan Alexandru Award for Interdisciplinary Studies

BYLAWS FOR THE PROFESSOR IOAN ALEXANDRU AWARD

• FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Article 1 – Purpose of the Award

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

Article 2 – Awarding Framework

The award is presented annually during the International Conference on Law and Administrative Justice from an Interdisciplinary Perspective. It is presented at the official conference session and is a permanent honor 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 restrictions based on age, academic rank, or institutional affiliation.

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 that integrate multiple disciplines.

4.2 Scholarly Impact

Scholarly impact is assessed through:

• publications in recognized 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 Rigor

Nominees must demonstrate:

• adherence to academic integrity standards, including proper citation practices and the avoidance of plagiarism;
• methodological rigor, 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 to 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 rigor, 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 winners.

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 recognized academic experience;
• one external expert in administrative law or public administration;

one representative of the conference organizing committee.

6.2 Qualifications

Members must:

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

be free of conflicts of interest.

6.3 Fairness and Transparency Mechanisms

To ensure impartiality and transparency:

• Committee members must disclose any potential conflict of interest before deliberations begin;
• All evaluations must be based solely on the criteria listed in Article 4;
• The committee must maintain a written record of the evaluation process;
• The final decision must be justified in a brief internal report summarizing the reasons for the selection;

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

6.4 Decision-Making

Decisions are made by majority vote. Deliberations are confidential and final.

Article 7 – Award Ceremony

The award consists of:

• an official certificate of recognition;
• a crystal trophy symbolizing achievement;
• a laudation delivered during the conference;

public acknowledgment on the conference website and in official materials.

Article 8 – Ethical Standards and Consequences

8.1 Expectations

Nominees and laureates must adhere to the following:

• 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 revoked;

Official records may be updated accordingly.

Article 9 – Thematic Priorities

The award does not require specific 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 that do not fall under the annual theme remain fully eligible and are evaluated on an equal basis.

Article 10 – Continuity

The Professor Ioan Alexandru Award for Interdisciplinary Studies is a permanent honor bestowed by the conference and is awarded 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 honor of a prominent figure in Romanian administrative sciences and administrative law. The award recognizes exceptional academic contributions that reflect the intellectual breadth, interdisciplinary outlook, and public-minded commitment that characterized Professor Ioan Alexandru’s (1939–2023) career.

Legacy and Significance

Professor Ioan Alexandru stands as a symbol of scientific prestige, academic integrity, and dedication to humanity. 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 first 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 advisor, and as a member or leader of numerous national and international professional organizations.

A prolific scholar, he authored more than 80 books and over 150 studies in administrative sciences and administrative law, totaling nearly 7,500 pages. His works, widely cited and used in universities, research institutes, and public administration training centers, 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 up new avenues for comparative, interdisciplinary, and European-oriented research.

Professor Alexandru’s academic career was complemented by extensive experience in public service, including roles in 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 all its complexity, at the intersection of political, social, economic, legal, and institutional factors.

Purpose of the Award

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

• interdisciplinary excellence in the study of public administration, administrative law, or related fields;
• national and European significance, 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, public administration, and the social sciences.

Enduring Mission

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