Romanian Athenaeum
A celebration of Romanian excellence at the Romanian Athenaeum
The twelfth edition of the Grand National Lodge of Romania (MLNR) Awards Gala was a celebration of Romanian excellence and a reaffirmation of our commitment to the authentic values that define the progress of a society based on merit, education, and creative spirit. Hosted in the sumptuous setting of the Romanian Athenaeum, the event brought together elites from the academic, cultural, and institutional worlds in a moment of recognition and reverence for those who patiently and visionarily shape Romania’s future.
Among the distinguished guests were members of the Romanian Academy, ministers of culture and education, rectors of the twelve partner universities, and other notable figures from Romanian public life.
At the opening of the gala, Academician Ioan-Aurel Pop, President of the Romanian Academy, delivered a vibrant speech, advocating for the cultivation and celebration of authentic value in Romania:
“The Romanian Academy is a unique institution. It promotes, honors, and celebrates scientific excellence and cultural and artistic creation at the highest level. It is the highest forum for the recognition of research in Romania. That is why we were delighted to join forces with the Grand National Lodge of Romania, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Culture to award these prizes, which highlight the enduring value of our society—a value that spans decades and centuries.”
This was followed by a message from the Grand Master of the MLNR, Cătălin Tohăneanu, who emphasized the role of this event in supporting the Romanian elite:
“This Gala is not just an act of recognition. It is the expression of a deep conviction: that Romania’s authentic elites deserve to be visible, supported, and promoted, because they represent the direction, integrity, and substance of a coherent and sustainable national project.”
Awards and winners
In a solemn setting, accompanied by the Bucharest National Opera Orchestra, conducted by maestro Daniel Jinga, and the National Opera Choir, alongside tenor Teodor Ilincăi and mezzo-soprano Adelina Maria Cociobanu, seven awards were presented, each bearing the name of a great personality who shaped the destiny of our nation:
Grigore Moisil Award for Exact Sciences:
Dr. Lucian Beznea – for his essential contributions to probability theory and functional analysis.
Henri Coandă Award for Applied Sciences:
Prof. Dr. Eng. Dragoș Axinte – for innovative contributions in the field of mechanical engineering and applied robotics.
Carol Davila Award for Medicine:
Prof. Simona Olimpia Dima, PhD – for her outstanding work in genomic research.
Eugeniu Carada Award for Economics:
Prof. Ionuț Purica, PhD, Eng. – for his work on climate change and sustainability.
Spiru Haret Award for Education, Environment, and IT:
Prof. Romiță Iucu, PhD – for reforms in higher education and the digitization of education.
Constantin Brâncuși Award for Art and Culture:
Cristian Măcelaru – international conductor and cultural ambassador of Romania.
Nicolae Titulescu Award for Diplomacy and Political Science:
Cătălin Predoiu – for his diplomatic success in Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area.
Each winner received a prize of €10,000 as a symbol of recognition for their exceptional contribution to building a modern and respected Romania.
This Gala would not have been possible without the unconditional support of MLNR members and media and institutional partners. Special mention must be made of lawyer Dr. Remus Borza, the initiator and driving force behind this project, for his vision, perseverance, and unreserved dedication.
Romania has remarkable intellectual, moral, and creative resources. It is our collective duty to recognize, honor, and support them—with respect, patience, and trust. The MLNR Gala is proof that this is not only possible, but also deeply necessary.