vice chancellor for International Programs, Romanian Naval Academy “Mircea cel Batran”, Romania
Dr. Catalin Popa is a distinguished Romanian academic and maritime professional with extensive experience in naval logistics and business. Since 1995, he has been an integral part of the Romanian Naval Academy, currently serving as Vice-Rector for International Programs and Associate Professor in logistics and maritime business. His career encompasses various administrative and academic roles, including financial officer, professor assistant, and associate professor. Notably, between 2001 and 2003, he served onboard Romanian Navy ships, and from 2004 to 2005, he was appointed to the OSCE Mission in Georgia. His leadership roles at the Naval Academy include Director for Education (2011-2013), Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Navigation and Naval Management (2013-2014), and Vice-Rector for International Programs (2016-present). Additionally, he has international teaching experience, having served as a professor at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE (2013-2015).
Profile
Orcid
Education 🎓
Dr. Popa’s educational background is both diverse and robust. He graduated from the Land Forces Institute in 1995. He furthered his studies by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in International Economic Affairs in 2001 and a Master of Science in Naval Transports in 2002. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Economics awarded by the Romanian Academy of Sciences in 2009. In addition to his formal degrees, Dr. Popa has pursued various certifications, including a Certificate in AnyLogic Multimethod Modelling Software (2020), Educational Management (2017), Maritime Security Challenges for the European Union (2017), and Project Management (2017).
Research Interests 🔍
Dr. Popa’s research interests are deeply rooted in the maritime sector. His expertise encompasses transports, maritime business, port business, maritime education and training (MET), logistics, and supply chain management. He has contributed significantly to these fields through his research and publications, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of maritime operations and education.
Awards and Recognitions 🏆
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Popa has been recognized for his contributions to maritime education and research. His dedication and achievements have earned him various accolades, reflecting his commitment to excellence in his field.
Publications 📚
“Multimodal Livestock Operations Analysis Using Business Process Modeling: A Case Study of Romanian Black Sea Ports” (2025). This study examines the efficiency of livestock operations in Romanian ports using business process modeling techniques.
“Scoping Review of Infectious Disease Prevention, Mitigation, and Management in Passenger Ships and at Ports: Mapping the Literature to Develop Comprehensive and Effective Public Health Measures” (2025). This comprehensive review addresses public health strategies in maritime settings.
“Maximizing Solar Power Potential: A Study Case of Solar Radiation and Panel Positioning in South-Eastern Region of Romania” (2024). This research explores optimal solar panel positioning to enhance energy efficiency.
“Digital Twin-Based Cyber-Physical Manufacturing Systems, Extended Reality Metaverse Enterprise and Production Management Algorithms, and Internet of Things Financial and Labor Market Technologies in Generative Artificial Intelligence Economics” (2024). This paper delves into the integration of advanced technologies in manufacturing and economics.
“The Modelling of Cargo Transshipment Operations Using the Business Process Modelling Tools” (2024). This work focuses on improving cargo transshipment processes through modeling tools.
Conclusion
Dr. Catalin Popa is a highly suitable candidate for the Research Excellence Distinction Award. His outstanding contributions to maritime business, logistics, and supply chain management, combined with his academic leadership and research funding success, position him as a top researcher in his field. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and increasing the impact of his publications could further solidify his standing in the global research community. 🚀