The first Romanian to travel into space, was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, the first Romanian in space, awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by "Carol Davila" UMF "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest has conferred the title of Doctor Honoris Causa upon Mr. Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, the first and only Romanian to reach outer space, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the advancement of science, aerospace research, and space medicine. The award ceremony for this academic distinction represents a special moment for the university community, highlighting the increasingly close link between medicine, technology, and space exploration. On May 14, 1981, Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu became the first Romanian and the 103rd human to reach space aboard the Soyuz 40 spacecraft, alongside cosmonaut Leonid Popov. During the mission conducted on the Salyut 6 space station, scientific experiments were performed in fields such as astrophysics, technology, and space medicine. Beyond this historic achievement, his professional activity has significantly contributed to the advancement of aerospace research and the strengthening of international scientific cooperation. Co-founder and former president of the Romanian Space Agency, Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu has consistently supported education, research, and the engagement of new generations in scientific fields. In 2026, his work was further recognized with the Theodore von Kármán Award, the highest distinction bestowed by the International Academy of Astronautics. Space medicine – a field at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation Conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa also underscores the importance of space medicine, an interdisciplinary field bringing together medicine, engineering, biology, and advanced technologies. Research conducted under microgravity conditions contributes to a better understanding of the human body, providing key insights into cardiovascular health, the musculoskeletal system, physiological adaptation, and the development of new medical technologies. For the Center for Innovation and e-Health (CieH) at "Carol Davila" UMF, this direction reflects the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies into biomedical research. Through its initiatives dedicated to innovation, digitalization, and the development of new healthcare solutions, CieH supports a vision of medicine where technological progress and scientific research complement each other. The distinction awarded to Mr. Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu represents not only recognition of an exceptional career, but also a message for future generations of physicians and researchers: great discoveries begin with the courage to explore beyond known limits.