Lab lead · Doctoral researcher
Octavian Radu
Octavian has extensive experience in R&D since 2001, having been involved in
various research projects with Telecom Italia, Ixia, and Keysight Technologies. For
Keysight Technologies, he led the Innovation Program in Romania, driving complex
projects in pre-silicon simulation and verification, as well as mmWave OpenRAN radio
heads. He is the co-author of 4 US-granted patents and multiple published papers. In
2022, he founded his first startup, Smart Touch Technologies, specializing in
AI-driven document process automation, which achieved a successful exit in 2024.
Since late 2024, he has joined the management team of Capital Markets and Risk
Intelligence at the London Stock Exchange Group, leveraging his advanced expertise
in fintech, mathematical modeling, and AI-driven solutions for financial markets.
octavian.radu2002@upb.ro
·
+40 726 413 192
Student · 11th grade
Rares Muntean
Rares is an 11th-grade student with a strong passion for physics and a particular
interest in exploring its fundamental principles through rigorous mathematical
reasoning and independent investigation. He was awarded a Silver Medal at the
International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), an experience that further strengthened his
interest in challenging problems and research-oriented exploration beyond the
standard curriculum. He is also deeply interested in advanced mathematical methods
and their applications, as well as chemistry and geography. His primary focus,
however, remains physics, particularly the pursuit of deeper understanding through
quantitative modelling, problem solving, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Student · 11th grade
Alexandru Ioan Jicu
Alex is an 11th-grade student with an interest for physics and chemistry,
particularly interdisciplinary approaches to different sciences. His experience with
olympiads (International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO), International Physics
Olympiad (IPhO) and national physics, chemistry, astronomy and biology olympiads)
strengthened his interest for integrated interdisciplinary approaches to different
problems. His main focus is “seeing the full picture” and finding a way to use
knowledge from all areas of science, through both theory and experiment.
Student · 10th grade
Antonia Radu
Antonia is a 10th-grade student with a strong dedication to physics, demonstrated
through consistent results at both national and international levels. A three-time
medalist at the Romanian National Physics Olympiad (including one Gold and two
Silver Medals), she has also achieved top results in international team
competitions, securing 1st place twice at the Thomas Jefferson Physics Olympiad
(TJPhO 2025, 2026) and 2nd place at the OPhO Invitational (2025). Her solid
mathematical background and collaborative approach to problem solving drive her
growing interest in theoretical modeling, computational physics, and research-driven
investigation.
Student · 10th grade
Vlad Andrei Bautu
Vlad is a 10th-grade student with an outstanding mathematical background and a
deep-seated passion for physics. A multiple Gold Medalist at the Romanian National
Physics Olympiad across consecutive years, his exceptional consistency at the highest
domestic level is complemented internationally by a Silver Medal at the Balkan Physics
Olympiad (BPO). Driven by a rigorous approach to quantitative modeling and theoretical
exploration, he continuously pushes beyond the standard curriculum. His current
research interests focus on electrostatics, advanced field theory, and computational
problem-solving, making him a key contributor to high-level collaborative projects.