PHOTO// Scientific community of Moldova honored at Researchers' Gala 2025; Moldovan education minister says researchers' work has future at home

The scientific community of Moldova today was honored at the 2025 Researchers' Gala, a traditional event organized by the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC). At the ceremony, 53 researchers were awarded diplomas.

Present at the event, Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun emphasized the essential role of research in the society’s development and reiterated the authorities' commitment to this field.

‘’Research is a team effort, long-term, requiring rigor, courage and a lot of perseverance. Through the decisions made in 2025 – from substantial increases in salaries and scholarships to investments in innovation, infrastructure and European integration – we are sending a clear message: the work of researchers in Moldova is respected and has a future here at home,’’ said the minister.

In 2025, MEC took more actions to strengthen the national research and innovation system. They include doubling the payment norms for activities in research, innovation and technology transfer projects, a measure applied to both project leaders and coordinators, as well as research team members and technical staff.

Special emphasis was placed on supporting young researchers. Doctoral scholarships were increased more than twice: the Government Scholarship increased from 3,165 lei to 6,600 lei and scholarships in scientific fields reached 5,720 lei.

At the same time, monthly bonuses for holders of scientific titles were significantly increased: 4,500 lei for habilitated doctors and 4,000 lei for doctors of science.

According to authorities, these measures aim to enhance the attractiveness of academic careers and retain human capital in research.

The concerned authorities announce that a new government decision is currently being endorsed, which provides for a significant increase in the remuneration of experts involved in evaluating doctoral dossiers and research projects, with the current rates unchanged since 2007.

To stimulate cooperation between academia and business, the Innovation and Technology Transfer Fund was launched in 2025, with a budget of approximately 35 million lei for the first two years. The fund supports technology transfer projects and provides innovation vouchers.

Also, as part of the Higher Education in Moldova project, funded by the World Bank, a research component was included for the first time, meant to support investments in scientific infrastructure and integration into the European Research Area. At the same time, Moldova is strengthening its participation in the Horizon Europe programme, including through the M-HERO project, intended to support researchers in accessing European funds.