"From research to impact": brokerage event – a premiere at ”Nicolae Testemitanu” University

The National Institute for Health and Medical Research of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova organized a brokerage event for strategic partnerships with the theme "From research to impact". The action took place under Nexus for digital health in Moldova project within the Program of joint projects for collaboration between the scientific diaspora and centers in the fields of research and innovation of the Republic of Moldova (ReBRAIN)".

First Vice-Rector Olga Cernetchi, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Academic Management, emphasized that Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy undertook an active role in modernizing research and integrating into the international space. In this context, the First Vice-Rector appreciated the participation of experts from the diaspora, who bring not only expertise, but also vision, rigor and a spirit of innovation to the domestic research space. “The event represents a platform for identifying competitive partnerships, formulating ideas with real funding potential and consolidating an impact-oriented scientific community. The Republic of Moldova has exceptional human resources, and through intelligent collaboration, we can advance towards solid European projects, innovative technologies and digital solutions adapted to the real needs of the medical system”, Professor Olga Cernetchi emphasized.

Jana Chihai, moderator and Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Nicolae Testemitanu University, noted that this event was a clear expression of the University's mission by implementing the concept of education through research.

"Innovation is where there is dialogue, open collaboration and expertise. All those involved in the project form an ecosystem of collaboration and are transposed into all areas of life. We appreciate the openness of the diaspora and the fact that it responded to our call for the implementation of joint scientific projects. Today's event is a premiere, in this context teams are being created in order to prepare for grant competitions and partnerships with local and global industry", the vice-rector mentioned.

According to Adriana Cazacu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy is one of the most active institutions in terms of creating partnerships between research, the business environment and the scientific diaspora, and this experience is welcome for other entities. Accordingly, she listed the policy documents in the field of research - a priority segment for the current government. At the same time, she highlighted the Moldova’s 2025-2029 National Program for European Union Accession, which directly stipulates the segment of collaboration with the diaspora, as well as “SMART Moldova” National Program for Smart Specialization (2024-2027), our country being the only state within the Eastern Partnership that has developed and approved such a program. “One of the four priority areas included in “SMART Moldova” is biomedicine and biopharmaceuticals, where we have human potential, research infrastructure and technology transfer”, the State Secretary concluded.   

For his part, Sergiu Harea, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Republic of Moldova, noted the importance of innovation and technological transfer for the competitive development of the national economy, highlighting the collaboration between the CCI with the National Agency for Research and Development (NARD) and the promotion of innovative solutions at events such as "Made in Moldova" and "Autochthonous Product".

The forum was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, Nicolae Testemitanu University, NARD, the International Organization for Migration, the Global Medical Affairs Department, Worwag Pharma from Germany, the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine from the United States of America, the coordinators of Nexus for digital health in Moldova project, representatives of the private sector, researchers and experts from the medical diaspora. 

The meeting was dedicated to interdisciplinary dialogue and the valorization of international collaborations, and included thematic panels on common directions between research and the private sector; Pitch Arena: Ideas with impact - presentations of concepts developed by participants, networking session to initiate strategic partnerships and explore opportunities for collaboration between research, industry and the scientific diaspora. 

The event was preceded by several scientific events, held on December 9 and 10, which included communications and networking sessions.