Researchers from the Republic of Moldova and Romania now have access to a new grant opportunity aimed at fostering collaboration between the two nations. Announced in Chisinau by Romania’s Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization, Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, and Moldova’s Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, the initiative will provide a total of 100 million lei in funding for joint research projects.
Key Details of the Grant Program
The newly launched program allows researchers to apply for up to 3 million Moldovan lei (approximately 750,000 Romanian lei) in funding for each project, which must be completed within a 24-month period. Applications are open until the end of October 2024.
“This is the second edition of the initiative, and we will fund our researchers and Romanian researchers with a total budget of 100 million lei,” announced Dan Perciun during the press conference, emphasizing the importance of fostering bilateral research efforts.
Fields of Research and Collaboration
The eligible fields for these joint research projects include a wide range of scientific disciplines:
- Digitization
- Industry and space
- Climate, energy, and mobility
- Food, economy, natural resources, biodiversity
- Agriculture and environment
- Health
- Culture and creativity
- Inclusive society and civil security
Both direct costs, such as personnel, logistics, and travel, as well as indirect costs, will be covered by the grant funding. Proposals will be evaluated by international experts with doctorates and significant expertise in their respective fields.
Strengthening Bilateral Research Ties
Minister Perciun urged researchers from both nations to apply for the grants, stressing the importance of joint projects in advancing toward European Union integration: “This call for projects offers an excellent chance for collaboration, team-building, and progress toward EU integration. Romania has been a steadfast partner in the important reforms of our education and research system,” Perciun stated.
He also encouraged researchers to consider using this opportunity as a springboard for future Horizon Europe projects, which further opens doors for collaborative research within the EU framework.
Aiming for Long-Term Partnerships
Romania’s Minister Bogdan-Gruia Ivan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the symbolic nature of the initiative. “Scientific diplomacy and new technologies know no borders, especially between two friendly nations that share a language and history. We hope to see the best scientists from Moldova and Romania collaborate, involving universities, research institutions, and companies from both sides of the Prut.”
Ivan also emphasized that the next phase of this initiative will focus on technology transfer projects, a crucial aspect for turning research into practical innovations that benefit both nations.
A Successful History of Joint Funding
This is the second joint call for Moldovan and Romanian researchers. The first edition, launched in 2023, attracted 179 project submissions, with 38 receiving funding from a total budget of 20 million Romanian lei. With the increased funding in this second edition, both governments hope to see even more researchers and institutions participate, further strengthening cross-border collaboration in science and innovation.
