Scientists not satisfied with draft Education Code

Scientists of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova welcome the formulation of a new Education Code, but warn that it runs counter to the Code on Science and Innovation, Info-Prim Neo reports. In an open statement, the academicians say the mechanism of managing science and innovation described in the draft Education Code is not based on the objective analysis of the present system and does not take into account the possible impact on the further development of science. “The Code on Science and Innovation proved its viability and is considered by the international scientific communality as an efficient form of managing research and development, including by the Conference of Academies of Sciences from Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the Federation of European Academies of Sciences, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization and other scientific organizations like UNESCO, MAAN, ICSU,” it is said in the statement. The signatories say representatives of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova submitted proposals when the Education Code was being drafted. They suggested adjusting the stipulations regarding science and innovation to the similar normative documents of Romania and France and proposed a series of amendments, but their proposals were not taken into consideration. “We warn the Moldovan decision makers that not the division of the scientific community into academic, university and field communities, but its strengthening will lead to the achievement of results. In order to avoid possible legal collisions and the degrading of the national science, the Education Code should be adjusted to the Code on Science and Innovation of Moldova,” the scientists say. The signatories do not agree with the creation of the National Agency for Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer and the National Agency for Insuring Quality in Higher Education and Research under the Government. The scientists demand extending the term of debates on the draft Education Code. The document was presented on April 21 and will be under public debates for 30 days.