Researchers now have the opportunity to apply for five project competitions with a total budget of over 60 million lei, launched by the Ministry of Education and Research in collaboration with the National Agency for Research and Development. For the first time, calls have been launched for projects dedicated to collaboration with the scientific diaspora. These initiatives aim to attract talented young professionals to the field and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technology between the Republic of Moldova and its scientific diaspora, stated Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun during a press conference, IPN reports.

The projects will take place between 2025 and 2026. Minister Dan Perciun announced that the project call will involve at least 200 researchers, of whom at least 100 are expected to be young researchers. "Considering that we currently have 730 young researchers under the age of 40, this means that approximately one in seven young researchers will have the opportunity to benefit from these resources through the project competition," the minister said.

During the event, calls for five types of projects were announced, which, according to the minister, are intended to stimulate research development and international collaboration. The projects include:

"Stimulating Excellence in Scientific Research", with a budget of 24 million lei, providing up to 600,000 lei per project.

A funding call specifically for young researchers, with a budget of 22.5 million lei, offering up to 900,000 lei per project.

The "ReBRAIN" program, a joint collaboration initiative between the scientific diaspora and research organizations in Moldova, with a 10 million lei budget.

Additionally, the minister highlighted the possibility of applying for innovation vouchers for 2025 and projects aimed at enhancing participation in the Horizon Europe Program.

"The Republic of Moldova needs researchers. In the face of global challenges - from climate crises to rapid technological transformations - our future depends on our ability to innovate and find sustainable solutions. That is why it is our responsibility, as a state, to support research", declared Minister Perciun.

Applications for the competitions can be submitted until April 4. The project evaluations will take place between April and May, with results to be validated in June of this year.