A third of the money allocated to research in 2023 went to the natural sciences. Statistical data show that the field received 210 million lei out of the 647 million lei devoted to research. Medical and agricultural sciences each accessed around 120 million lei. Less money went to engineering and technical sciences, just over 80 million lei, and social sciences and humanities, 70 and 40 million.
Aurelia Hanganu, director general of the National Agency for Research and Development, and Viorel Bostan, rector of the Technical University of Moldova, were present on the program “Consens National” on Rlive TV. They spoke in favor of research funding based on competitive criteria and a review of research priorities and programs.
Aurelia Hanganu, director general of the National Agency for Research and Development, said that 80 percent of the money dedicated to science was directed last year for institutional funding, and only 20 percent remained for the competitive part. She says authorities must change this proportion in favor of competition and research development.
“The funding of projects is in five strategic directions: health, agriculture, environment, and societal challenges. We face tremendous competition there because the humanities and social sciences are merged in one direction, creating an area with very high capacities. Biotechnology and the exact sciences are also in demand. We should wisely use this inclination to develop capacities in these fields, just as other countries have. These nations recognized their strengths, identified areas for advancement, and invested strategically”, Aurelia Hanganu said.
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Viorel Bostan, the rector of the Technical University of Moldova, believes we should change the priorities and strategic directions in research every few years.
“We have potential, but we need to solve the funding problem and continue European integration to ensure research is viewed favorably in the country. In the West, half of research funding comes from private companies. It is practically lacking in Moldova, and the business environment must also understand that investing in research and development increases competitiveness. Research is like investing in a start-up. Only one out of a hundred can excel,” said the Technical University of Moldova rector.
Last year, the Republic of Moldova spent 0.22 of its Gross Domestic Product on research and development. Of the 671 million lei spent on science, 96 percent went to current expenses, mostly related to paying salaries and social contributions for employees. Moldova allocated three percent of the funds to purchase equipment, information technology, and other capital expenditures.