On May 20, 2026 the Sci-TRUST project was officially launched. It aims to bring research closer to the general public and to strengthen trust in science. The project, one of 49 funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe program out of more than 241 proposals, brings the European Researchers’ Night back to the Republic of Moldova. On September 25, 2026, we will celebrate science alongside 40 countries and over 1 million visitors across the European continent.

At the kick-off meeting, all consortium members reaffirmed their commitment to the common goals: fostering trust in science, combating misinformation, promoting careers in research and STEAM fields and strengthening the links between education and research. The consortium is coordinated by the Technical University of Moldova and includes the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, “Alecu Russo” State University in Bălți, “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the InfoGroup NGO.

“The European Researchers’ Night project is not, in fact, limited to a single evening. It is a series of events dedicated to a very important field that is a priority for the country—the role of science in society.” (Viorel Bostan, Doctor Habilitatus, TUM Rector).  

One of the project’s key activities is the “Researchers in Schools” initiative, managed by the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, which brings scientists into classrooms and students into laboratories through activities held throughout the project. The project offers students a unique opportunity to explore science and develop their STEAM skills. In this way, young people come to understand how their knowledge applies to real life and what role science plays in addressing the challenges of today’s society.

 “By organizing European Researchers’ Night in the Republic of Moldova, we are, in effect, supporting the country’s European path. Another important aspect is that the project allows us to demonstrate to society that researchers contribute to the country’s development. Even more importantly, we are engaging young people.” (Ion Tighineanu, academician, president of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova).

Through its participation in the Sci-TRUST project, “Alecu Russo” State University in Bălți reaffirms its commitment to connecting research with society and to inspiring generations of students in the north of Moldova to get involved in building a country based on innovation and scientific knowledge.

“This project helps present research in a way that is unfamiliar to young people - as an attractive endeavour that offers a different perspective on researchers, in which they are appreciated at their fair value and for the contribution they make to the country’s development.” (Valentina Prițcan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Vice Rector for Scientific Activity and International Relations, USARB)

The enrlargment of the Sci-TRUST consortium to include the “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy brings a new perspective on health and life sciences research and contributes to diversifying the range of activities that will be carried out during the project.

“We are very keen to raise public awareness, to explain why research is necessary and to emphasize that progress — including in the field of medicine — can only be achieved on the basis of scientific evidence.” (Jana Chihai, Dr. hab. med., Associate Professor, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, USMF)

AO InfoGroup, Sci-TRUST’s partner responsible for communication and outreach, is a catalyst for scientific communication, building bridges between the scientific community and society.

“Our mission is to make science accessible, engaging and relevant to all citizens, regardless of age or social background.” (Igor Cojocaru, Dr., President of AO InfoGroup)

During 2026–2027, the project will organize two consecutive editions of the European Researchers’ Night in Chișinău and Bălți, featuring a diverse range of activities designed to inspire and educate:

• interactive experiments and high-impact scientific demonstrations
• exhibitions dedicated to current research and innovation advancements 
• direct dialogues between researchers and the public
• creative competitions for high schoolers and college students.

 
The 2026 edition of the project is special because MSCA — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the European Union’s flagship initiative for doctoral and postdoctoral training — celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since 1996, the initiative has supported over 150,000 researchers, including 23 Nobel Prize laureates. The MSCA program, which focuses on promoting science through the European Researchers’ Night initiative, remains a central pillar of excellence in European research, fostering international mobility and the development of top talent.

We invite you to follow and get involved in the Sci-TRUST project’s activities, so that together we can help foster trust in science.

The project Sci-TRUST “Fostering trust in science: European Researchers’ Night” is funded by the European Union program for research and innovation Horizon Europe, grant agreement Nr. 101305415.