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As part of the “Researchers at Schools” program, 11th- and 12th-grade students at the “Petru Zadnipru” Theoretical High School in Chișinău participated in an interactive session on the genetics of the nervous system, led by Ms. Diana Covalenco, a resident in psychiatry at the “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
The event highlighted important topics in contemporary medicine and research, such as the role of genes in mental health, the influence of genetic factors on the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, and current challenges in the field of neurobiology. The high school students were particularly interested in the current state of research on Alzheimer’s disease, modern prevention methods, and the possibilities offered by cutting-edge gene therapies.
This meeting highlighted two fundamental directions for the sustainable development of society: attracting young people to careers in research and engaging the next generation of researchers and specialists in dialogue with society.
Rapid changes and complex global challenges in the fields of health, technology, and the environment require a new generation of curious, responsible, and thoroughly trained young people. Attracting students to the STEAM fields—science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics—is not only an educational priority but also a strategic investment in the Republic of Moldova’s potential for research and innovation.
At the same time, the direct involvement of young researchers and practitioners in science outreach activities serves as an essential bridge between laboratories and society. When they share their passion, methods, and research findings in accessible and open language, science becomes easier to understand, more appealing, and more relatable to new generations.
The series of activities for students will continue in the coming period with a field trip to the research laboratories at the “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. High school students will thus have the opportunity to explore modern scientific infrastructure and gain firsthand insight into the work of researchers.
The activities of promoting research in schools and facilitating students’ access to science labs are carried out with financial support from the European Union, as part of the Sci-TRUST project “Fostering trust in science: European Researchers’ Night” funded through the Horizon Europe program, grant agreement 101305415.
The Sci-TRUST 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.
