Inauguration of two modern medical research centers at ”Nicolae Testemitanu” University

At ”Nicolae Testemitanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the Center for Molecular Medicine and the Center for Personalized Medicine have been inaugurated - scientific subdivisions created as a result of the implementation of the sub-project "Strengthening education through research in medicine within ”Nicolae Testemitanu” University (FORCE_Med)".

At the opening of the event, ”Nicolae Testemitanu” University rector mentioned the support of the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova in achieving the major objective stipulated in the Strategic Institutional Development Plan and in the University Strategy for strengthening the field of research and innovation until 2030, namely the promotion and implementation of the principle of training through research. In this context, Nicolae Testemitanu University was co-opted under the Moldova Higher Education project, through the sub-project FORCE_Med, worth 2 million 150 thousand euros, with an implementation period between October 23, 2022 - December 31, 2024.

"This sub-project aimed to improve the curriculum and the university infrastructure for the wide implementation of education through research, in order to increase the level of training of specialists for the national health system. The emphasis was placed on curricular reform with the development of the research component within the study process in the integrated study programs, bachelor's and master's programs related to the contemporary health system", the rector stated. 

Present at the event, Adriana Cazacu, state secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) mentioned that the main priorities of the ministry were ensuring appropriate training and research environment, the internationalization of education, attracting more young people to study at the universities of the Republic of Moldova, Nicolae Testemitanu University representing a model in this regard. "The opening of these centers is based on scientific results, statistical data, application software exchanges – all together contribute to increasing the quality of education. Thanks to this project, the study conditions in certain programs will be improved, because these changes target not only the form; a fundamental change is needed, such as connecting the programs to the current and perspective needs of the labor market, developing interdisciplinary programs according to the requirements of modern times", mentioned the secretary of state. Adriana Cazacu announced that the Ministry was considering the possibility of expanding this project in order to attract funds of approximately 30 million euros for the development of higher education, with 1/3 of these resources to be used for research.

"We have a partnership with Nicolae Testemitanu University and MER regarding the training of medical personnel and at the same time we want to make sure that we do everything possible to create facilities for young specialists in Medicine to have appropriate conditions to capitalize on the acquired knowledge. These investment projects contribute to equipping the technical-scientific base and training specialists and researchers with the aim of developing modern medicine and gradual integration into the European Union", said Vadim Aftene, head of the General Directorate in the field of integrated medical services at the Ministry of Health.

According to the manager of Moldova Higher Education project of the World Bank Sergiu Harea, investing in education is a priority both for the government and the business environment, as well as for students. "The investment of over 500 million lei in higher education and in vocational-technical education is a result of the joint efforts of universities, colleges and local public authorities. We will see the result in time, when these young people with great knowledge of medicine and achievements will become specialists, and with the help of these laboratories and equipment will establish a correct diagnosis, will apply an effective treatment, so that we can develop the Republic of Moldova together. As president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I affirm, with certainty, that the investment in today's youth will add value to the gross domestic product and to the image of the Republic of Moldova in the near future. We have something to be proud of", concluded the expert.

"The impact of this project is already very visible, by improving access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, creating an internationally competitive educational and scientific environment, and actively integrating students, master's students, doctoral students and resident doctors in applied research activities. The modernized curriculum and introduced disciplines not only improve the educational program, but also increase the practical relevance of training in the medical field, which is a firm commitment to academic excellence and adaptability to contemporary challenges in medicine," emphasized Jana Chihai, vice-rector for research activity and innovation.

In the opinion of University Professor Olga Tagadiuc, manager of the FORCE_Med subproject, over 2 years have passed with many challenges and demanding periods, but, in the end, "with  enormous satisfaction, because we managed to do more than we had planned. Thus, we have already updated the activity plan several times, with new lines for both purchases and training, by expanding mobility programs".

One of the direct beneficiaries is Cristina Trocin, a student in the 5th year at the Faculty of Medicine no. 1, who spoke about her participation in the training activity carried out at Nicolae Testemitanu University, under the Force_MED sub-project, on the topic Valorization of research results, but also copyright. "I express thanks, on behalf of all students, for this opportunity, and I am sure that it will help us to capitalize and identify intellectual property objects and, subsequently, to develop professionally in accordance with the requirements of modern medicine," the medical student pointed out. 

As a result of the implementation of the sub-project, all laboratories were endowed with furniture and high-performance equipment for the most complex investigations, 3 study rooms were equipped with interactive whiteboards and computers. Video equipment was installed on the premises of the centers, including in the classrooms, for the implementation of the tele-education concept. 

Licenses for statistical and bioinformatics analyses were also purchased, allowing the training of students, master's and doctoral students in the disciplines of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, with the use of software in the analysis of research data as a result of carrying out scientific studies in the framework of master's and doctoral theses. 

At the same time, educational plans and curricula were developed and implemented for the Medicine integrated study program, Bachelor's Nursing, Optometry, Public Health, Physiokinetotherapy and medical rehabilitation programs and Master's Molecular Technologies in Health program, 2 submodules were developed for the University Management Information System, training courses for students, masters, PhD students and researchers were organized. 

The "FORCE_Med" subproject is part of the Moldova Higher Education Project, implemented by the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova in the period 2020-2025, with the financial support of the World Bank.