Improving research capacity in Moldova
The European Research Area (ERA) is an EU agreement that promotes multinational collaboration in science and technology research. In order for Moldova to fully benefit from inclusion in the ERA, its research infrastructure and capacity need strengthening. The MOLD-ERA project was established to develop and implement a research strategy for the Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies (IEEN). The aim was to raise the level of excellence in nanobiotechnology research to that of leading European research institutes. MOLD-ERA established a nanobioengineering training school for post-graduate students that focused on coursework, summer schools, online lectures and researcher exchanges with several major research institutes in Europe. In addition, researchers from all over Moldova attended workshops to assist with applying for funding within the ERA system. The project also funded the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for the IEEN, as well as training on the machines for students and researchers. Moldova hosted a successful international conference on nanobioengineering, which promoted Moldovan research in the media and was covered by major TV channels and the local press. Finally, six new ERA funding proposals have been created under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Overall, MOLD-ERA has expanded Moldova's research capacity in the field of nanobioengineering and improved on its research infrastructure. It has thus positioned the IEEN as a central hub for research excellence and collaboration in Moldova and in the ERA.
