Project description
Bringing science closer to society in Moldova
Public trust in science is essential for informed decision-making and innovation. In Moldova, however, confidence in scientific institutions has declined in recent years, contributing to lower interest in STEAM education and reduced engagement with research. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SCI-TRUST project aims to strengthen public trust in science by bringing researchers and citizens together through two editions of the European Researchers’ Night (2026-2027) in Chisinau and Balti, complemented by year-round school activities. Through interactive experiments, interdisciplinary science showcases, and direct dialogue with researchers, the project will make science more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, with a particular focus on young people. It will also highlight the value of EU-funded research and European scientific collaboration.
Objective
"SCI-TRUST addresses Moldova's challenge of rebuilding public confidence in scientific institutions and trust in science, in general. Exacerbated by COVID-19 and structural reforms, this manifests in declining STEAM enrollment, reduced youth research interest and misinformation susceptibility. As Moldova advances EU membership, rebuilding science-society relationships becomes essential for democratic participation and European Research Area integration.
The project implements two consecutive European Researchers' Night editions (2026-2027) in Chisinau and Balti, plus year-round ""Researchers at Schools"" activities. Our methodology integrates interdisciplinary showcases, hands-on experiments, and researcher-citizen dialogues making science accessible to diverse audiences. Five leading Moldovan institutions engage 10,000+ direct participants while reaching 500,000+ through digital platforms. Special focus on youth engagement (2,000 young people) and EU-funded research benefits through EU Corner, international presentations, and success exhibitions demonstrating European collaboration advantages.
Expected impacts: measurable trust, enhanced STEAM interest and strengthened communication capacity. SCI-TRUST's unique contribution lies in systematic trust-building through authentic relationships, comprehensive evaluation, and connecting local relevance to European collaboration benefits. Creating a replicable science communication model, the project positions Moldova as a pioneer in rebuilding public trust while advancing European integration and democratic society strengthening."
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
MD2004 Chisinau
Moldova
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.