Students from two educational institutions in northern Moldova had the opportunity to discover the practical applications of scientific research, ranging from modern methods of combating pollution to the genetics of the nervous system. The meetings took place on October 16, 2026, in the Briceni and Edineț districts, where specialists from the Moldova State University (USM) and the “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF) gave lectures as part of the “Researchers at Schools” program.

The first meeting took place at the Theoretical High School in the village of Trebisăuți, Briceni District, where Dr. Larisa Mocanu, a researcher at the “Academician Gheorghe Duca” Department of Industrial and Environmental Chemistry at USM, spoke to the students about environmental chemistry and environmental remediation. Drawing on her experience in the field of advanced wastewater treatment methods, the researcher explained the importance of chemistry in protecting natural resources and the role of modern technologies in preventing and reducing pollution. The lecture also highlighted the contribution of scientific research to identifying sustainable solutions to current environmental challenges.

On the same day, students from the “Vasile Suhomlinski” Theoretical High School in Edineț explored another fascinating field of science—the genetics of the nervous system. Diana Covalenco, a resident in psychiatry at the “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, presented the genetic mechanisms involved in the development and functioning of the nervous system, as well as recent advances in neurobiology research. The discussions highlighted the importance of scientific discoveries in this field and their potential for developing new therapeutic approaches. During the presentation on the genetics of the nervous system, the high school students explored the interaction between genes and the environment, using Rett syndrome—a condition caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene—as an example, which sparked numerous questions about the role of genetic factors. The teenagers discovered the importance of scientific research through examples such as the development of innovative medications and current challenges in medicine, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

Beyond the information presented, the two meetings offered students the opportunity to interact directly with specialists, ask questions, and better understand the connection between the knowledge they acquire in school and the practical applications of scientific research.

The dialogue between researchers and high school students will continue outside the classroom as well. In the coming period, some of the students from both schools will take study visits to the laboratories at USM and USMF “Nicolae Testemițanu,” where they will have the opportunity to explore the research infrastructure, become familiar with the equipment and methods used by specialists, and gain a better understanding of the stages involved in conducting scientific investigations.

These activities are part of the objectives of the “Researchers at Schools” program, which aims to strengthen ties between the scientific community and the pre-university educational environment, stimulate intellectual curiosity, and foster the younger generation’s interest in science, research, and innovation.

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.

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