On September 27th, the Technical University of Moldova hosted a spectacular celebration of “European Researchers’ Night” at the Open-Air Technology Museum on its Râșcani campus. This event, dedicated to science and research, took place simultaneously in over 400 cities across Europe and attracted a large audience eager to explore the fascinating world of innovation, as showcased by UTM’s 11 faculties.
In his opening remarks, UTM Rector, Professor Dr. Viorel BOSTAN, invited the gathered crowd to explore the activities organized by the university’s 11 faculties, UTM College, and research centers such as “FabLab,” “Maker Faire,” “MicroLab,” and UTM’s research institutes. He emphasized the importance of UTM’s long-standing tradition of organizing the “Creation Opens the Universe” exhibition, now in its 14th year, as part of the “European Researchers’ Night.” This exhibition provides students, master’s candidates, Ph.D. candidates, and academic staff the opportunity to present their scientific achievements to the public, demonstrating that science, technology, and innovation are the spearhead of civilization.
The event also featured a keynote by the President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Academician Ion TIGHINEANU. He highlighted that this year marks the beginning of the decade of sciences for sustainable development, opening up great opportunities for young researchers between 2024 and 2033. He praised the remarkable achievements of notable scientists such as Nobel Laureate Konstantin Novoselov, who discovered graphene at just 36 years old – a revolutionary material with exceptional properties, including high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and superior thermal conductivity. He also referenced Nobel Laureate Hiroshi Amano from Japan, whose work on gallium nitride revolutionized optical and electrical technologies. Through these examples, the President encouraged young people to confidently step into research laboratories, assuring them that any dream can become a reality with dedication and perseverance.
Radu MELNIC, Head of UTM’s Career Counseling and Guidance Center and the event’s main organizer, pointed out that each university department contributed to the extensive program of activities. These included stands featuring innovative projects, interactive workshops, competitions, and quizzes, with attractive prizes for the winners – from visits to UTM’s Planetarium to UTM-branded gifts and refreshing glasses of sea buckthorn juice.
The evening also featured a range of creative and educational activities, including “Face Painting” masterclasses, eco-bag customization, designing the “City of the Future” using shapes and colors, polymer clay character modeling, “Batik” techniques, decorative stained glass, and much more. Fashion design students from the Faculty of Design dazzled the audience with a stunning runway show, with the models shining on stage like stars on international catwalks.
For attendees who brought their pets, future veterinarians from UTM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine offered free consultations, highlighting the diversity of fields promoted by UTM, where art, technology, and engineering come together.
The evening concluded with an energetic DJ set, turning the park into a vibrant celebration where music and science intertwined harmoniously, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all participants.
