Advanced School of Neurosciences – a premiere at the congress of neurologists of the Republic of Moldova

 For the first time, the Society of Neurologists of the Republic of Moldova (SNRM) in collaboration with Departments of Neurology no. 1 and no. 2 of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy organized the Advanced School of Neurosciences. The event took place on 11 and 12 June 2025 and brought together national and international experts, who actively participated with presentations, moderated debates and interactive workshops. The event was a good opportunity for the official launch of the NeuroDiaspora.MD network – aimed at connecting the scientific community in Moldova with the international one. 

Present at the opening of the forum, the rector of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Professor Emil Ceban, has mentioned that this event shows a breakthrough in the field of neurology, an evolution for neuroscience and modern medicine, as well as an opportunity for professional development of specialist doctors. “The Advanced School of Neurosciences is an initiative that combines research, innovation and clinical approach, providing a valuable platform for the exchange of experience between local specialist doctors and those from the diaspora. The event has a double significance, being organized in the context of the 80th anniversary of the University’s founding and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Neurology”, the Rector specified. 

Jana Chihai, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, said that this event had a key role in establishing connections with the diaspora and conducting practical and academic exchanges with internationally renowned professionals in the field of neurology. "This meeting will generate a positive impact for the Republic of Moldova, for the medical community and, in particular, for the progress of neurology and neuroscience in our country", the Vice-Rector pointed out.

During the event, the guest speakers from the diaspora addressed several topics such as: neurogenetics, headache, epilepsy, brain health, neurodegenerative pathologies, neuroinfections, autoimmune pathologies, strokes, neurorehabilitation, etc.  

Rector Ceban awarded honorary diplomas to the representatives of the medical diaspora, as a sign of high appreciation and gratitude for the international cooperation and promotion of Alma Mater and participation as speakers at the Advanced School of Neurosciences.  

The Advanced School of Neurosciences was succeeded by the Congress of Neurologists of the Republic of Moldova, 8th edition, which took place on 13 and 14 June this year. The forum gathered neurologists, resident doctors and students passionate about neuroscience, specialists from other related medical fields in the Republic of Moldova and other countries such as Germany, Romania, Ukraine, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Turkey and Italy.  

The Congress was opened by Professor Stanislav Groppa, President of the Society of Neurologists of the Republic of Moldova, full member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM), honorary member of the Romanian Academy, who highlighted the progress of recent years, including the adoption of innovative treatments for cerebrovascular diseases, especially for neurodegenerative diseases. At the same time, the academician mentioned the challenges caused by the pandemic, namely the increased incidence of neurological and vascular pathologies, which require a double effort from the health system. Finally, Prof. Groppa expressed confidence that the current edition of the congress would contribute to increasing the knowledge level and to enhancing the neuro medical care quality. 

The guest of honor at the event was Prime Minister Dorin Recean, who emphasized the constant efforts of the neuroscientist community to integrate innovation in education, research and medical practice, as well as the crucial importance of brain health, considering it a major challenge of the 21st century. “In the face of accelerated technological change and demographic ageing, brain health is becoming a barometer of prosperity. We should not regard it as a mere expense, but as a strategic investment in gross domestic product because by investing in brains, we are investing in the future of society as a whole," the prime minister said. At the same time, he appreciated the initiative of neurologists to launch the NeuroDiaspora.MD network, which will promote cooperation between local specialists and those from the medical diaspora, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and professional experience. Diaspora doctors can connect medical institutions, universities and companies in the country with world centers of excellence, amplifying national health potential, the official concluded.

 The event was also attended by: Acad. Ion Tighineanu – President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Prof. Günther Deuschl – founder and first President of the European Academy of Neurology, Anja Sander – Executive Director of the European Academy of Neurology, Mateusz Stolarczyk – Regional Project Director Angels Initiative and other guests, who stressed the importance of fundamental and applicative research in the field of neurology, the essential role of scientists and doctors, as well as of public authorities responsible for health policies, and the development of medical sciences as a basic component for the integration process of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union.

The Congress program included a series of communications and symposia on current topics in the field of neurology such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative pathology, peripheral nervous system disorders, cephalalgy disorders and neurogenetics. At the same time, the launch meeting of the IGAP Declaration and the project "Brain Health in the Republic of Moldova" took place as part of the Forum's work. 

The scientific events were organized by SNRM, Neurology Departments No 1 and No 2 of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, with the support of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova and the ASM. The events took place under the aegis of the DiaMed.MD platform and the NeuroDiaspora.MD network – coordinated by our university, with the aim of promoting education and medical sciences, strengthening collaboration between local specialist doctors and those from diaspora.