Science and education, facing current challenges: debate with rectors and academics at USM
The State University of Moldova hosted a public debate titled “Education and science in a knowledge-based society: Implications for our times.” The event featured two prominent figures from the Romanian academic community: Daniel David, the rector of “Babeș-Bolyai” University in Cluj, and Mircea Dumitru, the vice-president of the Romanian Academy. Both are former ministers of Education and Research.
The debate provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on the direction of reforms in higher education and research, set against a backdrop of rapid transformations and global challenges.
Igor Șarov, the Rector of USM, highlighted the importance of having a unified vision within both the Romanian and European contexts.
“It is crucial not only for Romania but also for Europe to address the question ‘Quo vadis?’ — where are we heading in terms of reforms in higher education and science? I envision USM as being strongly integrated into both the Romanian and European spheres, but we can only tackle today’s challenges by working together,” he stated.
The participants expressed their interest in the topics discussed. One student said, “We are very interested; we just study at this university.”
Another participant emphasized the importance of hearing from well-known figures, particularly on subjects related to philosophy, anthropology, and sociology. He remarked, “These are prominent personalities, and it's fascinating to hear their perspectives, especially on topics I am passionate about, such as philosophy, anthropology, and sociology.”
Role of science in modern society
In his speech, Mircea Dumitru highlighted the growing public distrust of scientific knowledge.
"Many people question the validity of scientific knowledge when it comes to making important political decisions. I believe that science can and must address global, social, and political issues, but we also need to persuade our fellow citizens to engage with scientific findings," stated the vice president of the Romanian Academy.
Daniel David added that a prosperous society cannot develop without significant investment in research.
"We believe that the traditional Euro-Atlantic commitment to a knowledge-based society must be upheld, as only a knowledge-based society can ensure a better quality of life. If we aim to create a knowledge-based society, we must invest in science, as science is the foundation of knowledge," declared the rector of Babeș-Bolyai University.
The discussions will continue at the universities of Bucharest and Cluj, where the USM rector was also invited, to share his experience and participate in new debates about the role of education and science in contemporary society.
