35 Years of Independence: Insights from Ion Tighineanu

Morning Call: Guest – Academician Ion Tighineanu, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova

Host: Today marks 35 years since the declaration of state independence of the Republic of Moldova. Under the theme “Independence Unites Us,” several events dedicated to this day are taking place today in Chișinău. This morning, wreath-laying ceremonies are scheduled at the “Grieving Mother” monument within the Eternity Memorial Complex, followed by the monument of Prince Stephen the Great and Holy. At 4:30 PM, a military parade is scheduled, featuring over 2,000 soldiers and more than 100 military and specialized equipment units from the National Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In the evening, starting at 6:00 PM, a concert dedicated to Independence Day will feature performances by numerous artists from the Republic of Moldova.

We discuss this day and the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and Romania with Academician Ion Tighineanu, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. First of all, happy anniversary and good morning!

Ion Tighineanu: Good morning! Thank you very much, and indeed, this is an important day for us. The proclamation of independence of the Republic of Moldova holds a special significance, because on that day we returned to our identity values—historical, cultural, and Romanian linguistic values. We returned then to the Romanian language.

Host: The Republic of Moldova marks 35 years of independence today. If you look at the country through the eyes of a scientist, what has changed the most over these 35 years, and, why not, what concerns you today?

Ion Tighineanu: It was, of course, a radical change. As our great poet Grigore Vieru expressed it: “While some dreamed of reaching outer space, I spent my entire life dreaming of crossing the Prut River.” And indeed, with the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Moldova, we crossed the Prut, and I would say we crossed the threshold into the civilized world.

Back then, speaking of scientific research, my colleagues representing various scientific fields had the opportunity to visit countries all over the world. In fact, they acted as ambassadors of our region—of the Republic of Moldova, of the Romanian cultural space—and over time we managed to associate ourselves with EU framework programs. Of course, collaboration with researchers from Romania was crucial. I remember back in 2002, when I attended the launch of the EU Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) for research and innovation. We, the representatives of the Republic of Moldova, were participating in such events for the first time, while Romania was already negotiating its accession to the European Union. They had a different status and a dedicated space to showcase their scientific achievements. The late Academician Dan Dascălu invited us and said: “Come, let us show together what we, Romanians, can achieve.”

Within a few years, the Republic of Moldova became the first country in the Commonwealth of Independent States to successfully associate with these programs, and today we are on the path to joining the European Union. Naturally, our goal as researchers, scientists, and cultural figures is to create a shared cultural and scientific space, and we have achieved many great things in this regard. First of all, I would mention that for several years, the two academies—the Romanian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova—have been celebrating national holidays together, such as National Culture Day and Romanian Language Day. In just a few days, on August 31st, we will hold a joint festive session. Moreover, for the very first time, this joint session is organized under the auspices of the Romanian Academic Council, which brings together the Romanian Academy, the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, and four specialized academies from Romania. I believe that strengthening the scientific community and uniting people of science and culture builds the necessary premises so that in the near future, the border along the Prut River will disappear.

Host: But what are the results you are most satisfied with following this collaboration between the two academies?

Ion Tighineanu: First and foremost, we are shaping a joint vision regarding the radical changes taking place worldwide. Take a single concrete example: artificial intelligence. It has arrived bringing great benefits, but also major challenges—indeed, a challenge for civilization and the future of humanity in general. Last November, the two academies organized a conference where we discussed the potential risks associated with the implementation of artificial intelligence. We then decided to establish the Romanian Academic Council with the inclusion of specialized academies—such as the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences and the Romanian Academy of Legal Sciences, given the numerous legal questions involved. This coming November 30th, we will organize an international conference, inviting experts from abroad to analyze the specifics of AI deployment and the emerging risks across various human activities. We have created this intellectual “brain trust” within the Romanian cultural sphere to address these emerging challenges and deliver solutions, as solutions to 21st-century challenges are naturally expected from scientific researchers and scholars.

Host: It is said that scientists can foresee a society’s problems before they turn into crises. How much are researchers actually listened to when important decisions are made in the Republic of Moldova?

Ion Tighineanu: You are absolutely right, this is a vital area where we must put in work. On April 16th, Professor Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council, visited Chișinău along with Academician Marius Andruh, Vice-President of the Romanian Academy. Together, we discussed how to enhance cooperation between scientists, decision-makers, society, and politicians, who ultimately make the decisions. We drafted a global appeal addressed to scientists, decision-makers, and society at large, which is currently being distributed to academies worldwide. Any researcher, regardless of their country or continent, can support this appeal. We clearly understand that we must foster more efficient collaboration with policy-makers; only together do we stand a real chance of overcoming these quite difficult times. As for the Romanian cultural space, I believe our chance to assert ourselves in the modern world and overcome these contemporary challenges largely depends on our unity. We must represent the Romanian space together.

Host: Academician, thank you very much for joining us on Radio România Actualități, on Morning Call, and once again, we wish you a happy anniversary! Academician Ion Tighineanu, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, was live with us today as we mark 35 years since the declaration of state independence of the Republic of Moldova.

Note: The original interview in Romanian was granted to Radio România Actualități (“Apel Matinal” program) on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Moldova (August 27). The full audio and transcript can be read or listened to on the official Radio România Actualități website. https://www.romania-actualitati.ro/stiri/romania/academicianul-ion-tighineanu-prin-independenta-am-trecut-prutul-si-hotarul-catre-lumea-civilizata-id233602.html