The Institute of Zoology of Moldova State University marked its 65th anniversary

The Institute of Zoology of Moldova State University celebrated its 65th anniversary during the 11th International Conference of Zoologists, titled "Sustainable use and protection of animal world." The event, held on 10-11 September 2026, featured 62 scientific works, involving a total of 118 authors, 35 of whom were from abroad—specifically Romania, Italy, Armenia, Turkey, Belarus, Vietnam, and the Russian Federation.

Participants in the plenary session were welcomed by Lucia Bilețchi, PhD, Associate Professor, Director of the Institute of Zoology and Chair of the conference Organizing Committee, Otilia Dandara, Doctor Habilitat, University Professor, Rector of MSU, Laurenția Ungureanu, Doctor Habilitat, Professor, Correspondent Member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova,  Vice-Rector for Research of MSU and Chair of the International Scientific Committee, and Victoria Gratii, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Moldova.

Rector Otilia Dandara offered an anniversary diploma to the Institute of Zoology, noting that the institute has evolved into a "center of excellence in the study of biodiversity, fauna, and ecosystems, promoting the knowledge, conservation, and sustainable use of biological resources, as well as the training of generations of highly qualified specialists".

Highlighting the relevance of the conference theme, State Secretary Victoria Gratii emphasized that "biodiversity conservation cannot be achieved without a solid scientific foundation, without continuous monitoring of species and ecosystems, and, above all, without close collaboration among the scientific community, public authorities, and those directly managing natural resources".

The video recording of the conference's plenary session, held at the Andrei Lupan Scientific Library (Institute) of MSU, is available at https://youtube.com/live/bryLMUO3jrc.

The conference continued with sessions held in three sections – Terrestrial Vertebrates, Invertebrates, and Water Ecology – at the Institute of Zoology (1 Academiei Street). The Terrestrial Vertebrates section program featured a subsection marking the centenary of the birth of Academician Ion Ganea, considered the founder of the national school of ornithology, as well as a workshop titled "Current status of rare bat species (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Moldova and Armenia in the context of anthropogenic and climate changes" accompanied by a photo exhibition.

At the official closing of the conference, the speakers appreciated the variety of the papers presented, their high scientific value, and the good organization of the event. Participants were also invited to attend the next scientific event of the institute – the national symposium with international participation titled "The state of transboundary aquatic ecosystems of the Republic of Moldova" (Chisinau, 16 October 2026).

The conference program also included a field trip to the Orheiul Vechi Natural-Cultural Reserve, where participants could admire the unique landscape – shaped over time within the Răut River gorge – and even outline plans for joint research on cliff-dwelling fauna.

Thus, marking its anniversary, the Institute of Zoology honored its predecessors, presented current data on the state of the fauna and contemporary trends in zoological research, and outlined new plans for international collaboration.

Happy anniversary, Institute of Zoology!

Lucia Bilețchi