Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Association Launched in the Republic of Moldova

The inaugural Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Association was officially established during the Conference on Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics held in the Republic of Moldova. On July 6^th, the association's statutes were signed, marking a significant milestone for the burgeoning field in the region. The event served as the culmination of the second edition of the East European School of Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics (EBCG23), a two-week program held from June 26th to July 7^th, 2023, at the Technical University of Moldova.

The conference, now in its second edition, gathered esteemed speakers from leading academic institutions across the globe, including the United States, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Turkey, Poland, and Romania. Targeted specifically towards the academic and industrial sectors of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, the event attracted a diverse audience, including students, young researchers, and master's students.

Throughout the intensive two-week program of the EBCG23 school, participants engaged in practical lessons, both online and offline sessions led by international experts, delving into the intricacies of bioinformatics and computational genomics. Additionally, nine teams presented their final projects, which they diligently developed during the program duration.

During the conference, Serghei Mangul, President of the Association and honored faculty member at the University of Southern California, expressed his vision for the association, stating, "Our objective is to inspire and catalyze bioinformatics and biotechnological advancements that will not only benefit the Republic of Moldova but also have a global impact. By fostering high-impact research and offering comprehensive support for interdisciplinary projects focused on practical applications and economic transfer, we strive to address major societal challenges through mission-based strategic research."

The Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Association is committed to introducing national and international initiatives and programs related to bioinformatics, genomics, and biomedical data. Additionally, it aims to facilitate access to cutting-edge technologies in biotechnology and bioinformatics while elevating the Republic of Moldova's role in research within this field.

The COR Association is dedicated to fostering innovation in the Republic of Moldova, and we firmly believe in the development potential of the bioinformatics sector. Leveraging our own experiences, we are committed to assisting this promising and dynamic team in their growth."

Vasili Braga, Executive Director, Creative Industries Association, Moldova

Another pivotal objective of the association is to advocate for the responsible application of bioinformatics and genomics within the Republic of Moldova. To achieve this, the association will actively support research initiatives related to bioinformatics and genomics within society. Moreover, it aims to establish collaborative partnerships and effective communication channels with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of bioinformatics and genomics strategies. Furthermore, the association is poised to contribute to the national dialogue surrounding genomics and policies.

The Conference on Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics was expertly organized by Mediacor in collaboration with the Bioinformatics Laboratory of the Technical University of Moldova, the Mangul Lab at the School of Pharmacy of the University of Southern California, and the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in the Republic of Moldova. The conference was proudly funded by USAID Moldova.