Gender-Centru Contributes to Strengthening Open and Responsible Research through the ORCA Project
Knowledge exchange, international cooperation, and the promotion of responsible research are key pillars of the ORCA project – “Open(ing) Research in Central Asia through Capacity Building for Academic Staff and Doctoral Students”, an international initiative in which Gender-Centru is a partner organization.
In recent months, project representatives and partners have been actively involved in activities taking place both in the Republic of Moldova and abroad, contributing to stronger collaboration between academia, civil society organizations, and international experts.
One such opportunity took place on 29–30 April 2026, when Prof. Valentina Bodrug-Lungu, President of Gender-Centru, participated in an international conference on environmental safety, occupational health, and emergency management, organized by the Samarkand State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Uzbekistan.
During the conference, Prof. Bodrug-Lungu presented the importance of integrating a gender perspective into the education and training of professionals working in emergency management. Her presentation highlighted the need for inclusive approaches that take into account the diverse needs and experiences of different social groups. In addition, she conducted an interactive master class with students enrolled in the Occupational Safety programme, creating a space for discussion and reflection on current challenges and practical solutions in the field.
At the same time, the Republic of Moldova hosted activities that fostered the exchange of expertise among researchers, academic staff, and civil society representatives. In this context, Gender-Centru had the pleasure of welcoming Gian Marco Moisé, researcher and expert in democracy, human rights, and civil society development, who actively contributed to activities implemented within the ORCA project.
Among these was his participation in the 14th Scientific-Practical Conference “Child Well-being and Support for Parents”, organized by Moldova State University. The conference brought together academics, practitioners, and civil society representatives to discuss current challenges related to child well-being and family support. Gian Marco Moisé’s participation provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue on the role of research, international cooperation, and the exchange of good practices in developing evidence-based policies and interventions.
These activities reflect one of the core values of the ORCA project: building bridges between research, education, and practice through international cooperation, research ethics, and the promotion of open and accessible science.
For Gender-Centru, participation in the ORCA project represents an important opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative and inclusive research approaches while facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience among institutions and experts from different countries. Such collaborations strengthen the capacity of organizations and institutions to respond more effectively to social challenges and to promote solutions grounded in knowledge, responsibility, and respect for human rights.
