The international scientific conference “The museum and scientific research” – the special edition of 2023

A group of researchers from the Institute of Zoology participated on 7-9 September 2023 in the international scientific conference "The museum and scientific research", the 30th edition, organized by the Natural Sciences Department of the Museum of Oltenia Craiova,  in collaboration with the Dolj County Council.

The current edition was a special one, marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Natural Sciences Department of the Museum of Oltenia Craiova. On this occasion, the anniversary volume "100 years of history of natural sciences at the Museum of Oltenia Craiova: 1923-2023" was published and offered as a gift to each conference participant.

In a festive setting, in the premises of the Dolj County Council, a centenary of the existence of the Natural Sciences Department was celebrated, the hosts and guests evoking the tumultuous past of the museum, the transformation over time and the people who contributed to the creation and development of the Natural Sciences Department.

In a congratulatory speech addressed to the conference organizers, Professor Laurenția Ungureanu, doctor habilitate, correspondent member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, director of the Institute of Zoology, mentioned the fruitful long term collaboration (2005-present) of the Institute of Zoology with the Museum of Oltenia Craiova and, in particular, with the Natural Sciences Department, which allowed joint investigations, the exchange of experience and scientific works of researchers. Prof. Laurenția Ungureanu offered the Diploma of Gratitude of the Institute of Zoology, the Moldova State University, to the staff of the Museum of Oltenia Craiova as a sign of high appreciation of the exceptional merits in the development and promotion of knowledge in the field of zoology and on the occasion of the celebration of 100 years since establishment, wishing them new impressive achievements and expressing readiness for a long and efficacious cooperation. Also, a book collection edited within the Institute of Zoology was donated to the library of the Museum of Oltenia Craiova. 

As a sign of gratitude for the successful collaboration in the field of natural sciences, the organizers offered commemorative plaques to some research institutions, including the Institute of Zoology, and commemorative medals to outstanding personalities, including Professor Elena Zubcov, doctor habilitate, correspondent member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, and Professor Valeriu Derjanschi, doctor habilitate.

The conference continued with the presentation of works, in the form of oral and poster communications, in the Geology, Invertebrates, Vertebrates, Ecology and environmental protection sections and a documentary trip to the "Iron Gates" National Park.

The team of the Institute of Zoology of the Moldova State University (Laurentia Ungureanu, Elena Zubcov, Lucia Bilețchi, Livia Calestru, Nina Bagrin, Svetlana Bacal, Grigore Ungureanu, Daniela Burduja, Natalia Dibolscaia) sincerely thanks the organizers of the conference, especially Dr. Florin Ridiche, director of the Museum of Oltenia Craiova, and Mr. Aurelian Popescu, head of the Natural Sciences Department, for the organization of a such memorable event.

Text: Lucia Bilețchi, Laurenția Ungureanu
Photo: Lucia Bilețchi, Andrian Țugulea