A new, state-of-the-art facility equipped with innovative resources for students and researchers was inaugurated on 14 November 2024, at the Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences, Sociology, and Social Work at Moldova State University. The establishment of the Social Research, Innovation, and Data Laboratory, named in honor of Romanian sociologist Dimitrie Gusti, was made possible with the support of UNFPA, UNDP Moldova, the Government of Japan, and the Government of Romania through the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova. This event was organized on Moldova’s Professional Sociologist Day, first celebrated in 2012.

“We thank our partners who have transformed Moldova’s educational system through their ongoing investments in our university over the years. It is a joyful moment for us because the university continues to grow and develop. We extend our gratitude to all our partners for their consistent support of the university. Only together can we achieve the country’s European path,” stated Igor Șarov, Rector of Moldova State University.

This innovative laboratory is dedicated to training future sociologists and social workers in social and behavioral research, as well as statistical data management, to better understand demographic changes. 

The laboratory's facilities include spaces equipped for empirical research and data analysis, offering students opportunities to participate in thematic studies and interact with national and international specialists. Additionally, the laboratory platform will host presentations, workshops, and expert discussions, strengthening collaboration between the university, students, and the business sector. This platform will provide future sociologists and social workers with the necessary resources to develop skills and knowledge in fields critical to societal development.

The initiative to establish this laboratory belongs to the Department of Sociology and Social Work and was supported by the Government of Romania through the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova, which provided financial support for modernizing educational spaces. Additionally, the university’s international partners, including UNFPA, UNDP, and the Government of Japan, have provided advanced equipment for quantitative and qualitative sociological research, including audio-video equipment and tablets for data collection.

The collection, analysis, and use of quality statistical data are the foundation of sustainable development and are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. The UN entities in Moldova - UNFPA and UNDP - support data governance and strengthening national capacities in data collection and analysis, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova.

Social data and research are essential for societal development, helping to understand the real needs of communities, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions. Thus, UNDP supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in creating a data governance framework that offers standards and best practices on how data should be collected, processed, verified, and validated. This framework will ensure that collected data are accurate, reliable, secure, and compatible for national and international exchange, particularly in health, agriculture, social protection, and justice sectors.