The conference “The Role of Science in the Modern World – Artificial Intelligence. TheChall enge of the 21st Century,” held on Thursday, November 6, in the Hall of the Romanian Academy in Bucharest and the Azure Hall of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova in ChișinăuJustice News247

Multidisciplinary Collaboration between Academic Institutions in Romania and the Republic of Moldova is Consolidated through the Creation of the Network of Academies in the Romanian Space

The conference “The Role of Science in the Modern World – Artificial Intelligence. The Challenge of the 21st Century,” held on Thursday, November 6, in the Hall of the Romanian Academy in Bucharest and the Azure Hall of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova in Chișinău, might mark the moment of the creation of the Network of Academies in the Romanian Space (RASR). This initiative, announced by the President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (AȘM), Acad. Ion TIGHINEANU, in his speech, aims to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration between academic institutions in Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

The event, organized by the Romanian Academy and AȘM, in partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences of Romania, the Academy of Juridical Sciences of Romania, the Academy of Technical Sciences of Romania, and the “Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, brought together numerous specialists from both banks of the Prut river.

The conference proceedings were opened by Acad. Ioan-Aurel POP, President of the Romanian Academy, who expressed his joy at seeing the two academies functioning “as a single entity.” He sounded an alarm regarding the evolution of AI: “Scientists have always warned about the risks. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence becomes overwhelming as the years pass. We realize that we can no longer live without it, but also that it can become a danger. It has entered all fields and has been beneficial so far, helping us immensely. On the other hand, what we considered science fiction – robots ruling the world and humans reduced to automatons – is not far from reality. Certain international organizations, great personalities, and Nobel laureates have drawn attention to the aggressive use of AI, which could lead from cloning and human imitation to the creation of artificial feelings. All these make us ponder and explain why some governments are urged to stop research that could lead to the domination of humanity by artificial intelligence. Herein lies a great danger, because what we create with human hands and minds can become uncontrollable.”

Acad. Ion TIGHINEANU emphasized the potential of RASR as a “catalyst for innovation and a platform for efficient exchange of ideas and resources.” According to the academician, the network “will facilitate a structured framework for research collaboration, promote multidisciplinary projects, and strengthen the voice of the Romanian scientific space on the international stage.” The President of AȘM highlighted recent collaborations, particularly the “Path to Scientific Discoveries” Summer Schools, organized together with the Romanian Academy and the Youth Academy of the Republic of Moldova. These initiatives, supported by experts from the Romanian and international space – including Nobel Prize laureates – aimed at discovering and encouraging talented young people. “The enthusiasm and desire to build a career in research shown by the participants clearly demonstrate the positive impact of these programs,” stated Acad. Tighineanu, proposing their continuation under the auspices of RASR.

Referring to artificial intelligence, Acad. Tighineanu warned that it is no longer an emergent technology but an essential element that is transforming all areas of life. He welcomed the initiative of the Romanian Academy to form an advisory council with experts from various sectors for ethical, regulatory, and practical recommendations regarding the implementation of artificial intelligence. “I am confident that RASR can become a catalyst for multidisciplinary initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, in collaboration with various sectors of human activity,” the President of AȘM pointed out.

Following this, Professor Peter GLUCKMAN, President of the International Science Council, and Professor James ROTHMAN, 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, from Yale University, addressed video messages of greeting.

Greetings were also given by the presidents of the sectoral Academies in Romania: Prof. Mircea BEURAN, Academy of Medical Sciences; Prof. Bogdan Liviu CIUCĂ, Academy of Juridical Sciences; Prof. Valeriu V. JINESCU, Academy of Technical Sciences; Prof. Ioan JELEV, Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences.

After the opening speeches of the conference, “The Role of Science in the Modern World – Artificial Intelligence. The Challenge of the 21st Century,” a session of presentations followed, delivered by renowned experts from Romania and the Republic of Moldova: Acad. Ioan DUMITRACHE, Romanian Academy; Prof. Mircea BEURAN, Prof. Gheorghe Ioan MIHALAȘ, Prof. Dorel SĂNDESC, Academy of Medical Sciences of Romania; Prof. Ovidiu PREDESCU, Academy of Juridical Sciences of Romania; Prof. Nicolae ȚĂPUȘ, Academy of Technical Sciences of Romania; Prof. Ioan JELEV, Dr. Matilda CIUCĂ, Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences of Romania; Prof. Constantin RUSNAC, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Moldova.

The researchers emphasized the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for the integration of AI in key areas such as medicine, agriculture, law, and technology, promoting sustainable and ethical development.

The event concluded with the performance of the Anthem of Sustainable Development, “Blue Planet” (author – Prof. Constantin RUSNAC, Doctor Honoris Causa of AȘM), launched in Geneva, on December 15, 2023, during the Closing Ceremony of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development.

The conference was livestreamed by the Institute for the Development of the Information Society.