Theses of excellence as a reflection of doctoral and postdoctoral research in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Designating doctoral theses as of excellence is a common practice worldwide. In the Republic of Moldova, the competition for doctoral theses of excellence has been carried out since 2010. The analysis of doctoral theses of excellence in the Republic of Moldova for the years 2009–2022 revealed different characteristics of these theses and trends in the defence of postdoctoral and PhD theses. It was established that theses of excellence are more often carried out in large institutions and doctoral schools, capable of ensuring critical mass, where there are long research traditions and by candidates who often benefit from international collaborations. Doctoral theses of excellence reflect quite well the major features of doctoral and postdoctoral research. The feminisation of this research and the maintenance of a high weighting of social sciences and economics are confirmed. At the same time, it has been proven that the scientific fields with the highest international recognition are favoured and encouraged when referring to the in the competition for doctoral theses of excellence.