Requirements for defending a dissertation for the degree of habilitated doctor in Moldova

The doctoral habilitation degree in the Republic of Moldova is the highest level of scientific qualification, recognizing a scholar’s significant contribution to the advancement of science. Below, we will explore the main requirements for dissertation writing, publications, and necessary documentation.

Defence of the Doctoral Habilitation Dissertation in Moldova: key aspects

The preparation, formatting, and defence of a doctoral habilitation dissertation are strictly regulated by the National Council for Accreditation and Attestation (NCAA). All key stages and requirements are detailed in Regulation No. 239 on the functioning of specialized academic councils and the awarding of scientific degrees, as well as scientific and scientific-pedagogical titles in the Republic of Moldova. Below, we provide a detailed overview.

We also recommend reviewing our previous article, which outlines the nuances of preparing for the defence of a dissertation for the Doctor of Sciences degree.

Requirements for the candidate

A key requirement for candidates seeking the doctoral habilitation degree is possession of a Doctor of Sciences degree, obtained at least five years prior to submitting the habilitation dissertation. Additionally, if the dissertation topic falls outside the candidate’s prior educational field, they must pass two additional exams in relevant disciplines.

Dissertation requirements

The doctoral habilitation dissertation must be an original study presenting new results that establish new directions in science. It must meet the following requirements:

1. Research topic: The topic should align with Moldova’s priority scientific directions and global trends. It must be approved by the academic council or senate of an accredited institution.
2. Scientific advisors: The work is conducted independently or under the guidance of one (in exceptional cases, two) scientific consultants.
3. Language: The dissertation must be written in the state language, Romanian. However, upon a justified request, Russian, English, or another internationally recognized language may be used.
4. Volume: The dissertation should not exceed 10 author’s sheets (15 for humanities and arts). Bibliography, tables, figures, and appendices are excluded from this limit, but illustrative material must not exceed one-third of the work.
5. Abstract: The abstract should not exceed 2 author’s sheets and must include the main ideas, conclusions, the author’s contribution, scientific novelty, and practical significance. Approximately 40 copies are published.
6. Validation: The candidate must present the dissertation results at scientific conferences, forums, or seminars.

Publication requirements

Publications are a key indicator of a candidate’s scientific activity. For a doctoral habilitation dissertation, at least 20 scientific works, published after the defence of the Doctor of Sciences dissertation, with a total volume of at least 10 author’s sheets, are required. Key publication requirements include:

1. Monographs or Review Articles:
   - One monograph without co-authors (at least 8 author’s sheets) or two co-authored monographs (8 author’s sheets each).
   - One review article (at least 1 author’s sheet) in international journals indexed in Web of Science or Scopus, or two articles (1 author’s sheet each) in national Category A/B journals, or three articles (1 author’s sheet each) in Category C journals.
2. Articles: At least 3 articles in foreign specialized journals and 5 works without co-authors.
3. Conferences: At least 5 presentations at international scientific forums, including one plenary presentation and two presentations without co-authors.

Preliminary review

Similar to the Doctor of Sciences degree, the habilitation dissertation undergoes a preliminary review before the official defense. This includes an evaluation at the department of the educational institution where the candidate is enrolled. The candidate must then submit a positive dissertation evaluation to a specialized seminar or problem commission, which assesses the research within two months based on the NCAA’s evaluation criteria.

Required Documents

The candidate must prepare a set of documents for the specialized academic council, including:

1. Dissertation and abstract (required number of copies).
2. Minutes from the specialized scientific seminar approving the topic and scientific advisor.
3. Certificate of passing exams.
4. List of scientific works and copies/originals of key publications.
5. Evaluation from the department or unit where the dissertation was developed.
6. Decisions from two specialized seminars, including participant lists and evaluation forms.
7. Order establishing the ad-hoc specialized council.
8. Certificate of dissertation submission to the National Library.
9. Mailing list of abstracts, certified by a postal stamp.

Preparing for the defence of a doctoral habilitation dissertation requires strict adherence to NCAA regulations. A responsible approach and compliance with the outlined requirements are key to success.

If you face challenges publishing scientific articles for your dissertation in Scopus or Web of Science, “Scientific Publications” is ready to assist. We will audit your article, select a suitable journal, and provide support throughout the publication process. To receive a free consultation from our manager, leave your contact details in the form below, and we will reach out soon. Together, let’s achieve new scientific milestones!