Approbation of dissertation research results is an important stage in the process of preparing for defense. It allows verifying the scientific value of the obtained data, receiving feedback from colleagues, and confirming their practical significance. In this article, we will take a closer look at what approbation is, what its forms are, and whether it is mandatory for obtaining academic degrees in Moldova.
What is approbation: understanding the term
Approbation – is the process of testing, verifying, and confirming the results of dissertation research through their presentation to the scientific community, publication in specialized journals, implementation in practice, or other forms.
It helps degree applicants improve their work, demonstrate the originality of ideas, and provide evidence of scientific novelty.
It should be noted that approbation is not just a formality but a mandatory requirement, which is stated in Regulation No. 239 “On the functioning of specialized scientific councils and the awarding of scientific degrees and academic and scientific-pedagogical titles in the Republic of Moldova”.
This document regulates the procedures for the certification of scientific personnel and requires the applicant to provide evidence of approbation, such as publications, reports, or implementation acts, before submitting the dissertation for consideration by the specialized scientific council. Lack of sufficient approbation may be grounds for refusal of admission to the defence.
Forms of approbation: what researchers need to know
There are several different forms of approbation, each with its own specifics. A researcher can choose the one that best corresponds to the nature of the research, resources, and objectives. In the Republic of Moldova, approbation of research results for obtaining academic degrees has its own features:
- For the degree of Candidate of Sciences, research results must be authenticated, statistically processed, and approbated at meetings of research laboratories or departments, as well as at conferences and scientific forums.
- For the degree of Doctor Habilitat, in addition, the dissertation must be preliminarily discussed at specialized scientific seminars or problem commissions with the provision of the relevant protocols.
However, there are also other forms of approbation, which we will review below.
Publication of scientific articles
Publishing the results of dissertation research in journals is a mandatory condition for obtaining an academic degree, as it serves not only as a form of approbation but also as the main way to confirm the scientific novelty and significance of the conducted work.
This process allows presenting the obtained results to the wider scientific community and receiving qualified feedback from leading experts in the field. Dissertation councils usually prefer publications in journals indexed in authoritative international databases such as Scopus or Web of Science.
Reports at conferences, seminars, and round tables
Participation in conferences, seminars, symposia, or round tables is also one of the main forms of approbation. The applicant presents the results of the dissertation research in the form of oral or poster reports and receives feedback from colleagues. It should also be noted that abstracts or articles published in conference proceedings are counted as proof of approbation.
Implementation of results in practice
For applied research, approbation can be the implementation of results in practical activities, for example, in industry, education, medicine, or other fields. Evidence of approbation is provided by implementation acts or certificates from organizations confirming the use of results and their effectiveness. This form is particularly valuable for dissertations with practical significance.
Discussions at scientific seminars
Preliminary discussion of research results at meetings of research laboratories, departments, specialized scientific seminars, or problem commissions is an important form of approbation.
Such discussions allow obtaining recommendations from colleagues and correcting shortcomings before submitting the dissertation for defence. In Moldova, this is accompanied by the preparation of a protocol or an extract from the meeting, which is mandatory for both degrees.
Properly organized and timely approbation not only ensures compliance with formal requirements but also contributes to improving the quality of research, strengthening the academic reputation of the applicant, and establishing useful professional contacts in the scientific community.
If you need help with publication in Scopus or Web of Science for your dissertation defence, contact the company Scientific Publications. We will select an appropriate journal for you and accompany you at all stages of the work. Want to get a free consultation? Fill out the form below, and our manager will contact you shortly. Together towards new scientific achievements!
