Six Universities Selected for the 2026 SVMAC Grant Programme

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR Moldova), in partnership with the Law Centre of Advocates (CDA), announces the results of the 2026 Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair (SVMAC) Grant Programme.

Following the evaluation of 10 funding proposals submitted by member universities of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair (SVMAC) network for the second edition of the grant programme in the Republic of Moldova, six projects were selected and have already entered the implementation phase.

The beneficiary universities are:
▪ Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova;
▪ Comrat State University;
▪ “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
▪ Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University of Chișinău;
▪ Moldova State University;
▪ Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

The selected initiatives will be implemented between 12 May and 31 October 2026, with each project receiving funding of up to MDL 85,000.

As part of the 2026 edition, the funded projects explore the legal, social, economic, psychological, and gender dimensions of forced displacement and statelessness, addressing topics such as the socio-economic integration of refugee women, equitable access to healthcare services, the impact of misinformation on refugees, inclusion through entrepreneurship, the economic and legal dimensions of forced migration, and the development of public policies for refugee integration.

The SVMAC Programme represents a strategic partnership between UNHCR Moldova and member universities of the network, aimed at strengthening the role of academia in promoting the protection of refugees and stateless persons, in line with the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees.

Through this initiative, UNHCR Moldova and CDA continue to support the active engagement of academia in generating knowledge, developing evidence-based recommendations, and promoting policies and practices that contribute to the protection and inclusion of refugees and stateless persons in the Republic of Moldova.