National Prize 2025 // Ten personalities, group of researchers rewarded for excellence in culture, science, sports in Moldova

Ten personalities and a group of researchers who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the fields of culture, art, science and sports received the National Prize 2025 on October 10. At a solemn ceremony attended by President Maia Sandu, the laureates' contributions to promoting Moldova's image internationally were highlighted.

“Moldova needs such people, it needs the wisdom, creativity and strength of people, who do not get discouraged, even when the path is very difficult, because a country is built not only from laws and institutions, but especially through people whose aspirations towards excellence turn into achievements that benefit the entire society. The award you receive today is also a call to continue to inspire, to train, to share your experience with those younger than you. We need generations that believe in the power of good work. We need models that show that success is not just a privilege, but first and foremost, a responsibility. Models that remind us that Moldova has deep resources of talent and intelligence and that in each settlement, there are people who change communities for the better through their work,” President Maia Sandu said at the ceremony.





Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan also highlighted the qualities proved by the laureates, conferring prestige to the National Prize.

“I have beautiful words for each laureate, and I cherish everyone on this list in a special way. I can only add that it is not the award itself that brings honor and dignity to the laureate, but especially his/her human quality. This raises the spirit and confers prestige to the National Prize of Moldova.”





 The 2025 National Award laureates are:


	
Radu Ratoi – accordionist and soloist of the National Chamber Orchestra, for his outstanding contribution to the development of musical art and the promotion of national culture internationally.
	
Varvara Buzila – doctor in philology and head of the Ethnography section at the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, for her exceptional merits in protecting and valuing intangible cultural heritage.
	
Marcela Vieru Bena – poet, for her entire literary body of work.
	
Timofei Batranu – visual artist, for his entire creative activity and promotion of national art.
	
Ignat Kazmali – founder of the Avdarma History Museum, for his remarkable contribution to promoting historical memory and valuing cultural heritage.
	
Mihail Agafita – conductor and artistic director of the National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra Serghei Lunchevici, for his significant impact in the field of symphonic conducting.
	
Team of Dumitru Erhan and Stefan Rusu – researchers at the Institute of Zoology, for their series of scientific works on animal parasitoses.
	
Denis Vieru – judoka, for his outstanding performances at international competitions, including the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
	
Valeriu Duminica – head coach of the national judo team, for his essential contribution to training performance athletes.
	
Ion Anton – writer and publicist, for his entire literary and journalistic work dedicated to children and youth.






The ceremony of awarding the National Prize 2025 was marked by applause and words of gratitude. The laureates, representing various fields – from culture and science to sports and education – referred to the meaning of their work, to the  dedication, perseverance, and love for their country. The laureates expressed gratitude to their colleagues and families, as well as the desire to continue contributing to the development of Moldova.

Conductor Mihail Agafita:

“These results are the fruit of teamwork. Thanks to my colleagues, the orchestra, and my family. The award not only honors me, but compels me to continue striving for the development of national culture and music.”

Judoka Denis Vieru:

“It is an honor and a testament to two decades of work. Sport chose me, and I am glad I can represent my country with honor. Thanks to my team and the country that supports us.”

Writer Ion Anton:

“There is no greater joy than when your work is appreciated at home. The award represents the culmination of my work and a motivation to continue to inspire future generations.”

The National Prize represents an appreciation of achievements that promote the country's image internationally and contribute to technical, scientific, social and economic progress. The distinction is made up of a diploma, a medal and a monetary reward of 100,000 lei.