Duca Maria

About

Maria Duca, born on June 19, 1956, is one of the most distinguished scientific personalities in the Republic of Moldova, with a remarkable career in plant genetics and physiology. A Doctor Habilitatus in Biology and a university professor, she was elected an academician of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova in 2012, with her main specialty being plant genetics and physiology. Throughout a career of almost four decades, she has published over 300 scientific works, including nine textbooks and monographs, and her research has focused on the genetic and physiological aspects of sunflower male sterility, plant resistance to stress factors, and host-parasite interactions. Duca Maria held important leadership positions in higher education and research institutions in Moldova. She was the director of the Center for Functional Genetics, dean of the Faculty of Biology and Soil Science at the Moldova State University (2006-2009), and rector of the "Dimitrie Cantemir" State University (2008-2018), where she significantly contributed to the development and consolidation of this institution. As rector, she implemented an innovative methodology in specialist training, created the methodological concept for the Molecular Biology specialty, and initiated the development of Bioinformatics studies in the country. Currently the director of the Doctoral School of Natural Sciences within the Moldova State University, she has been recognized with numerous awards and distinctions, including the Moldova Academy of Sciences Award in Biology and Ecology. On a personal level, Maria Duca is married to Gheorghe Duca, former president of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. Recognized as an eminent scientist in the Republic of Moldova (2006) and an honorary member of the Romanian Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, she remains an influential and respected figure in the Moldovan and international scientific community, being an honorary member of the International Association for Sunflower. Her dedication to research and education, as well as her ability to create and coordinate complex scientific activities, have made her a role model for generations of researchers and students.