Help Moldova's Astronomy Students Compete at IOAA 2025

Help Moldova’s Astronomy Team Reach the Stars — Support IOAA 2025

We are the Association of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the Republic of Moldova — a passionate team of educators, scientists, and volunteers dedicated to nurturing Moldova’s brightest young minds in space science.

Astronomy isn’t taught in Moldovan schools, but our students thrive through grassroots efforts, mentorship, and national olympiads.

In 2025, Moldova takes a major leap in international science:

August 11–21 – Our first Senior Team will represent Moldova at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Mumbai, India.

October 18–25 – Two Junior Teams will represent Moldova at IOAA Junior 2025, held in Piatra Neamț, Romania.

That’s 3 delegations, 15 exceptional students, and 6 mentors — ready to represent Moldova on the world stage. But we can’t do it without your help.

Moldova is a small country with limited resources. There is no public funding for international astronomy competitions. Everything — from training to travel — is powered by volunteers, families, and donors like you.

What Your Donation Will Support:

(1) Senior Team – India (7 people)

Flights: €600 × 7 = €4,200

Visas: €75 × 7 = €525

Participation fee: Waived

Total: €4,725

(2) Junior Team A – Romania (7 people)

Participation fee: €500 × 7 = €3,500

Travel: €40 × 7 = €280

Total: €3,780

(3) Junior Team B – Romania (7 people)

Participation fee: €500 × 7 = €3500

Travel: €40 × 7 = €280

Total: €3780

Spending Priority:

1. If we raise €4,725 by August 10, funds will go first to the Senior Team for India.

2. Next, support will go to Junior Team A.

3. Remaining funds will support Junior Team B.

Meet some of our Students:

Vladislav Smochina

Bronze – International Junior Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics2023

Silver – Balkan Physics Olympiad 2025

Absolute Winner – Moldovan National Olympiad of Astronomy and Astrophysics 2025

Victor Sandu

Honorable Mention – International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2025

Silver – Balkan Physics Olympiad 2025

Silver – Romanian National Olympiad of Astronomy and Astrophysics 2025

Bogdan Leahu

Two-time Bronze Medalist – International Junior Science Olympiad

Absolute Winner – Moldovan Junior Olympiad of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Daria Boguș

Bronze – International Junior Science Olympiad

Gold – Moldovan Junior Olympiad of Astronomy and Astrophysics

… and eleven more motivated teens, eager to raise Moldova’s flag in the international astronomy arena.

Our Track Record:

2022 – First-ever participation at IOAAjr: three Honorable Mentions

2023 – First medal: Bronze

2025 – First senior team ever, with expanded junior participation

We are building this from scratch. Your support fuels the future of Moldovan science.

This Isn’t Just Science — It’s Hope

“My first IOAAjr in 2022 changed everything. It showed me the beauty of the universe, gave me lifelong friendships, and pushed me to reach higher than ever. Every passionate student in Moldova deserves the same chance.”

— Vladislav, IOAAjr medalist and 2025 IOAA participant

In Moldova, science is not taken for granted — it is earned after school, after work, with borrowed books and second-hand equipment.

But their passion burns bright. Help us give them the sky!

Deadlines:

August 11th – IOAA in India

October 18th – IOAAjr in Romania

Donate today — and bring Moldova to the stars.

When Moldova’s youth succeed in science, the entire country rises.

Your support helps prove that even a small country can aim high — and succeed.

Click “Donate” to be part of this journey.

Share this page with friends, educators, scientists, and dreamers.

!!! Please note: this fundraiser is organized in partnership with our supporters in the United Kingdom, since GoFundMe does not support direct fundraising from Moldova.

Therefore, the donation currency is set to GBP (£) by default.

You can still donate in any currency — the platform will automatically convert your contribution at checkout.

For more information:

If you need additional details, feel free to contact the Secretary of the Association of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the Republic of Moldova via phone, WhatsApp, or Telegram: +373 79 630 435

Follow our journey: instagram.com/astronomy_md