It is 8 years since he passed away… The scientist, Ştefan Plugaru, the head of the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, would be celebrated his 80th birthday. Stefan Plugaru was born on July 26, 1938, in the village of Bardar, Lăpuşna County (now Ialoveni district). He graduated from the Pedagogical College of Călăraşi in 1957 and from the State Medical Institute in 1966. His professional career has evolved through the characteristic steps of the university professor: • From 1966 to 1993 he worked as assistant, then senior lecturer, associate professor at the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology of the “Nicolae Testemiţanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. • In 1973 he successfully defended the doctoral thesis in medicine: “Development of new and rapid methods in the diagnosis of intestinal infections”. • From 1972 to 1975 he worked as dean of the Faculty of Medicine, during which he gained new experiences, demonstrating organizational and pedagogical abilities. • Between 1975 and 1988 he continued his activity as Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, contributing of improving and modernizing the study process, maintaining discipline in the training of doctors. • During 1993 - 2002 he worked as a director of the Republican College of Medicine and Pharmacy, today the National College of Medicine. • Since 2004 he became head of the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology. During the years he worked as a Principal Microbiologist of the Ministry of Health, member of the SUMF Senate, member of the Council of General Medicine, member of the Scientific Council, member of the editorial board of the journal “Public Health”, member of the Commission for Attestation of Microbiologists of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, Member of the Commission on Hygiene and Public Health, member of the Scientific Council of SUMF “Nicolae Testemitanu”. It has to be mentioned the active participation of prof. Plugaru in the elaboration of manuals, compendia and practical guides of medical microbiology, widely used by General Medicine and Public Health students. During these years Professor Ştefan Plugaru published over 120 scientific papers, including three monographs (signed with Prof. V. Nikitin and other contributors) and a book, written in collaboration with prof. P. Galeţchi and prof. D. Buiuc, Iaşi (România). For special merits in his multilateral work of scientist and teacher, in 1990, he was awarded the honorary title of Om Emeritus. For professional activity over several decades, in 2005, he was decorated with the “Gloria Muncii” Order. By his special attitude towards the professional and scientific obligations, the erudition and pedagogical tact, the well organized way of life and excellent personal qualities the scientist Ştefan Plugaru earned the well-deserved respect and love of his colleagues, disciples and students.