Pythagoras Science Awards Presented in Sofia

Yoana Vodenicharova

Prof. Dr Stanislav Vasilev of the BAS Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography at the 16th Pythagoras Science Awards ceremony, Sofia, May 17, 2024 (BTA Photo)

Sofia,

18.05.2024 00:50

(BTA)

The Pythagoras Science Awards were presented at an official ceremony in Sofia on Friday. The 16th edition of the awards, administered by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, involved distinctions bestowed in various categories.

Caretaker Education Minister Galin Tsokov opened the ceremony and awarded the Grand Prize for overall scientific contribution to Prof. Dr Stanislav Vasilev of the Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). He received a diploma and a cash prize of BGN 12,000. Included in Stanford University’s World's Top 1% of Scientists ranking, Vasilev has contributed to the fields of mineralogy, geochemistry, and sustainable and innovative utilization of solid fuels and their waste products from thermochemical processing.

Awards for Experienced Scientists in Natural and Engineering Sciences were presented to Prof. Petko Petkov of Sofia University’s Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy and Prof. Evgeni Semkov of the BAS Institute of Astronomy and the Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory. They received plaquettes, diplomas, and a cash prize of BGN 4,000 each.

Dr Nikoleta Kircheva of the Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was awarded Young Scientist in Natural and Engineering Sciences and received a plaquette, diploma, and a cash prize of BGN 8,000.

Dr Milen Georgiev of the BAS Institute of Microbiology and Dr Angel Yordanov of Pleven Medical University were presented with awards for Experienced Scientists in Life and Medical Sciences and received plaquettes, diplomas, and a cash prize of BGN 4,000 each.

An award for Young Scientist in Life and Medical Sciences was presented to Velislava Todorova of Plovdiv Medical University. She received a plaquette, a diploma, and a cash prize of BGN 8,000.

Milen Zamfirov, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences at Sofia University, was named Experienced Scientist in Social Sciences and the Humanities and was presented with a plaquette, a diploma, and a cash prize of BGN 8,000.

Petar Topurov of the BAS Institute for the State and the Law was awarded Young Scientist in Social Sciences and the Humanities, a plaquette, a diploma, and a cash prize of BGN 8,000.

Minister Tsokov said that a new award for science promotion has been established this year to encourage the interaction of scientists with students and the media and to present Bulgarian science in the best and most accessible way. Tsokov handed the award to Vladimir Bozhilov, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Physics at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia.

The Education Minister presented all 45 entrants with diplomas for their participation.

Friday’s award ceremony was attended by National Assembly Deputy Chair Rositsa Kirova, caretaker Justice Minister Maria Pavlova, Deputy Ministers of Education and Science Nikolay Vitanov and Natalia Miteva, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Veselina Mincheva, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Nikolay Pavlov, Sofia Deputy Mayor for Culture, Education, Sport, and Youth Activities Yana Genova, BAS President Prof. Julian Revalski, and Council of Rectors Chair Miglena Temelkova.

Among the guests at the event were also former Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Education and Science, representatives of social partners, scientists, rectors of higher education institutions, and experts from the Education Ministry.

/IV/