site.btaFive Bulgarian Scientists Awarded Top State Honours by President Radev

President Rumen Radev awarded top state honours to five Bulgarian scientists at an official ceremony on Wednesday which took place in the Coat of Arms Hall of the Presidency on Wednesday. The recipients were mathematician Acad. Krassimir Atanassov, historian Nikola Karaivanov, biologist Acad. Ilza Pajeva, Dr. Vladimir Kaloyanov, and Corresponding Member Prof. Georgi Mihov.

Mathematician Acad. Krassimir Atanassov was awarded the Stara Planina Order without ribbon, first degree, for his exceptional contributions to artificial intelligence, informatics, and mathematics. Throughout his long-standing scientific career, Acad. Atanassov has defined three new scientific concepts and has laid the foundations for their theories through over 1,000 publications and 34 monographs. His work is widely recognized by the global scientific community and has applications in artificial intelligence, computer technologies, medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, and communications. In the latest edition of Stanford University’s ranking for overall scientific impact, Acad. Atanassov was ranked first among Bulgarian scientists and placed among the top 2% of scientists worldwide.

Historian Nikola Karaivanov received the St. Cyril and Methodius Order, first degree, for his educational efforts among the Bulgarian diaspora in Ukraine and his contributions to education and culture. Since 1994, Karaivanov has been an active and consistent contributor to the Roden Kray (Homeland) newspaper of Bulgarians in Ukraine, writing historical articles. Many of his works have been published as separate books, and his research plays a vital role in the educational efforts among Bulgarians in Ukraine today.

Acad. Ilza Pajeva, a distinguished biologist and biochemist, was also awarded the St. Cyril and Methodius Order, first degree, for her significant contributions to science. Her research focuses on biologically active compounds, drug molecules, proteins, and enzymes. In Bulgaria, she pioneered the introduction, development, and application of computer-aided methods for drug design.

Dr. Vladimir Kaloyanov was honoured with the St. Cyril and Methodius Order, first degree, for his significant contributions to education, science, and culture, particularly regarding Bulgarian communities in Ukraine and Moldova. Born in Ukraine, he is one of the most active members of the Rodolyubets (Patriot) society, which fosters ties with Bessarabian and Tavrian Bulgarians. Dr. Kaloyanov has also made notable contributions to contemporary Bulgarian literature.

Corresponding Member Prof. Georgi Mihov received the St. Cyril and Methodius Order, second degree, for his significant contributions to the development of education and science. He is among Bulgaria’s leading scientists in technical sciences. His research and teaching focus on medical electronics, digital technology, industrial automation, and control systems.

Presenting the awards, President Radev stated that each of the honoured scientists is a role model in their field and part of Bulgaria’s intellectual and spiritual strength.

On behalf of the awardees, Acad. Krassimir Atanassov expressed their gratitude for the high honour and confidence that they would continue their active work in their respective scientific fields.

Attending the ceremony were also Bulgarian Acedemy of Sciences President Evelina Slavcheva, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Acad. Nikolaj Vitanov, Union of Scientists in Bulgaria President Prof. Diana Petkova, among others.