site.btaBulgarian Student Wins Top Prize in European Scientific Art Competition

Mariya Chukarska, a tenth-grade student specializing in interior design at the Elisaveta Vazova Vocational School of Design, won first place in the 16-18 age category of the new scientific art project titled "Unfold Your World – Proteins," the Sofia City Regional Education Department said here on Tuesday.

The project, launched and coordinated by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, aims to engage young people with the intricate beauty and perfection of protein structures. By encouraging them to rediscover the vital role of proteins in the human body and nature, the initiative inspires participants to create their own scientific art pieces.

Over 150 students aged 14 to 18 from all European countries participated in the scientific art project "Proteins" in 2025.

Chukarska's project, "Conformation of a Protein Responsible for the Embryonic Development of the Human Eye," secured first place in the 16-18 age category. She was invited by EMBL and attended the award ceremony for the competition winners at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, on December 10, 2024.

"The international award received by Maria Chukarska, the sole recipient from Bulgaria, clearly demonstrates that scientific art projects are key to merging science and art. They help visualize complex scientific structures and processes, making science more accessible through the visual arts," a Sofia City Regional Education Department representative said.