Schema of the graphene - PdSe2 device to study the proximity effect induced by PdSe2 (F1-F4 ferromagnetic contacts, 2 metal contacts (in grey))   Researchers from the "Acad. Jordan Malinowski” Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies (IOMT-BAS) in collaboration with ICN2 and ICMAB-CSIC (Spain) have demonstrated how the interaction between two two-dimensional (2D) materials (graphene and palladium diselenide (PdSe2)) forming a van der Waals heterostructure can improve the spintronic functionality of graphene. Graphene and PdSe₂ are considered among the key materials for future ultrathin spintronics due to their outstanding electrical properties. PdSe₂ has been demonstrated to induce significant changes in the transport and dynamics of spin currents in graphene, providing new opportunities to control them. PdSe₂ is found to induce spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in graphene [...]

Assistant Professor Ina Anastasova from the Institute of Polymers of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is the winner of the award of the Union of Chemists in Bulgaria "Outstanding Young Scientist in the Field of Polymers" named after Prof. Ivan Shopov for 2025. The award was presented by the founder of the prize prof. Ivan Shopov and the President of the Union of Chemists prof. Venko Beshkov at a solemn celebration, which took place on 17 March in the Prof. Marin Drinov" at the Academy. During the celebration at BAS, the 90th anniversary of Prof. DSc. Ivan Shopov was marked. On behalf of the leadership of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, a greeting was given by the Scientific Secretary-General Prof. Neli Koseva who congratulated Prof. [...]

Scientists from 15 European countries are discussing their latest developments in the field of antimicrobial coatings for use in public buildings at Sofia Tech Park. The meeting is taking place today and tomorrow and is part of the "STOP - Surface transfer of Pathogens" project funded by the Horizon Europe programme. The project leader on the Bulgarian side is Assoc. Prof. Albena Daskalova from the Institute of Electronics of BAS. The work of the Bulgarian researchers is focused on the application of light in the form of ultra-short laser radiation to create innovative and time-resistant antibacterial surfaces. The idea is to invent micro- and nano-structure surfaces made of steel, copper and polymers which are used in the manufacture of door handles for the metro, operating [...]

Antibacterial surfaces with applications in repairing damaged bone tissue are being developed by scientists at the Institute of Electronics of BAS. The research has used ultrashort-pulse lasers to enhance the antibacterial properties of ceramic and polymer materials compatible with human tissue. The results of laboratory studies show the influence of laser radiation on the cellular composition of surfaces which is essential for the efficient repair of damaged tissues. The antimicrobial properties of laser-treated surfaces have been evaluated in interaction with different bacterial strains. Studies have shown that bacterial cells are less easily retained on the treated materials and their viability is reduced. The experimental methodology of the scientists from the Institute of Electronics confirms the non-contact surface femtosecond laser structuring of biocompatible materials as a [...]

The Institute of Polymers-BAS organized an information campaign "Open Doors Day" which took place on 26 November. The initiative was attended by a record number of visitors who had the opportunity to explore the scientific infrastructure of the Institute and observe interesting practical demonstrations, including: 3D printing of polymer biomaterials; Exposure of polymeric materials for wound healing and delivery of drug substances obtained by electrospinning; Synthesis, modification and degradation of polymers using microwave reactor; Observation of micro- and nanoparticles with scanning electron microscope; Preparation of temperature-sensitive polymer hydrogel; X-ray structural analysis of plastic products; Observation of the Brownian motion of colloidal dispersions of carbon nanotubes with light microscope; Characterization of polymers and polymer-based composites: determination of composition, molar mass and dispersity, and thermo-mechanical properties; Rheological [...]