A methodology for geothermal surveys has been developed

A team of geologists and geophysicists from the National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography (NIGGG-BAS), the Geological Institute (GI-BAS), the University of Mining and Geology (MGU) and Sofia University (SU) has developed, as part of the “GeothermPro” project, an integrated methodology for the accelerated exploration and assessment of the potential of geothermal areas. It is based on the combined application of modern geological, hydrogeological, and geophysical methods. The main objective of the development is to create a scientifically sound and practically applicable approach for locating and assessing promising geothermal structures while reducing the risks and uncertainties associated with future drilling and engineering activities. As part of the project, field surveys were conducted in the Kazichene–Ravno Pole area of the Sofia Sedimentary Basin, including magnetotelluric [...]

The Institute of Oceanology – Varna is carrying out more than 50 projects

Scientists at the Institute of Oceanology (IO – BAS) are working on over 50 national and international projects funded across a wide range of fields through European programs and funds. In addition to the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program, projects are also funded by the European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency, INTERREG, and others. This activity is part of the institute’s extensive research work which encompasses monitoring, assessment, and conservation of the marine environment. The Institute is highly open to working in international teams; over the past two years, the IO-BAS has solidified its position as a leading research center in the Black Sea basin, focusing on climate change, studying the dynamics of biodiversity in the Black Sea, and seeking answers to the [...]

BAS, BEH, and Maritsa East Mines sign a tripartite agreement for cooperation in the exploration of critical raw materials and rare earth metals

  At an official ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rosen Zhelyazkov, and the Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov, on January 15 in Radnevo, a tripartite agreement was signed between the Geological Institute of BAS (GI-BAS), the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH), and Maritsa East Mines EAD, represented by Prof. Svetoslav Georgiev, Mr. Valentin Nikolov, and Mr. Todor Todorov, respectively. Under the agreement, the GI-BAS team will conduct a comprehensive study and analysis of the content of critical and strategic raw materials (including rare earth elements) in the East Maritsa Coal Basin. The aim is to establish the potential of lignite coal in the basin for the extraction of critical and strategic raw materials which would ensure a long-term perspective for [...]

The contribution of Bulgarian scientists to the Global Ocean Observing System

In the recently published report on the state of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) for 2025 - https://www.ocean-ops.org/goosreport/ - Bulgaria's contribution is reflected through our participation in the Argo program. The Bul-Argo project is led by the Institute of Oceanology of BAS in collaboration with Sofia University and the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science through the National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure. The report highlights the status of GOOS observation networks and progress in strengthening the world's capacity to observe the ocean, understanding and adapting to a changing climate, improving operational services, and protecting the health of the oceans - all of which are fundamental to sustainable ocean economies and the [...]

BAS participates in international meeting-discussion “Fortifying Freedom – Defense and Democracy Dialogue”

  An international meeting-discussion entitled “Fortifying Freedom – Defense and Democracy Dialogue” was held on November 11. The forum was attended by the director of the Geological Institute of BAS, Assoc. Prof. Svetoslav Georgiev, who delivered a report on “Critical Raw Materials: The new frontier of geo-economic competition.” The forum was organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy. Topics focused mainly on the new geopolitical and geo-economic realities facing the European Union. The keynote address at the event was delivered by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. Presentation by Assoc. Prof. Svetoslav Georgiev, PhD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O_c8RfYTDo  

Information and awareness-raising forum “Critical and strategic raw materials: expert opinions and prevailing attitudes in public opinion”

On November 11, 2025, BAS hosted an informational and promotional forum entitled “Critical and Strategic Raw Materials: Expert Opinions and Dominant Attitudes in Public Opinion.” The forum was opened by Assoc. Prof. Svetoslav Georgiev, Director of the Geological Institute at BAS and National Coordinator of the “Critical and Strategic Raw Materials for Green Transition and Sustainable Development” National Science Program. On behalf of the BAS leadership, the forum was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Tian, Scientific Secretary of division 9 “Man and Society.” The forum was organized by the scientists participating in Work Package 1.7 which is an integral part of the Program and aims to assess the socio-economic impact of the extraction and processing of critical and strategic raw materials (CSRMs) on both [...]

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