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 [...]

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 [...]

  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  

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 [...]

Researchers from the Institute of Oceanology of BAS marked International Black Sea Day with an Open Day initiative in Varna and Sofia. Schoolchildren, students, and enthusiasts of marine science and nature met with marine researchers and had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing the Black Sea. At the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, scientists presented a poster exhibition showing the unique features of the Black Sea and the impact of human activities on its sustainability as well as short films about the activities of the Institute of Oceanology of BAS. Marine measuring systems were demonstrated, including an underwater and aerial drone, an Argo probe, a wave measurement buoy, a radar sensor for sea level, and others. The “Journey with the Ocean Observers” comic [...]