An open-air exhibition on the Lovers’ Bridge at the National Palace of Culture marked the 15th anniversary of the “For Women in Science” National Programme. The event acknowledged 39 outstanding Bulgarian women scientists who had been honoured over the years with the prestigious award presented in partnership between the National Commission for UNESCO – Bulgaria, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and L’Oréal Bulgaria.
Among the recipients of this prestigious recognition are 18 women scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences whose work and achievements have contributed to the prestige of Bulgarian science worldwide. Since the inception of the programme, in different years the following have been honoured with the award: Elisaveta Kirilova (2011), Elka Kraljeva (2011), Vasilka Steflekova (2012), Ralitsa Zidarova (2012), Emi Haladjova (2013), Silvia Bakalova (2013), Ekaterina Borisova (2014), Kalina Nikolova-Ganeva (2016), Izabela Genova (2017), Nataliya Berberova-Buhova (2017), Mira Bivas (2018), Mariya Dzhumalieva-Stoeva (2019), Radoslava Bekova (2020), Ina Aneva (2021), Mariya Kalapsazova (2021), Nina Stoyanova-Nankova (2021), Nikoleta Kircheva (2023), Rosita Kokotanekova (2023).
The Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova emphasized that the awarded women were “people who draw our future with perseverance and a lot of talent.” She added that the exhibition was a recognition not only of individual achievements but also of the role of women in the development of science and society. The event was honoured by more dignitaries including Prof. Julian Revalski and Prof. Tony Spassov, Members of BAS.
The exhibition which will remain open until 4 June tells the stories of women scientists through personal and professional portraits showing how science is changing the world – with perseverance, inspiration and a vision for the future.
